Species profile
About this species
The elk is one of the largest members of the deer family, found across North America & parts of Asia. Males, known as bulls, are distinguished by their impressive antlers which can span up to 1.2 metres & are shed annually. Elk are highly social animals, forming large herds & are well known for the bugling calls of bulls during the autumn rut.
Elk inhabit a range of environments including open meadows, forest edges, mountain valleys & sub-alpine regions. They favour areas with a mix of open grassland for grazing & dense woodland for shelter & cover.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Elk with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The autumn rut in September & October offers the most dramatic photography opportunities, particularly during the golden hours of early morning & late evening when bulls are most active.
Position yourself downwind & use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to maintain a safe distance whilst capturing detailed portraits. During the rut, arrive early to meadow edges where bulls gather & be prepared for dramatic behaviour such as bugling & sparring. Use a tripod or monopod to stabilise your shots in low light conditions, & expose for the highlights to retain detail in the pale rump patch.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Elk
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.