Home : Blogs : Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC-Realtor- Buy & Sell Houses in Carbon County, Montana : Prudential Red Lodge Real Estate: Red Lodge (It's Good to Be Here!!) Blog

Moose Monday - Going on a Moose Chase in Red Lodge, Montana

This post continues where my previous Moose post (Moose Monday - Big Bull Moose in Big Sky Country!) left off.

By the time I got in the car, a couple of minutes had already gone since my bull moose sighting. Will I get the chance to find him to take some more photos? I am thinking to myself, he should not be difficult to spot with his impressive size and Mother Nature's recent painting of the ground in a bright white. Wait! I can see some moose tracks on the snow! It looks like he was headed South towards Ski Run Road. I am hoping he did not go too far and out of sight from the road as I had no intention to get out of the car to chase him on foot (moose are beautiful to watch but keep in mind they are wild animals and they will attack if they feel threatened).

So I drive down to Palisades Campground Road and just before I get to Ski Run Road, what do I see cross the road in front of me? The Bull Moose! Time to reach for the camera but no luck! The bull moose is on the move and picks up speed after noticing my car. He dashes through the open field and is headed towards the Red Lodge Mountain. I could not believe how fast he was running especially for his size. By the time I get the camera, he had managed to get behind some trees and I could not get a good photo of him from Palisades Campground Road. So I decided to turn right on Ski Run Road and follow him and hope he gets away from the trees.

Sure enough he predicted my move and decided to go back on his steps, across Palisades Campground road, over a fence and across someone's private property. The snow on the ground was deeper and he somehow slowed down. I did manage to turn around, come back on Palisades Campground Road and stopped the car on the side of the road. I finally caught my lucky break! He decided to stop for a few seconds as he turned his head to see who is this crazy guy chasing him in a car for the past few minutes. Once he realized I was not carrying a gun and all I was really interested in was a few good photos of him, he quickly glanced at my camera. I missed the photo when he was looking my way for a second but here is the precious moment that I was able to capture.

Big Bull Moose in Red Lodge, Montana - October 2009

Here is a close-up of his face and his big antlers!

Big Bull Moose in Red Lodge, Montana - October 2009

I got a few more photos of this big bull moose. There was a little bit more moose chasing! See the continuation at: Moose Monday - My Moose-ly Positive Experience in Red Lodge, Montana

Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC (4 languages spoken: English, French, Spanish, Armenian)
Realtor Associate

All photos and/or written content produced by Gerry Khatchikian. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Gerry Khatchikian, Realtor Associate with Prudential Red Lodge Real Estate.

Posted by Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC-Realtor- Buy & Sell Houses in Carbon County, Montana on 10/19/2009 12:00 PM

Comments (22)

Photography in the ActiveRain Channel

moose chase, moose monday, red lodge, montana, palisades campground road, ski run road, red lodge mountain

This post has been included in Montana Information Carbon County, MT Information Red Lodge, MT Information
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Photos
Post is included in group: Moose Monday
Post is included in group: ActiveRain Nature Station
Post is included in group: Great Shots!

22 Comments on Moose Monday - Going on a Moose Chase in Red Lodge, Montana

OCT

What GREAT pictures!

Michael,

Thank you. What a wonderful moose chase day it was!

Be careful Gerry!! I admit to snapping a photo or two from a moving car and dodging other people's cars in the street but yikes - this moose could do a number on you! I can't get the vision of you tracking him out of my mind. I love the closeup of his beautiful "face" and expression.

Liz

Gerry - "Moose Mondays" Now there's a great idea, accompanied by equally great pictures. I understand that Moose can be ill tempered. Have any ever come after you?

Hi Gerry - I didn't realize that bull mooses have "beards" (or whatever the thing is hanging under his jaw).

Looking at the 12 mooses that I currently own and that were all born between 2004 and 2009, it is hard to tell if the engravings are supposed to be a "beard" such as in your photo or are just the front of the mooses.

WhooHoo! You got him! Fantastic capture, Gerry! It's so exciting to "get the shot" -especially when you have to work so hard for it!

Debi

Gerry, that was great post on the Moose chase! I love the photos here, and especially the close up, It looks like his face is a little icy, too - really super photo! Congrats

OCT

Love it Gerry - the moose saga continues! Beautiful photos :)

OCT

Liz,

No need to worry. I took all the necessary precautions. Even if I was in a car, I made sure to leave lots of room betwen him and me. I did not want him to feel treatened and charge my way. I am glad you liked the close-up photo. You can tell he had snow on his antlers.

Myrl,

Thanks. No moose have come after me. You are correct that moose can get ill tempered (especially a mom in the presence of her calf) and that is why you need to be very cautious if you see one and not get any close (also make sure you have some kind of barrier to stand behind in case the moose decides to come towards you)

Marc,

I think your Canadian quarters display caribou which is different from the moose. Let me know if you are talking of coins other than the quarters that were printed by the Canadian Mint between 2004 and 2009. I would be interested to see photos and if they are moose, you could share then with us here on the Moose Monday group.

Please also check out my reply to your comment in my blog: Not-So-Speechless Sunday - Moose Drool

Debi,

I agree. It is part luck and part being able to seize opportunity. Thank you for the compliment.

Mary,

Thank you for the positive feedback. The close-up is just a cropping of the first photo. I cropped the first photo so that everyone can notice the look in his eyes as well as the little ice on his face. :)

Anna,

Thank you. Yes, the moose saga continues!

OCT

I LOVE the little sunglint in his eye...the snow on his antlers and chin are added bonus! What a great story and shot. Thanks for taking us on the adventure with you!

Moose Monday !!! hahhahaha!

Mooses are so awesome

OCT

Cheryl,

You are welcome. I am glad you can join us for this adventure (which continues next Monday). I can tell you have a very good eye for detail! :)

Aline,

I am so glad you posted your first comment here on ActiveRain. I like it when you smile and laugh. :)

The plural of moose is moose! Here's an online article that you may like to visit for more infor on the moose: http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/500-599/nb504.htm

OCT

HI Gerry,

Sorry I've been so slow to get to the blog. It's great!! Thanks

Marjorie,

The important thing is that you made it! I am glad you enjoyed this post and to see your first comment on my blog. :)

OCT

Well Gerry, I must thank you for letting me get up close and personal with a real moose. I joined your group. Now I must go and look for a moose. Hmmm.

OCT

Jenny,

You are welcome. Up close and personal via a photo is the safest way I can think of. :)

I am glad you joined this Moose-ly fun group. I am sure when you find a moose in Ontario, you will take a good photo to share with us.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?