As Good As It Gets

Good As It Gets

September 2004

Evergreen, Colorado

How would you like to live in Elk Country? Not just in the general area but right downtown on elkheaven street. I’ve got a friend in computer sales and he lives in Evergreen, Colorado. It’s a beautiful community just West of metropolitan Denver. For anyone who hunts up there take note. The elk are not where you expect them to be.

This first photo is classic elk rut behavior. The lead cow is doing her job by leading the small heard in the direction she wants to go. The only thing unnatural about it is all the homes nearby. The elk know where they can go and live safe. Right smack in my friend’s neighborhood!

As you can expect the bull with all of these cows is picking up the rear. He’s no small bull either. I’d say he’s between six and eight years old and just as smart as that lead cow. He’s a fine 6x6.

Here’s one more photo of him coming up the driveway. Wouldn’t you like to come home to that everyday? I’m not sure where he’s headed but look out pine trees. He’s got something on his mind and nothing is going to stop him. I don’t know if there were any satellite bulls nearby but he looks intent on trespassing. Could be he was rounding up some of his cows too. Notice the cows in the background. They were nice enough to wait for him.

Evergreen may soon follow Estes Park, Colorado in a debate on what to do about the elk and vegetation management. No doubt too many elk can keep the neighbors up all night bugling. Not to mention if you don’t fence in your flowers they will eat them and leave you some scat in return. I’ve already put in my two cents when the USGS came asking for ideas. I suggested keeping elk in the park by feeding the elk alfalfa pellets or certified weed-free alfalfa hay. Elk naturally leave the park for better food. The variety of vegetation in the town of Estes Park overrides the safety and comfort instincts of elk. Especially in late Fall and Winter when natural vegetation is dormant. A fence is out of the question and hunting is too dangerous in a residential or National Park. I hope the outcome benefits both elk and man.