In later January I took a drive to the western slopes of the Coastal Mountains. The destination was the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. It’s managed by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife to provide winter habitat and supplemental feeding for wild Roosevelt Elk. A series of open pastures border a paved road, offering good views of up to 200 Elk during winter and spring.

Elk are one of my favorite big game animals and, of course, I greatly enjoy hunting them in the fall. The big bulls are magnificent and can weigh well over 1,000 lbs. And, it doesn’t hurt they are delicious to eat.

I enjoyed taking photos of the Elk while they munched on fresh hay. But, the sun had broken though the clouds providing monster contrast between the dark-coated ungulates and the white snow. I wasn’t going to complain about sunshine on a winter’s day though. I kept taking pictures and marvelling at the magnificent animals.

An inquisitive Spike

Good-sized Bull daring me to grab his grub

Frosted Blackberry leaves

A keeper

Towhee

Nice Bull lickin’ his chops

225,000 mile AMG – – – What a wilderness vehicle