In late 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 over 1,000 lbs.

Soon it began raining in earnest. It was time to leave I sadly said to myself.

Roosevelt Elk

It’s hard for a big bull to kneel down

Couple of bruisers