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FAQ II: Which Season of the Year Do Deer Turn Into Elk?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com

FAQ II:  Which Season of the Year Do Deer Turn Into Elk?

Yes, I’ve actually been asked this question.  Prior to Steam Locomotivebecoming 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. 

Bighorn SheepAs 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.”Jaunty Jackalope 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 Mule Deermoose, antelope, mountain goats, mountain lions, bears, and just how did the mountains get so tall.  It was one of my best tours ever Elk(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%.

 

Comments (20)

Ann Samuelson
Suntree Inc. - Astoria, OR

I live next to an state elk reserve area on the Oregon Coast, people can come feed the elk alfalfa by riding on a trailer towed by a tractor around the reserve by state game officials.  I appreciate this article, makes many of us think about how important educating others about the environment and wildlife we share our communities with, in rural settings is so important.  Great blog and super pictures!

May 29, 2012 03:13 AM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

Thanks, Ann!  Wow!  I think Elk are some of the grandest creatures of the forest.  I love watching them move and bugle and lock horns.  Just a few miles from us is Estes Park which is adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park - it seems like an elk preserve by the sheer numbers of elk that wander the parks and open spaces.  Truly spectacular!

May 29, 2012 03:28 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Chris - That's a great story, and behind it is a very useful point to remember about working with clients who are new to the area. What can seem like a dumb question can be the entry into developing a worthwhile discussion and relationship. By the way, that's a great picture of the Jackalope in motion - they're really hard to spot anymore.

May 29, 2012 03:40 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I don't think I've ever seen an elk, and even I would know that was a silly question.  I love seeing deer in my area though.

May 29, 2012 03:58 AM
Jim Patton
Aspire Home Real Estate 209-404-0816 - Modesto, CA
Realtor - Stanislaus ,Merced, San Joaquin Counties

Great post Chris and you made a great point with it too. 

May 29, 2012 06:31 AM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

Dick - Thanks, and yes, the Jack-o-lopes seem far fewer in number these days.  I think Douglas, WY remains the Jack-o-lope capital of the west - might even find it on the menus of their finer dining establishments!

Chris Ann - I think in the east, Elk are called "Stags" but not sure.  They are magnificent.  Lots of deer, too and always a reminder of the peace and quiet of pastoral life!

Jim - Thanks for reading and commenting.  Glad you enjoyed it!

May 29, 2012 07:53 AM
Sharon Lord
Maracay Homes - Peoria, AZ
New Home Advisor

Chris - I don't know HOW you managed to answer that in a non-snarky way!!!  Or that no one else spoke up about the "dumb" question!  Heh!

May 29, 2012 07:56 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Chris -- definitely my favorite post title of the day!

May 29, 2012 08:23 AM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

Sharon - Believe me, there are days when it feels like snarky is my middle name! 

Michael - Thanks!  I'm always looking for a little levity!

May 29, 2012 08:58 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

I would congratulate you on handling the question in a professional manner.

May 29, 2012 10:53 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

What an interesting job that had to have been.  No question is a stupid one if it ends up educating someone and how great that it led to more questions and discussion.   

May 29, 2012 11:17 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Chris...

I like this story, and the way you came out of it with a lesson in life!

Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"

May 29, 2012 11:44 AM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

Kathy & Paula - Thanks for the comments and yes, it was a great lesson in professionalism as well as great preparation for this career in real estate.  After all, part of what we do when working with buyers is act as a tour guide - orienting them to the city or neighborhood.

Richard - Cool!  Thanks for the feature and glad you liked it!

May 29, 2012 12:46 PM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Was the Narrow Gauge the Darango?  I have always wanted to ride that one.  Did you tell them about jacalopes too?

May 29, 2012 12:56 PM
Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Good evening Chris. I remember my daughter being about 6 and seeing a herd of Elk in a Deer pen when she asked me why they shave the Elk's butts. She was noticing the "White Tail" of the deer missing. Your experience beats that one hands down but triggered a memory.

May 29, 2012 01:01 PM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

Gene - the Georgetown Loop is a short trip west of Denver about 35 miles.  Yes, I did mention Jack-o-lopes to the tour members but has more impact as a visual.

Randy - That's very cute!  Your daughter is pretty observant!!  Thanks for the comments!

May 29, 2012 01:07 PM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

LMAO - while I find all of this beyond amusing I think the Jack-o-lopes are my fav!!!

May 29, 2012 01:49 PM
Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

That is a funny story, Chris! It sounds like with that one odd question...others felt more comfortable asking their questions, which made for great dialogue!  We stayed at the YMCA in Estes Park 2 years ago...and there was an elk that liked to come out in the evening to have his picture taken. He seemed to enjoy all the attention he was getting!

May 29, 2012 01:51 PM
Chris Hardy
Elevations Real Estate, LLC www.BuyFortCollinsHomes.com - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Real Estate

David - Those silly Jack Rabbits and crazy Antelope!  Thanks for reading!

Sonja - The Y-Camp at Estes is really nice.  Perfect Colorado setting for family reunions and get togethers - oh, and loads of elk, too!  Thanks for the comment!

May 29, 2012 03:25 PM
Anonymous
vanessita
well you have a lot of time to prepare folr the hunt.learn how to stalk your qurray.learn the hunting regs and license requirements where you will be hunting. plan in advance for your license and tagsmost of all it's not the weapon that will get the animal. it's the hunter.spend as much time as possible developinmg your aim with the bow, shooting at targets using arrows that are the same weight you will be hunting with.make the time to shoot at least twice a week.
Jul 23, 2012 11:33 PM
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