The Bugler of the Yellowstone

"Bugler of the Yellowstone"

24.25" x 31.5"

$580.00 USD

Available

Did you know that elk once roamed nearly all of the United States and parts of Canada? With the expansion of explorers, fur trade, railroads, settlers, and the gold rush came the encroachment of Native American wildlife habitats.  Large numbers of species were greatly diminished or caused to become extinct.  Thankfully, with conservation and sportsmen's groups working together, the elk are living in various parts of the country again.   One such group is the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  They state that herds are now located in the western United States, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.

The bull elk can weigh around 700 lbs. and have antlers weighing 40 lbs.  Their antlers can grow more than an inch a day during summer growth.  They lose their mighty headgear later in winter after the rut season and mating are over.  I have had the privilege of being in the Rocky Mountains during the fall rut season and hearing the elk bugling all around me as I painted.  Here is a sample video of that wild sound:  

I greatly enjoyed the entire process of woodburning this bull elk on birch panel.  If you love the wild outdoors or know of some sportsman who would enjoy having this elk hanging in their den, please contact me.

Lastly, this is Thanksgiving Day here in America.  We have so much for which to be thankful!! May yours be a joy-filled thanksgiving!  My art manikin Michelangelo and my studio wildlife give their Thanksgiving encouragement!

Live bravely and beautifully!