Honorable Mention TIFA 2023 Nature / Wildlife

Fall Rut

  • Photographer
    Jamie Johnston
  • Technical Info
    Nikon Z9 Nikkor 800/4.5 S Mm Lens. 1/320 Sec. At F/6.3, Iso 7200
  • Photo Date
    8/31/23

The fall rut always begins at the same time---around August 22. The hormones are predictable. Where the elk are located is much more variable. Location depends on weather conditions--hot vs. cold, food sources--yellowing willows and aspens vs. green, and the health of the herd. This early morning shot was taken just as the males were beginning to round up their harems and preparing to spar or fight for mating rites.

In 2021 I started taking an interest in photography. Since Colorado is a wildlife rich environment I set a goal to take 400 photos a day, hoping this exercise would sharpen my skills. Of course, most of the photos were not keepers, especially in the beginning. But gradually the collection of wildlife photographs grew. I loved the sense of adventure, the practice of patience waiting for the perfect shot, and the challenge of finding rare and interesting subjects.