Today I set out for a short hunt for deer at a favorite place not far from home. There were no deer there today but I encountered these big guys instead. I will take that substitution any day!
November 4, 2013
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Montana Outdoors 
Wish I’d seen some of these in Glacier this summer.
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Comment by Malcolm R. Campbell — November 4, 2013 @ 9:44 pm
I wish you had too. They are awesome to be near.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2013 @ 9:58 pm
A great sight! I’ve seen the Berray Mountain herd a few times; I wonder if these are members of the same herd? (It’s the main one in the Cabinets as far as I know.)
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Comment by aarontheisen — November 4, 2013 @ 9:46 pm
I don’t really know. These have an easy link to those in the Thompson Falls area going across the Koo Koo Sint Ridge and are probably related to those to the east of Plains and those over in the Patrick’s Knob area. We’re a long ways from the Bull River though so there may be a division there.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2013 @ 10:09 pm
When I saw the pronghorn in western Kansas, I noted their white rumps. I’ve never noticed the white rumps on bighorn sheep, probably because their horns are so impressive and their faces so expressive. But now, I’m wondering. Is there some purpose to the white patches? It’s interesting that the pronghorn and sheep both have them.
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Comment by shoreacres — November 4, 2013 @ 9:49 pm
Elk and mule deer also have the white rump patch. Even my unsophisticated eye can pick out those white rumps at a great distance and at the same time distinguish the species from it, and so I think it may be a means of visual communication for them.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2013 @ 10:16 pm
Wow! You are most fortunate..
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Comment by Roberta — November 4, 2013 @ 9:54 pm
I am, and especially so for a person who loves the forests and wildlife as much as I do!
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2013 @ 10:17 pm
What a beautiful thing to see. Those eyes … they are other-worldly … like they see things we don’t.
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Comment by Teresa Evangeline — November 4, 2013 @ 10:34 pm
They do give the impression that they are giving you a good honest appraisal and in fact that is exactly what I think they do.
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Comment by montucky — November 4, 2013 @ 10:52 pm
Great photo and find, beautiful animals
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Comment by Mike Howe — November 5, 2013 @ 4:22 am
I encounter Big Horns several times each year and enjoy each encounter.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
What beautiful photos of these animals. It looks like they posed for you!
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Comment by New Hampshire Gardener — November 5, 2013 @ 5:16 am
They didn’t stay long, but didn’t get all excited either.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:53 pm
What fun to come across an unexpected delight. Brightens up the whole day, doesn’t it?
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Comment by Homestead Ramblings — November 5, 2013 @ 6:48 am
Yes, that made my day!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:53 pm
Awesome! That was some substitution!
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Comment by Mama's Empty Nest — November 5, 2013 @ 8:47 am
Encounters like that provide a good reason to get out as much as possible because it really increases the chances.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:55 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in the wild. What a wonderful surprise for you. They are magnificent.
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Comment by anniespickns — November 5, 2013 @ 8:49 am
I don’t believe that I’ve ever seen one in captivity. I’d just as soon keep it like that! They are indeed magnificent!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:56 pm
They didn’t mind standing still for you and posing either. What a thrill that must have been!
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Comment by wordsfromanneli — November 5, 2013 @ 9:27 am
They will often do that. I love it!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:56 pm
Such magnificent animals. I always feel a sense of awe and delight when our paths cross.
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Comment by Colleen Lloyd — November 5, 2013 @ 10:04 am
That’s a very good way to put it!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:57 pm
Hi Montucky, What a treat to see the Big Horn Sheep! Have a great day.
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Comment by wildlifewatcher — November 5, 2013 @ 10:09 am
Yes, a big treat!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:57 pm
What an encounter, and very nice photos!
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Comment by bentehaarstad — November 5, 2013 @ 11:58 am
Thanks Bente! I love encounters like that!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:58 pm
Amazing animals. How lucky to catch sight of them.
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Comment by Victoria — November 5, 2013 @ 5:54 pm
They are amazing, and these were in excellent condition going into winter! I was pleased!
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:58 pm
Beautiful and majestic, how exciting to come across them!
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Comment by Candace — November 5, 2013 @ 8:13 pm
They sure are. These big rams weigh about 300 lbs and you can see their power when they run.
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Comment by montucky — November 5, 2013 @ 8:59 pm
such crystal clear portraits!!
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Comment by Tammie — November 6, 2013 @ 10:33 am
I love it when they let me get close and stay around for a bit! I think they sense that I like them and will do them no harm.
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Comment by montucky — November 8, 2013 @ 9:55 pm
amazing!!
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Comment by skouba — November 9, 2013 @ 8:02 pm
Several times a year I get to see some like this. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
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Comment by montucky — November 9, 2013 @ 11:10 pm
Wow! And I’m happy to see a raccoon here in Ohio! 🙂
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Comment by Watching Seasons — November 11, 2013 @ 12:35 pm
I’m happy to see a raccoon here too! There are few around any more.
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Comment by montucky — November 11, 2013 @ 8:32 pm
Were you that close or does your lens trick us? What a great sight and that dusting of snow is just perfect for ushering in another season.
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Comment by Tammy — November 11, 2013 @ 9:21 pm
About 15 yards. I was pleased to see that they were in wonderful shape going into winter!
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Comment by montucky — November 11, 2013 @ 10:43 pm
Incredible…how long did they stand there for you? Wow…what a treasure!
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Comment by seekraz — November 13, 2013 @ 10:13 pm
Probably a couple of minutes. That happens for me several times each year and I love every time!
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Comment by montucky — November 13, 2013 @ 10:31 pm