Yesterday I spent the afternoon photographing Elk in the small community of McArthurs Mills, just outside of Bancroft, Ontario. This wild herd of Elk spend most of their time on the property of Joe Neuhold, known in these parts as "The Elk Man". Joe feeds the Elk in his yard, and they come from far and wide to live on his property. They are free to come and go as they please, but with an abundance of fresh hay and grains provided twice daily, a quiet wooded retreat to safely relax in, a pond to swim in, and one very caring man to greet them each day, it's no wonder they choose to set up residence at Joe's.
I got chatting with Joe about the Elk Restoration Project that reintroduced wild Elk to this area in 2000 and the successes of that project. We talked about the pros and cons of feeding the Elk, the risks of deadly brain worm, and the ethics of treating them for such ailments.
I was invited into Joe's home to watch videos of the male Elk during rutting season, to view news clips that have aired about "The Elk Man" and to enjoy Joe's collection of Elk memorabilia. Over a few shots of Jagermeister Joe shared stories about his remarkable experiences with these majestic animals, the successes and the heartbreaks, the ethical challenges, the frustration of dealing with careless hunters, and the incredible sense of satisfaction he receives from spending time with a herd of wild Elk.
Click on any photo to see larger size image
The following image will be featured in the Bancroft and District Chamber of Commerce Destination Guide for 2008
Visitors are welcome to visit Joe's property to view the elk, and bus tours and school groups are encouraged to call him to discuss the best times to view the herd. Joe can be reached at 613-332-2867
Be sure to bring your camera.....and a bottle of Jagermeister for Joe.
UPDATE: March 24, 2008
Joe is closed to visitors right now as the Elk have moved into the bush for the time being
Be sure to bring your camera.....and a bottle of Jagermeister for Joe.
UPDATE: March 24, 2008
Joe is closed to visitors right now as the Elk have moved into the bush for the time being
3 comments:
My wife and I were there yesterday. We had a very enjoyable morning with Joe. He is truly passonite about the Elk. He let us wander around and take pictures. He invited my wife inside for a nice little Austrian drink to warm her up. I had to say no because I had to drive. If you get the chance go and see these wondeful animals.
How can the elk be considered "wild" if they are being fed hay and grain just like a cow, horse or sheep. They come to the feeder with the ring of a bell. Beautiful creatures though they are, they should be out on the plains where they came from. This species of elk are not indigeous to Ontario.
@ Anonymous...the difference between the extirpated Eastern elk subspecies and this species is likely less than the difference between the areas original human inhabitants and the non-native descendants of European settlers that live in the area now. I figure the elk cause less trouble than they do, in the long run.
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