LAST EDITED ON Sep-22-08 AT 08:36AM (MST)[p]A few years back I was sitting on a large meadow where we had been watching a big 3x3 that was going to be a great last day buck. I got into position early and watched the 3x for a while, waiting for him to move closer. He started 500 yards out and was feeding without a care. He was feeding closer so I decided to be patient and wait for a good shot. There was no one around, and I couldn't close any more distance. The ball was in his court and I had time on my side.
About a half hour before the end of the hunt, a group of elk started to cross the river that bordered the far edge of the meadow. I didn't have a good view of the water but suddenly could hear what sounded like 10 guys crossing the river. The sound that ten guys make going across a duck pond on their way to the blind. Thrashing and splashing, with the sound echoing across the water. Next thing I know,a small group of cows and spikes came into the field. The deer immediately perked up and grouped into a bunch. My shot immediately dissappeared. There were three spike bulls and they took off straight for the deer. It was like three bowling balls, on fire, headed for a group of pins. It never seemed aggressive but more playful. The young bulls ran every deer off that piece in a matter of minutes. The bulls covered 500 yards end to end bucking and kicking, having a blast. It reminded me of watching yearling deer that had just come out of hiding. I sure you've seen how they run around and act nutty. It was pretty sloppy and muddy and the elk were sliding around while tying to make turns in the turf. One bull in particular loved sliding on his back for stretches of 10 to 15 yards. He's pop up, look around for something to chase and be off again. It reminded me of kids on a rainy day practicing their slides into third base. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been so cocky and killed the buck earlier. Years later, I probably enjoyed the memory of those spikes acting like kindergardners more than I would have killng a deer that would have been just another deer.
So may answer is yes, elk can run off deer, and if you get to see it, its a kick.
five_point_buck
C.B.C.S.
