Elk Rut Videos

Elk Rut Videos
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Elk Rut at it's Peak - 5 Bull River Action Bugles

At he height of the Elk Rut, 5 Elk Bulls try to gain courting access to Cows crossing Athabasca River. The River serves as a territory boundary that is crossed often by both Cows and Bulls during the Rut. The high activity and amount of Bugling is common at the height of the Rut, when many Cows are in Estrus. While some Bulls are still not sure where they rank, you can see the hierarchy in this small location unfold by the end of the video. Finally, the Boss on this particular Day receives acceptance from the cow and calf, granting his request.

Elk Herd Traversing Athabasca River in Front of Beautiful Mountain Range

Elk herd traverses Athabasca River in front of a Beautiful Mountain range containing Mount Edith Cavell and Whistlers Mountain. This is near the end of the Elk Rut and this herd was moving on this day without a dominant Elk Bull. In these cases it is usually a Matriarch Elk Cow that leads the herd.

Elk Bull Boss Claims Athabasca River

This Elk Bull Boss answered Bugles from another large Bull on the other side of Athabasca River. He came across and not only claimed the territory, but seemed to increase the size of his Herd as well. During the Elk Rut, Elk will cross this River very often to rest or cover more ground. You can see they great swimmers, having no problem with this strong current.

Active Elk Bull Bugling and Courting

With 4 Rivals in the immediate area, this Active Elk Bull still managed to stay in charge, Bugling and Courting receptive Cows during the Elk Rut.

Magnificent New Elk Bull Boss

A Magnificent New Elk Bull Boss arrives and takes over the prime Elk Rut territory. This Elk Bull was quick to dominate the Bugles and Cow Courting in this area, with no rivals sticking around to challenge him.

Elk Bull Herding Cars and Cows

This energetic Elk Bull did the best He could under the circumstances, during the beginning of the Elk Rut. He has since managed to move this herd to a more isolated spot.

The Elk Rut has Begun!

The High Heat, Fires and Bears everywhere seems to have disrupted the Elk Rut slightly this year, but the Elk Bulls are starting to Shine their Light now as the Elk Rut gets into High Gear. Unfortunately, the iconic Sheriff seems to have become a memory of those who live on, and we are blessed to have immortalized this incredible Champion. There is "No Bull" that stands out like the Sheriff this year but the Big Fella in many of these clips has taken over the most competitive territory and even rests in the very same spots that the Sheriff did. We are looking forward to sharing Elk's incredible battle for survival over the next couple of months. Thank You for Joining Us!

The Elk Rut

The Elk Rut is just a couple months away. Elk Bulls are putting on a lot of weight right now as their testosterone increases and they have access to much more nutritious food. Bugles, Battles and Breeding will be taking over this Beautiful area as Bulls fight to claim or hold their territories' throne.

Dominant Bulls During this Past Elk Rut

The most Dominant Bulls during this past Elk Rut are true Titans with superior genetics. Their Size, Stamina, Knowledge and Experience have all been Proven. We were very lucky to be able to observe them during this past year's epic Elk Rut and look forward to seeing All these Titans at full throttle again very soon!

Elk Bulls Being Scrappy During the Rut

Some dominant Elk Bulls chasing rivals off, a couple Bull fights and a bit of play during the Elk Rut. All of this was "run and gun fun", so thank you for your patience with the stability.

Elk Rut Behavior - Courting

Here are the most magnificent Elk Bulls courting during the Elk Rut. When Elk cows comes into estrus, a herd bull performs courting behavior that is different from his herding behavior. The herd bull will approach cows slowly and carefully, with antlers high and tongue flicking, doing everything he can to win her over. If a cow is not ready to mate, she will move away with her head low, weaving her neck side to side and the bull will stop his immediate courting. Cows will tolerate and accept the herd bull’s behavior when they are ready.

Elk Rut Behavior - Herding and Courting

While Dominant Elk Bull's display will attracts cows, bulls will also herd females to try to keep them from escaping to a rival Bull. The more a Big Bull works and advertises his dominance, the less likely cows will leave him.

Elk bulls will continue to charm females in their harems with bugling and displays, but it is the cows that will size up the bulls in the area and decide who looks most attractive. Cows do not want to be harassed by younger bulls that constantly chase down unattached females, so a big dominant herd bull that keeps younger bulls at a distance gives cows the peace they want to keep feeding for the winter ahead.

A Big Herd Bull will cut off cows that have ventured too far away, rushing at her with an aggressive display. The herd Bull will also use a similar technique to move the harem to safety, to an area to bed down, or simply away from another competitive bull.

When cows comes into heat, a herd bull performs courting behavior that is different from his herding behavior. The herd bull will now approach cows slowly and carefully, with antlers high and tongue flicking, doing everything he can to win her over. If a cow is not ready to mate, she will move away with her head low, weaving her neck side to side and the bull will stop his immediate courting. Cows will accept and tolerate the herd bull’s behavior when they are ready.

Elk Rut with Lots of Bugling and Aggressive Bull Guarding his Canadian Rockies Harem

The early stages of the Elk Rut in Canada's Rockies - Jasper National Park. These Video Clips are fractions of several days of a Wonderful experience. This particular Bull Elk has aggressively defended His harem from Several other Bulls over the last few days, of which is still quite early for the Elk Rutting Season.

Elk Rut Action at it's Peak

A high ratio of Big Elk Bulls to Cows in a tight area of Nature at the height of the Elk Rut. Elk Bulls came out of everywhere in this short period, and the dynamics were amazing to witness. The Sheriff still had no problem asserting his dominance among all these incredible Bulls, but there were many successes between other Bulls and Cows as well. A lot of energy expenditure on the formation and protection of small herds, both along and in Athabasca River. These couple days were not only filled with fighting, bugling, herding and mating, but also some elk rut behaviors not previously witnessed. We left all the original sound in which offers listening to the intensity of all that we could see, but also that we could only hear. Much of this elk rut footage includes hand held digital zoom at dusk.. thank you for your patience with that.

Largest Bull Meets His Match during the Elk Rut

Elk Bull Fights are numerous during the Rut in Canada's Rockies, but this one was especially striking. Here is a close look at the Largest Elk Bull in this area.. first, a couple clips over the last month, before today's marathon fight with this younger rival. The younger rival has not been stressed near as much during the height of the rutting season, and clearly had the stamina to outlast one of this areas most dominant bulls today. The Bull that conceded defeat today has been the most dominant elk bull in this area now for years. This well known King has had to battle and run off rival bulls on almost a daily basis over the last month and a half, of which shows athleticism and genetics that are extremely rare. We suspect he decided it was more important to preserve his energy as very few cows remain in estrus. He did sustain some injuries here, but will likely be back to fight another day.

Magnificent Elk Bull at His Biggest Early in the Rut

The most magnificent Elk Bull we have witnessed in nature, the "Sheriff" looks his best here early in the rutting season. Whether herding cows, battling other elk bulls, or chasing bears up trees, this huge Elk Bull has a commanding presence that has dominated for many years. He will be shedding very soon in preparation for another upcoming Rutting Season this Fall. The Sheriff has educated so many and done so much for Wildlife. We Tip our Hats to You Big Fella!

Magnificent Elk Bull During the Rut and Today

This Elk Bull has moved up in the Rut Season rankings as a force to be reckoned with for over 5 years now. Standing out in a crowd, his incredible genetics will soon be seen everywhere. He has been one of the earliest Bulls to form harems the last few years and now asserts himself over quite a large range.. coming into the Sheriff's territory for much of this past Rut. Here are some not previously shared moments of him during the Elk Rut as well as some peaceful moments of Him today, looking great.

Magnificent Elk Bull Pursuing Cows During the Elk Rut

A Magnificent Elk Bull shining with energy during this year's Elk Rut. Various elk rut season behaviors can been seen here as he pursues cows, bugles, rubs trees and travels lakeside in a few beautiful locations.

The Elk Rut is Coming

The beginning of the Elk Rut is just a month away. Elk Bull's will soon experience a dramatic increase in testosterone as they battle for claim to their territories' Throne.

Bull Behaviors with His Harem During the Elk Rut

Here is one of several successful Bulls in the Canadian Rockies during this year's Elk Rut the last few weeks, displaying..
- Vocalizations,
- Rubbing antlers against trees, shrubs and the ground to impress cows, show dominance, and mark a territory,
- Licking, Sniffing and tasting,
- Flehmen or lip curls,
and Herding his Harem.

The Calm Before the Storm

A Magnificent Bull Today.. He was one of the most active and dominant bulls during the Elk Rut last year and it looks like he will be topping his form this year. It is fantastic to be able to witness these Athletes in their prime. This Elk Bull will be shedding his velvet in about 1 month. He was one of the first to shed last year.

60 Elk Bull Bugles during the Elk Rut

Here are 60+ Elk Bull bugles during this year's Elk Rut so far. This shows a wide array of bugling sounds and tones from the largest Elk Bulls in this area of Canada's Rockies.

Magnificent Elk Bull Herding His Cows During the Rut

One of the Most Magnificent Bulls during this year's Elk Rut. Here he is herding cows in the Sheriff's territory(Dominant Elk Bull). This Bull had several bouts with the Sheriff this year, but still wasn't shy about bugling, chuckling and herding while remaining in the same area.

Sheriff Faces an Aggressive Challenger

The Sheriff(largest elk bull) faces another gifted elk bull's challenge. You can see there are several other magnificent bulls sharing this space tonight, but this was the only bull that was attempting to take on the Sheriff. Just two days ago, the Sheriff was in a fight in which he broke a tine and received several cuts on his shoulders and neck. It was suspected that this Bull inflicted this damage, but now we can't be certain. It is possible that this could be "round 2", however. These posturing displays are typical when Elk Bulls are measuring each other up, usually just before a battle ensues. When the challenger charges, the Sheriff doesn't flinch.. which must have been what changed the tide. It also may add to the possibility that this was indeed round 2, as the challenger was quite confident up until that point.

Biggest Elk Bull All Fired Up During the Elk Rut - Lots of Bugles

The Sheriff, still considered the largest Elk Bull in this area, is all fired up around these cows and satellite Elk Bulls during the beginning of the Elk Rut. His Bugles clearly demonstrate the sounds of a dominant Elk Bull, signaling other Bulls that he is not to be messed with.

Magnificent Bull Moves His Cows early in the Elk Rut

This very Attentive Elk Bull will be one of the most dominant and magnificent Bulls to witness during this year's Elk Rut. He is not afraid to challenge anything that comes near him or his cows, which makes him a great patriarch for the herd he leads during the mating season ahead. Here he moves his cows along the Athabasca River in Canada's Rockies.

Sheriff brings Cows to a Beautiful Lakeside During the Elk Rut

The Sheriff brings his Cows to a beautiful Lake During an evening of the Elk Rut. Here, the largest Elk Bull in this area fends off another Bull, Bear, and stress in an amazing Canadian Rockies setting.

The Sheriff Getting Ready for Date Night

We are quite a distance away in the evening, but here is the Sheriff getting ready for Elk Rut Season Date Night in Athabasca River. It is still early in the Elk Rutting Season, but this is one Elk Bull that always stays a step ahead. Later this evening, he was confidently herding cows, which we will share shortly.

Sheriff Gets back to Business During the Elk Rut

As expected, the Sheriff never really skipped a beat after being slightly injured during a fight. He does seem to tend to his knees a bit, but is moving really well again as his focus remains on ruling this area during the Elk Rut. There were several other big elk bulls along the perimeter here, but all moved away when the largest bull bugled or started moving in their direction. The Sheriff seems to like the safety and quiet that the Athabasca River offers much of the time as he moves his herd there to rest. Thank you for your patience where the bit of digital zoom came in handy.

First Dominant Elk Bull Moving in to Own His Rutting Territory

This Dominant Elk Bull was the satellite Bull that was run off in the beginning of our most viewed Elk Rut video back in 2018. Last Year(2020), he began ruling that same territory with his incredibly gifted energy and stamina. This Year, we were lucky to capture him as he arrives to rule the same area once again, looking magnificent!

Sheriff Recovering from Battle early in the Elk Rut

The Sheriff had a battle with another big elk bull during the night, early in the elk rut. It very well may be the challenger's bugles you can hear close by. We are glad to see that he must have won, as he is still ruling in this incredibly competitive elk rutting territory. Healthy elk bulls can usually brush off these limps caused by fighting in a couple of days.

Magnificent Bull During the Elk Rut

A Beautiful Canadian Rockies Retreat hosted this incredible Bull and Cows on this day during the Elk Rut.

Elk Rut with the Largest Bull Protecting His Canadian Rockies Harem

Some clips from the Elk Rut, but mainly here is the largest Bull Elk with his harem of cows in a beautiful area along the Athabasca River. The most competitive territory during the mating or rutting season for elk in this area of Canada's Rockies; other Bulls are almost always touching on the boundaries of what he can protect. He came into the rutting season in very good condition, but is offered very little rest from protecting his harem. This usually causes significant weight loss over about a month and a half. Many satellite bull elk may even sneak in while the larger bulls are bugling and battling over a harem.

Bull battles are very common during the elk rut, which can result in several different bulls managing the same harem for short periods over the course of mating season. It is fairly rare for one bull to have the genetics to hold on to a harem during the entire month and a half of challenges. As the rutting season ends and cows are no longer in estrus, bulls will gradually relax and form bachelor groups over the winter again.

Elk Bulls Bugling During the Rut

Magnificent Elk Bulls bugling during the rutting season in Canada's Rockies.

First Elk Bull to Form Herd in the Elk Rut

The first big Elk Bull to form a herd with his cows and calves is already very active early in the Elk Rut.

First Big Elk Bull Forming His Harem - The Rut has Begun!

This Big Elk Bull has come down from the Valley to form his Harem in a very competitive Elk Rutting location. This Bull is certainly one of the largest seen so far this year, but he will likely have to face some incredible challengers over the next few weeks, as more large Elk Bulls come out to compete in the Rut. The Elk Rut has Begun!

Very Active Elk Bull with His Harem During the Elk Rut

A Magnificent Elk Bull being very active during the Rut in the Canadian Rockies. This Elk rut video is part 2 of 2 of this Bull and his harem as aggression and herding instincts are very high.

The Most Successful and Battled Elk Bull in this Territory

Here are some highlights of the last several years of this areas most famous Elk Bull during the rutting season. He has dominated this area for many years now and while his behavior was more cautious in 2020, his maturity served him well. Just a few days ago, we captured him looking the best he has ever looked at this time of year.. not a broken tine and a strong, healthy gate. The "Sheriff", as many call him now, has proved to be an incredible being with exceptional genetics!

Elk Rut Videos

Wildlife On Video
in Canada's Nature.

Wildlife On Video Channel

Elk Rut VideosWildlife in Nature..

Elk Rut Videos

Wildlife On Videoin Canada's Nature.

Elk Rut Videos
Wildlife in Nature..

Wildlife On Video
in Canada's Nature.