Fall Colors and Majestic Racks

For wildlife viewers, there are three heart-pounding encounters in Michigan; a black bear, a moose and an elk and right now elk are the easiest to spot because its their breeding season.

From September to October, elk are more active as they search and compete for mates. During this time of year, elk tend to congregate in open fields and the males bugle loudly, making for a great opportunity to experience the wild herd.

The DNR estimates the elk population at 733 animals in the northern Lower Peninsula and manages the herd for a higher proportion of bulls than many other states to maximize viewing opportunities such as bugling during the fall.

Never heard an elk bugle? The National Park Service can lend you an ear so to speak. Click hear to Hear an elk bugle.

Gaylord is where you want to head. The Michigan’s Elk Management Area is located in Otsego, Montmorency, Presque Isle and Cheboygan counties. The DNR has put together a great online guide to the 13 elk viewing areas throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest and Atlanta State Forest northeast of Gaylord.

Combining elk viewing with a hike is another way to enjoy these majestic animals. A great area to do that is Green Timbers in Pigeon River Country State Forest. Click Here for the best map of the trail from MichiganTrailMaps.com. Another wonderful trail that is nearby is the Shingle Mill Pathway. Yep, we have produced map for that as well, Click Here.

And for some fun after a day of viewing stop at the Atlanta Elk Festival. First staged in 1984, this four-day event will be hosted this year by Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 24-27.

Here are some elk viewing tips from the DNR:

• The most popular time to view elk is during the breeding season in September and October, when they are feeding in open grassy areas and bulls are bugling.
• The best times to view elk are at dawn and dusk.
• Don’t forget your binoculars! Elk should be appreciated at a distance, and you should not try to approach the animal.
• You likely will not be alone at designated viewing areas. The opportunity to see elk will be enhanced if everyone sits quietly and avoids going into the fields.