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Yellowstone Bighorn
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Yellowstone Bighorn

by Jerry Austin

Gallery: WildlifePosted September 20, 2016106 views4 comments
I just returned from an eleven day visit in Yellowstone. I found two big rams close to Rainey Lake, just south of Tower. I saw them several times in that area. This was my first time being really close to bighorsn,  and it was a thrill. The two rams look very mature to me. I would estimate that they are at least twelve years old. Their horns were massive all the way to the broomed tips. Processed using Lightroom CC (2015) and Photoshop CC (2015) along with Light Craft's LightZone. Comments and critiques welcome.

Canon 1DX Mark II
Canon 200-400 f4 L IS
f5.6
1/1000s
Focal Length 490mm (Teleconverter Engaged)
ISO 500

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 22, 2016 at 9:42 PM
Jerry, I am no expert on bighorn rams, but do get to see a few in my state.  My first impression of this one was that his horns were massive/huge/impressive and interestingly not broomed off like many older rams.  Techs look great.  Nice capture.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on September 23, 2016 at 8:44 AM
Lon, thanks for the comments. This is indeed an old ram with massive horns. He was in the company of another ram just as impressive. In the side view, attached, you can see there is some brooming that is not readily apparent in my first post.

Jerry
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on September 23, 2016 at 5:00 PM
The head on view gives a great look at those impressive horns Jerry, sweet shot. devil
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on September 24, 2016 at 4:52 PM
That does look like a massive set of horns, Jerry.  Nice pose and good eye contact.  Those two rams were in the same area on Thursday, but they were laying down in the trees just off and way below the road, so no pics.  I do wonder if they're associated with the ewes and youngsters provided my opportunity?
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments