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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Elk rut winding down; bulls headed for deep, dark woods

A bull elk bugles as he approaches two cow elk during the peak of the rut in September.  (Jaime Johnson)
A bull elk bugles as he approaches two cow elk during the peak of the rut in September. (Jaime Johnson)

HUNTING -- Just in time for the the big-game rifle seasons, the elk rut is winding down and the big bulls will be slinking away from their harems to recover and hide in thick dark woods -- wherever they can avoid attention from huners and wolves.

Montana outdoor photographer Jaime Johnson caught the the bull above in September, during the peak of its glory -- and vulnerability. 

Now the bull's world is all about surviving through winter.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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