The Rut is On!

The Rut. It's what every Elk hunter dreams of. A time when Bull Elk take complete leave of their senses in pursuit of a suitable partner to mate with - literally throwing caution to the wind and allowing their hormones to do all of their thinking for them.

The Rut is the best time to see the Bull Elk at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, about 40 miles west of Portland, OR. During the Rut these incredible animals fight to establish breeding rights. If you've never seen two 900+ pound animals square off and then collide head-long in a tangle of antlers, pushing and pulling, you'll be amazed. It's one of the most fascinating shows that Mother Nature has to offer!

The Rut is also the best time of the year to HEAR the Bull Elk at Jewell Meadows. It's during the Rut that they become the most vocal. If you've never heard an Elk Bugle, you're in for another real treat. It's like nothing you've ever imagined. In fact, it's a lot like something you might expect to hear in a Spielberg film. The only sound that can send more chills down your spine when you're alone in the wild is the call of the Wolf.

The Elk are always easy to spot in the Winter, but the best show is on right now. Elk are "in Rut" from approximately September 1st to October 15th. As many as 200 Roosevelt Elk live at this site managed by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Be sure to bring your binoculars so that you can see the Elk from the view points along the pastures perimeter.