Mountain Bugle

Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. There’s something about the crisp air, the golden light, and the quiet shift in the mountains that feels both peaceful and alive all at once.

And then… you hear it.

The unmistakable call of a bull elk during the rut.

It begins as a deep, resonating tone that rolls through the valley, rising into a high-pitched squeal before finishing in a series of sharp grunts. It’s a sound that carries for miles, echoing through the mountains from dusk until dawn.

That bugle isn’t just a call… it’s a declaration. A warning to rival bulls. A call to the cows. A way of saying, I’m here.

On this particular autumn day, we paused and simply listened, letting that wild, haunting sound fill the stillness around us. It’s one of those moments that never gets old… and one that always reminds me why this season holds such a special place in my heart.

 - Stan Masters

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