Wary Challenger

Sunrise in the Madison River Valley, Yellowstone, N.P. This 5-point bull was working his way through/around a crowd of people (many of them with long lenses!) who were watching a larger bull with his harem lower down in the valley. The two bulls were well aware of each other, but we got caught in between them as the subject of this photo approached us from behind. We were as a group being very careful of the elk and respectfully keeping LOTS of distance from the bull in the valley. We didn't know this 2nd, younger one was anywhere near. We carefully made room for him to walk through on his route to skirt the big bull's territory. It was quite a sight, being so close to this wild animal. He was quite the gentleman with us, and I had a feeling of mutual respect. Notice that 2 points on the left side of his rack are chipped off- perhaps consequences of the rut in progress during the time we were there.

Thanks for looking, and I sure appreciate any comments/critique you wish to offer.