One of my favorite trips in the fall is to see the bull elk when they are bugling. Mid to late September is the best time to hear and view this spectacular event. My first trip there was in October of 2010 just weeks after the grand opening of the new Elk County Visitor Center.
As you arrive in the town of Benezett it is not unusual to see Elk in people's yards. As the herd increases this has caused concern for the local residents.
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| Radio-collars are used to complete a Minimum Number Alive (MNA) Count and to monitor elk movements, reproduction, survival and habitat use. |
Just of Route 555 along Winslow Hill Road you will see the sign to the Visitor Center.
It is the largest visitor center in the US and sits on 245 acres of woods, food plots and open fields.
On the inside you will find viewing stations, a gift shop, a movie theater to watch the history of the elk interactive games and videos and many many more fun exhibits of elk and other wildlife in the area.
As you leave the center and drive around be mindful of the signs telling you to drive cautiously. On Route 555 the elk can be seen crossing and walking on the roadway. Many are hit by careless drivers.
This is also a great place to get in some beautiful landscape photography.
If you happen to get there and the elk are hidden there is a lot of other photographic opportunities.
Look very careful at the top of that ridge........
You just might get to see that rack
as the bull elk stands and walks towards you
My last trip was mid-September of 2012. We found the herd grazing at the top of Winslow Hill Road with a beautiful fall backdrop.
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| My brother and his girlfriend were with me |
The Elk were very visible and we got a lot of really beautiful pictures
bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females.
The Elk is primarily nocturnal, but is especially active at dusk and dawn except during the rut when you can see them just about any time.... bulls chasing cows.
At the end of your day ... you may want to stop at the Benezett Hotel and try an elk burger. At 93 calories and 1.8 grams of fat.. it wins over Beef. We had one and we liked it!
It would not be proper if I didn't add a video of the 'bugling' elk.
enjoy!
To God be the Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done
