Shooting Elk out of Season

We were enjoying a beautiful, scenic drive down Crystal mountain

 when we spotted an adventure prancing on the side of the road.

Being law-abiding citizens, we would never poach, however,

we couldn't resist the temptation, when we drove by this herd of elk,

to shoot out of season -
with my camera, of course.

My husband was amazed.

He spent five days during elk hunting season hiking the hills an hour away and only saw four elk.

We were giddy with excitement to quietly walk among these creatures,

being a part of their world for about an hour.

The elk were so tame we could walk up and ask them to "say cheese!"


So, what do you do when you see a herd of elk?
You pose with them.

Other people may have cherished family photos of their children
 with Mickey and Minney at Disney World, we have Erma the Elk.
She was one of our favorites as she daintily crossed the bridge, like a Billy Goat Gruff.

You also see how close you can get to them without spooking them.

Jon wanted to get closer, but we were spooked.

We wanted to respect their space and their instinct.

After all, they are still wild animals.

But, then again, that's what people say about my kids.

You can also call them.
Can't you hear Beka coaxing, "Here, Elk! Here Elk!"


Oh, nice profile. This was an amazing moment.

I wonder what this gal told the rest of the herd about us.

It got even more amazing.

Scott knew that elk are curious animals - he wanted to see just how curious.

This is how curious.

His fingers and our window got totally slobbered on while this elk tried

 to figure out what this green thing was.

Don't worry, no elk were harmed in the shooting of this picture.

And, we still have the cap safely in the Jeep.

Nice garland of greenery. This must be the Christmas look.

On our way out we saw something that convinced us elk can read.

Smug little booger.
I am convinced that not only can they read signs, they can read a calendar.

See up close?

They KNOW it is not hunting season.

 Then we saw a neighbor playing Doctor Doolittle with the elk.

It was a few touchy-feely moments as she let the elk lick her hand.

She was probably elated.

We were a little nervous.

When this woman reached up to pat the elk on the head,

she got a light head butt.

She tried to contact the animal one more time

and it raised its left front paw at her.

I don't think she was reading the signals right,

and we were thankful when she finally walked away.

We weren't sure how we could help her if the elk attacked.

We always enjoy the Lord's creation, but this was a special experience for us.

Elk are magnificent creatures, I know that's cliche,

but they are indescribable.

We enjoyed seeing them in a wilderness surrounding-

hearing them, watching them and walking among them at such a close range.

Elk aren't specifically mentioned in the Bible, but it says in

Psalm 50:10

"For every beast of the forest is mine,

and the cattle upon a thousand hills."

The Lord goes on to tell us that He owns everything

 and He doesn't need or ask anything from us except

v. 14 to offer Him thanksgiving

v. 15 to call on Him in times of troubles

v. 23 to offer praise to glorify Him

why?

v. 23 to show the salvation of God.

All around us, in creation, we see the handiwork of God.

We are cautioned in Romans chapter 1 to worship the CREATOR,

not only His Creation.

These majestically created animals are only a reminder of the Majesty of the Creator.