Respect the Rut
Every fall, in the high country around Estes Park, something ancient unfolds — the elk rut. More than just a spectacle, it’s a window into wild behavior, seasonal rhythms, and how humans interact with these landscapes.
Respect the Rut is a growing project aimed at fostering a deeper land ethic — grounded in observation, awareness, and ethical engagement with the natural world. This isn’t just about elk; it’s about how we show up in wild places, how we learn from them, and how we protect them for the future.
On this page, you may find:
📸 Field photography capturing moments from the rut and beyond
🎨 Submitted works from other artists, writers, and photographers
🎙️ Interviews with NPS rangers, visitor center staff, and local visitors about wildlife stewardship
🗺️ An interactive phenology map, where you can share what you’ve observed — from bugling elk to the first frost, golden aspens to early snow
✍️ Personal reflections inspired by Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic, encouraging mindful presence and care for the land
This is a story in progress — shaped by the land, the animals, and the people who pay attention.
Stay curious. Stay connected. Act responsibly.
Why “Respect the Rut”?
Interviews with NPS rangers, visitor center staff, and even local visitors
