with the sound of elk bugling and buggering, or maybe they're not. Is the elk rut on? Has the heat and drought of summer delayed their annual orgy?

Years ago, on a Labor Day weekend, my teen daughter and I were catching brookies on a small lake near Paradise, Mt Rainier. It was as spectacular as an autumn day can be at high altitude. Late in the afternoon, I was thinking the day couldn't get any better. Then the first bull elk called out. That one was immediately challenged by a second bull. Then a third bull answered. For several minutes, we were surrounded by elk bugling back and forth. It was one of those family experiences that are never forgotten. Each year, we try to time a visit to the hills, so we can hear the elk bugle again.

Thanks for any info.

The reports I've been getting is they are starting to crank it up.
The next two weeks should be prime time.

Love those September stereophonic bulls. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to hear them perform live and cut some feathers too....

Last weekend everywhere we went we saw deer. This weekend we saw nothing but porcupines, everywhere.

but lucky enough to draw a hancock permit

Beautiful bull. The empty quiver and blood on the aft quarter says that the preface may not have been pretty....

Ran up to Johnston Ridge yesterday. Got to the observatory around 5:30 pm. There were a lot of elk on the pumice plain. Some bugling could be heard, but it was quite distant. Also, a number of elk could be seen on the hillside beyond the back end of the parking lot. Given the lighting, distance, and the fact I was using compact binoculars, I couldn't put horns on any of the animals. Easily glassed over a hundred elk; some solitary, others in groups of 4 or 5 animals up to herds of 18+. Johnston Ridge would be a great place to play with a spotting scope.

Moved to a lower elevation viewpoint, had a picnic dinner, and hung out 'til after sunset. Just as the sun disappeared, some elk started calling below us. Then, several coyotes starting singing. After awhile, eight cows and calves walked out of the timber, about 100 yards from where we were sitting.

We didn't hear the big bulls challenging each other nearby, this time. The ranger at Johnston Ridge said they were noisier last week. We saw more elk than usual. There were a dozen cars in the Johnston Ridge parking lot; almost no traffic coming or going. It was a very enjoyable autumn day at Mt. Saint Helens.

Lot's of love sick grunting going on as of late.

You been scouting KK's back yard?

I hope you do not have pics.

Fish on...

Todd

Some gave it all for love and got a free 9 mile mule ride.

Noice.Good luck,

SZ

Now that's a solo freak show. Well done on the wilderness beast.

Les Stroud elk hunts? Who knew?

Nice Wapati right there....

Looks dangerous.

Dem elks is still making a ruckus.
Pretty good rut year dis year.

There's an elk in the pic that would agree with you, I bet.

Fish on...

Todd