some elk from trip into mtns sunday

[jamn4ex]

[FrankMi]

Beautiful images James! From the ear tag I am guessing that these are either domestic or in a protected area? If so, where could one go to try and get a chance at shooting these lovely creatures?

[Bobobird]

These guys are big. Very nice shots.

[jamn4ex]

Thanks Bobo, Frank I am glad you two liked them. Frank those pics were taken in Cataloochee , North Carolina. The Elk were released (reintroduced) in 2000 with transplants from Canada. Then again in 2002 , I believe they released 24 animals each time and now the "herd" is estimated at over 300 animals. I try to plan any trips I make into Cataloochee to allow me the afternoon and late afternoon viewing. although right now they are in rut and they spend more time in fields.we also have Elk here in Tn. at an area called Southfork. I hope this helps.

[Nicola]

very beautiful!
the last one seems a bit softer than the others...

[FrankMi]

Thanks Bobo, Frank I am glad you two liked them. Frank those pics were taken in Cataloochee , North Carolina. The Elk were released (reintroduced) in 2000 with transplants from Canada. Then again in 2002 , I believe they released 24 animals each time and now the "herd" is estimated at over 300 animals. I try to plan any trips I make into Cataloochee to allow me the afternoon and late afternoon viewing. although right now they are in rut and they spend more time in fields.we also have Elk here in Tn. at an area called Southfork. I hope this helps.

Super! I'll need to see if I can get out that way for some shots! Thanks for posting!

[terrib]

Love those last two!

[Dave Humphries]

Nice series James.

These elk make the stag red deer in London look diminutive

I'm likin' #4 best

[jamn4ex]

Thanks all I am really pleased you enjoyed them . Nicola number 5 is softer I slipped up an shot it at iso 1600 . others were shot at iso 400. I ran anoise reduction and played with midtone contrast, and I think one of those operations cost me some sharpness tried to bring sharpness back and got a glow I really didnt like. Its really a shame cause I really like that shot, if you look closely you will see a turkey in front of tree to far right. Dave I am not sure how big the red deer are but the elk run anywhere from 700 to 1100 lbs.

[jeeperman]

Nice series James. I like #2 best for the compostion and 3 is sharp as well, the rest could be sharper I think.

[jamn4ex]

Hi Paul Great to hear from you. I was shooting kinda slow, and I got real nervous around the bulls... I could come up with a million excuses for soft shots. I am really hoping to get back there while they are in rut. I wanna try again.

[CMP]

You have some really fantastic shots there. Elk are on my list of wildlife to photograph, especially a full-grown stag. Number one and four are my favourite ones.