Is it dating season?

As we didn't get to go to RM National Park above Estes Park last fall we were looking forward to an "elk fix".  We left Casper about 11 am bound for Loveland and racing up Big Thompson Canyon in order to hopefully gets pics of the elk.  ANNNNNDDDD we made it!!

When you arrive at the first meadow your first clue is the amount of cars lined up everywhere - translation 'thars critters in that there field'.
The bull above takes a small break from herding 'his women' away from the other guys.  This was almost a full time job.

On around the corner was a couple frisky boys learning the fighting ropes.








And OF COURSE beside every pair of fighting males is a cocky, twitchy good looking girls.  Look at that stride!!  I think it may be her first year in the dating pool.  :)

Around another bend was a REAL bad boy with his harem.  However when a visiting guy
came along he made short work of him sending him south.

.

NOW HEAR THIS:  Y'ALL LAY DOWN AND BE GOOD!  I NEED TO BUGLE A BIT!!

Well, spit!  Isn't that just like a group of women.  All of a sudden they ALL want to wander and eat.  Women!!



I think I'll bellow some more!!

Wow! A deer.  We've never seen deer up there in the fall.  woot, woot!

On around several more corners and we look down on the first herd accompanied by all the gawkers.

Another herd, more bulls, more cows/calves same story verse 471.

I really like this picture.

Get you tail back here!!!

Looking a little frazzled guy.  You've still got weeks and weeks to go.

Fight, fight, fight!  Is that all you guys do???
Yup - in late September!

And finally another male on the prowl.  Wonder how long it'll take for him to get his tail whupped?