Pennsylvania Game News - July 2009 - 12

there was much internal bleeding or edema as evidenced by the large lump or hematoma that had formed near my waist. There were deep bruises on my right shoulder blade and back, right arm between shoulder and elbow, a scrape on top of my head and, worst of all, a fractured rib. He issued a 6-inch waistband to control the edema and hematoma, but told me not to wear it for more than 24 hours as that could lead to pneumonia. He also said the pain would worsen, and advised prescription pain medication (I opted for extra strength Tylenol) and asked me to return the next morning for follow-up testing and evaluation. As we drove back to our motel, Lorraine looked at me and said, “Honey, we came here especially for your enjoyment, so let’s put this all behind us and get back out there again this very evening.” I was surprised, to say the least, and though I was really hurting, I agreed. It was already late afternoon, so we decided to make a quick stop for dinner and then head out to the same viewing areas. We stopped at a few places where some elk were already out feeding. Our ultimate goal, though, was to go back to the access lane and check out the meadow next to where the incident had occurred. When we arrived at the gated lane we found a few vehicles parked, so we did the same and walked up the lane to the meadow, where about a dozen folks had gathered next to the gate. They were watching a group of maybe 10 elk feeding. Lorraine and I started glassing the group, finding all cows except for one large antlered bull. I glassed him for some time, and when he moved into the clear, I identified him as the same bull that had gored me less than eight hours earlier, easily recognized by a lopsided, non-typical antler. Lorraine was surprised as I whispered my findings to her. We could hear distant bugling as other bulls announced their presence. Then we noticed another bull enter the meadow, apparently ready for battle. The bull I had identified as my attacker moved to ward off the approaching bull and lowered his head, digging his antlers into the sod, and throwing large chunks 15 feet into the air. Chills ran up my spine as I envisioned those chunks as myself being tossed about if I’d lost my footing earlier. Once again, there was no contact and the approaching bull retreated. What a show! Even though we exchanged comments with the folks who had gathered, I did not reveal my earlier experience. I definitely was embarrassed. It was almost dusk when we left the meadow to check out a few more viewing areas. We ended that eventful day by sighting more than 20 elk. The next morning we drove to Ridgway and were thankful that everything was stable. It was our last day in Elk Country, so we planned to cover other viewing areas. We were pleased to watch more rutting action, and by the end of the day we had sighted close to 30 more elk. We had a great, but mixed experience in Elk Country. Between beautiful landscape, early fall foliage and rut in full swing, we could not have expected more. All told, we probably sighted more than 70 elk. An enlarged photo of the elk hangs in our stairway, reminding me of “the price to pay.” The next time we get to visit Elk Country I’ll be a lot wiser. VISITORS to Elk Country are encouraged to respect the privacy of local residents. Always park in safe locations, avoid entering private property and view wildlife from a safe distance. For information on recommended viewing locations visit the elk section of the Game Commission’s website at www.pgc.state.pa.us. 12 GAME NEWS

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Game News - July 2009

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