PA ELk (Oct 2014)Bull known as Limpy As a wildlife photographer, even a part-time one, we have certain animals that we get to know very well.  Take the Elk as an example.  We follow their hardships over winter, watch the birth of new calves in the spring, watch antlers grow during the summer as well as the calves growing up, and then the ever-popular rut in September and October.

Then comes our most challenging time of the year when we hope to get through the elk hunt without losing a "friend".

This year, with a heavy heart, I say we lost an old buddy.  He was an old, distinguished, king of the hill, bull, known in the Benezette, PA area as Limpy.

This photo was made on October 2nd of this year and it is my last photo of Limpy.  He was killed on the second day of the elk hunt.

I could go on and on about what I think of the elk hunt, but I won't.  I've said enough, along with several others that share my feelings, on Facebook.  These majestic animals in the Benezette area become acclimated to humans and have no fear.  How can anyone be proud of this kill?

We may never see him walking the hills of Benezette or hear his deep, distinctive bugle in the fall, but he will live on in our memories, photos, videos, and most importantly, our hearts.

If you would like to see more of Limpy read or re-read my September 22, 2014 blog post An Evening With Limpy - A Pennsylvania Elk.

Also, a good friend of mine, Willard Hill, has been photographing Limpy longer than I have, wrote a nice post in his blog @ Pennsylvania wildlife photographer.  Please check it out.

Rest in peace old buddy.  Sorry it ended this way.