Serious Business
Serious Business
August is the time when the bison start their rut. This is super exciting to see, especially since normally they don’t do very much but hang out.
I found out on Monday that some of the bison had moved into the antelope flat area, which is way close to were we stay in Jackson Hole. The skies have been smoky here in Wyoming, from fires in Idaho, but that actually makes photography so much better. So Monday afternoon I headed out to see what I could see.
At first there wasn’t much going on, but cute baby bison and their moms are always fun.
Another small group of bison made their way towards the main herd. This image shows the size difference between the bulls, and the cows.
This bull is exhibiting the flehman response. They sniff the cows behind, then do this. It helps them determine the readiness of the cow for breeding.
This same bull challenged another bull, and they fought heavily for several minutes.
Yes, that’s fur flying.
When those two got tired, another huge pair of bulls started fighting. I have hundreds of photos. It was quite a thrill to see.
And, I am finally able to tell you what we have known for a month. The shows that we do in the Jackson area, MC Presents, will now be our shows to promote. The women that have run the show for 20 years, approached us last month to see if we would like to take the shows on. They are ready to slow down, not retire completely, but take it more easy. After much thought and consideration, we decided it would be a good business decision. We have spent the past month learning all we can from them, and are planning some great stuff for 2018. Our last show of the summer season is this weekend in Teton Village, and it feels like we are getting a crash course. We are super excited about this opportunity, and are looking forward to next summer.
Good morning, Mary! I’ve missed your posts, but it’s good to see you once again. To watch any set of males competing is thrilling and awesome. Wonderful shots, as always. Good luck to you and Al on your new adventure!
Thanks so much, it’s nice to be missed.
Wow! These photos are amazing. It must have been incredible to witness!
It was a thrill to see.
Those photos are amazing. I would think it is scary to watch even at a distance, but it is nature! Congratulations on your “new jobs”. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity!
It did get a bit scary, because they move so fast and you really have to be a safe distance to watch them.
I never thought about where the expression “fur flying” came from before! LOL! Those bulls make the stallion fights look like play!
The stallions are serious, but these guys are brutal. The sheer power they have is amazing.
Amazing photos. I can feel the power of those fighting bulls. How exciting that you have a huge new business venture! I know some of the difficulties show promoters face because I’ve been involved in the antiques auction business for years and I hear a lot from antiques show promoters. I think you guys are a natural fit, since you’ve been selling through shows for years and probably have lots of connections as well as a strong understanding of show operations and what draws both attendees and sellers. I wish you both the best of luck with it! :)
The show promoters think we can grow the show, simply because we kinda do know what’s going on. It will be a challenge, but a good one I think.
Great shots, Mary! Fun to watch the actions, not easy to capture…
Congrats on the new adventure! Sounds like work, fun, and some more work :-)
Yes, in that order. Lol
Congratulations on your new business opportunity. I didn’t realize that the cows also have horns. Those bulls must be noisy when they fight, scary.
Thank you. Yes, they are pretty noisy. They get pretty verbal this time of year.
Oh you are missed, greatly. You are my nature-fix!!!!!!!
Those bison shots are incredible. They were fighting hard, for real – no posturing like other animals. And the calves still look so small.
Congrats on your new undertaking!!!
Hello, I love Jackson Hole and the Tetons. One of my favorite places to visit. Great captures of the bison, they fighting shots are just awesome. Congrats and good luck on your new adventure. It sounds exciting! Have a happy day!
Wow, those fighting shots are amazing! But those babies… oh so cute! Congrats on the new business opportunity!
Hi Mary! I’ve been super behind, but just caught up on all the missed posts. Your photos (as always) amaze me. They are simply breathtaking.
I’m so happy for you and Al to have this business opportunity, I know you will do amazing with it.
Wow, that’s so exciting, congrats on your new venture! We hope it goes well for you. The photos are so amazing, what a great opportunity to capture that amazing part of nature!
Wonderful photos of the buffalo. I have never seen any of that activity.
Smokey here too! Ugh.
Congrats on your new business adventure. Wishing you a grand time.
Both cute calves and some serious business between grown-up males. You captured the buffalo’s life beautifully in these images.