You can easily guess the approximate time of year by looking at Elk's antlers. These photos are likely late May or early June at the latest. The antlers are still growing and not fully formed. My recollection is that Elk antlers grow about one inch every three days or so depending on age, genetics, and stress. Elk shed their antlers in early Spring and new growth begins in early April. This Elk's antlers appear to be about 18-20 inches so late May early June seems like a reasonable assumption. The velvety antlers are full of blood vessels, so Elk are very careful with them during the growing season. I was able to get a little closer for that reason.Once the rut starts in September its another story. I keep much further away. If I recall correctly, I came across this lone Bull on a dirt road spur out to the Moab Lake trailhead in Jasper National Park. You can see in the close-up that the antlers almost look like sponge.
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