FAQ II: Which Season of the Year Do Deer Turn Into Elk?
Yes, I’ve actually been asked this question. Prior to becoming a real estate broker I did a short stint as an on-call tour guide for local day trips up to the nearby Rocky Mountains. On one occasion, I was taking a group of International Odyssey of the Mind participants from the University of Colorado Boulder campus to the historic mining camp/city called Georgetown. Once there, we rode the narrow gauge railroad attraction called “The Georgetown Loop”.* After a morning of Colorado mining history and a ride on an historic narrow gauge train pulled by an authentic steam engine, we headed back to Boulder via Clear Creek canyon. My role in the trip was to keep people informed of points of interest and tidbits about the wildlife and geologic features of the canyon. We happened to see some big horn sheep along the way which sparked much enthusiasm and photo-opportunities.
As the excitement over the sheep wound down, one of the parents raised her hand and asked quite confidently “Which season of the year do deer turn into elk? Isn’t it in the Fall when they lose their horns?”. Honestly, a number of responses leapt to my throat; “Oh it isn’t the time of year – it is the altitude that creates the transformation. When deer inhabit terrain above 8,500 feet, they gain 800 pounds and grow different antlers by the following season.” Or “It is the migration of the Jack-o-lopes that stimulates the deer to begin molting and become full-fledged elk.”
Oddly, nobody else on the motor coach snickered or chuckled at what seemed to me to be a ridiculous question. So without a hint of snark and in as unflappable a manner as possible, I explained the difference between the two distinct species of native ungulates that inhabit much of Colorado from the plains to the high alpine areas of our state. My answer spurred more questions about moose, antelope, mountain goats, mountain lions, bears, and just how did the mountains get so tall. It was one of my best tours ever (the tips were pretty good that day, too).
In retrospect, I guess this begs if there is an exception to the “no such thing as a stupid question” rule. However, it also reminded me that people come to our state from places all around the globe with widely varying viewpoints, educational backgrounds, and diverse political, social, and religious beliefs. We welcome all and are happy to answer questions about the incredible scenery, wildlife, and rich history Colorado has to offer.
*In the 1880’s, this short stretch of track between Georgetown and Silver Plume was key to shipping silver saturated ore from the mines high in the surrounding hills to the mills further downstream. The two towns are only 2 miles apart up a wide canyon but rise nearly 700 feet. Four miles of track were laid traversing either side of the canyon walls and looping over each other 4 times with trestles and bridges to allow for a steam locomotive to pull transport cars up a steep grade of no more than 4%.
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