More SD elk

The rut is cooking and I have spent my camera time hunting elk. I found a place in Wind Cave where the bulls wallow and drink an hour or so after sunup, an easy 1 1/2 mile walk from parking. This morning I tried a new hiding place near a favored wallow armed with a shorter, but faster lens, the Nikon 70-200. I managed some decent images of a good bull, but no wallowing behavior. Then, this bull gave me an unexpected skylined view as he left the canyon. This is a strong crop and I had to remove a couple of grass stems, but liked the effect.

Regal looking fellow, Lon. Nicely captured. A little less sky wouldn't hurt IMO, but a hunting magazine would love the extra space.

Now that's a beautiful 6 x 6 Lon. I like the diagonals created by the hillside and pose of the bull and you just have to appreciate the nice clean bg to show off the impressive rack. Were you upwind of this guy in your hide behind the pine tree? He doesn't looked stressed but seems to know you are there.

Lon, this is a really nice capture, thanks for sharing.

Seeing this in person would really get my heart to pounding. A wonderful exciting capture.

He had detected my presence but was still unsure. A minute or so later he gave a couple of loud alarm barks and left, but he never winded me.