Bugling Elk in Sage, Yellowstone National Park, Montana

There are few things that make me think of wilderness more than the bugling of a bull elk. This big bull, protecting his harem, was aggressively responding to the bugling of a bull across the valley. I was very happy to stand in the driving rain, observing this amazing animal in the heat of the rut. It was a privilege to photograph such a majestic animal. Along with the beauty of the elk, having him surrounded by rain soaked sage and grasses make the entire image glow.