Bull Tule Elk by David Clendenen on Capture Kern County

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Bull Tule Elk

An adult male (bull) tule elk at Wind Wolves Preserve. Tule elk are native to the San Joaquin Valley, but most people have never seen one. They are the smallest of three subspecies of North American elk, and were nearly driven to extinction by commercial meat hunters during the gold rush years of the mid-1800s. Only a handful of individuals remained when rancher Henry Miller decided they should be saved, and protected the last small group that survived on his land. There are now nearly 4,000 tule elk in California, and the 23rd herd in California was established when a group of 21 was translocated to Wind Wolves Preserve. The herd has thrived, and there are now about 250 elk at Wind wolves.

Steve Rengers
commented about 1 month ago

Wow! What an outstanding shot. National geographic stuff.
David Clendenen
commented 5 months ago

Thanks Jojo. I need to get out more an work on these incredible animals!
jojo butingan
commented 6 months ago

One of a kind shot here at CKC. This is the kind of shots that I'd like to see here. Great job!!
David Clendenen
commented 6 months ago

Yes, the antlers on the arch are yearly sheds from our tule elk herd that were found and brought in.

Thanks Richard.... that 300 is an oldy but a goody!
Richard Newland
commented 6 months ago

Very nice image David~And I found all the info. very interesting~Thanks for sharing !~ Was this shot with your F/4 300 mm Nikon telephoto ? I really like mine very sharp lens.
Wayne Wong
commented 6 months ago

David, I must conclude that the antlers used for the arch near the hacienda must be from the tule elk.
Wayne Wong
commented 6 months ago

David, thanks for the history lesson....it makes me appreciate them all the more.