Drop Tine Bull Elk Bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park (Join Me!)

I like this bull's body position, angling slightly toward the camera with nice leg separation and the leading leg slightly bent, showing motion. By getting the camera down low, the included background was farther away, making it more blurred, and the eye gets a larger catchlight.

The prominently visible drop tine is a much-loved antler abnormality. Hopefully, this bull's main beams will be slightly longer this year — so the drop tine does not interfere with the beam tip at this angle. :)

Join me to find out if that happens. Images such as this one are a realistic goal for the Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour. Even if you've never photographed wildlife, I'd love to have you join me this September (2025). There is just one spot open.

Learn more: Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour

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A larger version of this image is available here.