Bull elk bugling in the evening light, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk bugles, standing before the forest, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

The mountains ring with the call of a bull elk's bugle. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

A mature bull elk bugles during the rut, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk bugling in the forest, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Mature male elk, in the forest, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

6-point bull elk and Rocky Mountains, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk and Rocky Mountains, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk in the forest, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, in the woods, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, closeup, posturing in the forest, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk standing at the forest edge, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk and an early morning breath, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk bugling, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk standing by the forest's edge, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, and his rack gleaming in the sun, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, 7x7, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk bugling his challenge, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, posed on a ridge, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Bull elk, bugling to a challenger, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

2 mature bull elk fighting, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

2 bull elk lock antlers, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

The winner, this 6 point bull, Jasper NP, Canada.

Cervus Elaphus

Would you like to see more photos of elk? Visit my new Stock Photo site for a comprehensive collection of over 300 elk photos.

"I come more and more to the conclusion that wilderness, in America or anywhere else, is the only thing left that is worth saving." -- Ed Abbey

Bull elk photos, shot largely in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The rut, or breeding season, is a phenomenal time to be in the mountains shooting images of elk. The bulls, or males, scream and bugle, calling their challenge to nearby bulls, and letting all the local cows, or females, know of their presence. The mountains come alive, the crisp cold air of the early morning rings for miles around with this most magnificent of sounds. It's an experience unlike any other, almost mystical.

The bull elk challenge each other, and fight to establish their dominance. The fighting can be extremely fierce and injury is common. A dominant bull elk will expend extraordinary amounts of energy keeping his harem of cows together, and chasing off other bulls. Typically the action is early morning and late afternoon, and on into the night. During the day the bulls will usually bed down in the forest and rest.

After the rut is an extremely difficult time for the bulls, as they're often exhausted, and very vulnerable to predators, such as wolves and/or bears. They have also used up much of their energy reserves, and face a daunting winter ahead. They then shed, or drop their antlers, and begin the process of growing them again for the new year. The velvet covering the antlers of a spring bull is actually the energy source for this new growth, supplying the antlers with the nutrients needed for such quick growth. By the end of the summer, early September, the bulls will have regrown an entire set of new antlers, quite an amazing feat.

To see more bull elk photos, please visit the newest addition to the Image Gallery, Elk 2 - I also some have elk images on the Wildlife 3 page.

Through my photography I have learned a great deal about animals, about plants, about the land, about myself, and about our culture. I would like to hope that in viewing my images, some sense of the vitality of the essence of life comes through, and my audience can begin to somehow develop a deeper appreciation for the plants and animals and landbase we share this experience of life with.Thank you. -- Carl Donohue, Nov, 2005.

I'm constantly working towards furthering my stock lists, and improving my portfolio. These images are all of wild subjects, in their natural environment. Each photo is available for stock use, and photographic prints, screensavers, note cards or calendars are also available. To order any of these pictures, or for complete stock photo lists, drop an email.

This gallery of images is a collection of photographs taken by Carl Donohue. All images on this site remain the property of Carl Donohue Photography, and are fully protected by federal and international copyright laws. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited, and any reproduction copying, manipulation, alteration, saving or distribution of these images will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. All images are available for licensed use; to do so, please contact Carl via email or phone # (770) 952 4549. Thank you.