The mild winters of the mid '90's have resulted in large elk populations in the Yellowstone. The '96 hunting season around the park yielded many large bulls. On several occasions this past fall ('96) I witnessed the activities of bulls gathering harems, being challenged, and junior bulls trying to steal cows.

The most fascinating aspect of the rut, however, is the bugling and resultant combat. Don't leave anyone tell you that bulls simply push and shove until one quits..they do on occasion fight to the death. Especially if they both match both mentally and physically. Ten years ago we owned a '52 Bombandier Snowcoach that we used in winter touring. I dropped a balanced blueprinted V-8 Chevy in it, and it hauled 12 passengers in comfort. I sold "Sally" to Alpen Guides in West Yellowstone where she is currently employed. My son Jeff & I chartered her several years ago to do some Winter research. This painting is a result of that trip to Dunraven Pass and Jeff used his material for a mural that is owned by the Yellowstone Conference Hotel in West Yellowstone.

This painting shows an earlier Shaw and Powell charter to that spot where passengers are experiencing the Fall rut... this is obviously one of the last stages out in the days the Park was closed for the winter...

"BUGLE TOUR" is number 7 in the SIX LEGGED ELK SERIES and was reproduced from an original oil (24"x44"). It is limited to 850 signed by the artist and numbered lithographs with 85 artist's proofs and 85 publisher's proofs. It is printed on top quality 100% certified archival (300 years) pH neutral number 1 grade paper with 2" trim on all sides. It has been personally inspected and signed by the artist in pencil. The plates have been destroyed after publication and no further issues will be produced.

Gary Carter
West Yellowstone, Montana
February 1997