Around 5:30 PM Friday afternoon, droves of cars, trucks and jeeps were making laps around The Land Between the Lakes Elk & Bison Prairie.
Known as “golden hour” for photographers, especially in the fall, folks weren’t necessarily interested in pictures of west Kentucky’s beloved beasts.
Instead, they were seeking the sounds of the elk “rut,” a loud and cacophonous call from the wild — much akin to the sound of piping bugles.
It’s throughout these fall months when the bucks start singing for their mates — and as they form their harem, the males use their guttural efforts as bravado, taunts and defense.
The elk rut can also scientifically be categorized as a time of growth, in which the males observe critical changes in hormonal levels, behavioral patterns, desires for courtship, fitness, survival and — hopefully — reproductive success.
With the prairie open from sunrise to sunset, LBL officials indicate that optimal times for viewing elk and/or bison is during the early morning and late evening hours. And during these mating weeks, bison typically steer clear from their fellow horned associates.
All visiting vehicles must be enclosed, and pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed for safety reasons. These are beautiful, but wild, creatures.
One-time entry to the 700-acre refuge is $5, but discounted bulk entry cards can be purchased at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, the Welcome Stations or any other LBL day-use facility: $10 for three entries, $15 for five entries.
A bus and commercial van rate is available at 50 cents per passenger.
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