We were able to capture this footage of one of the very first elk rut activity of the season in Moraine Park on August 27th, 2023. During the rut, the bull elk gather cows and calves into groups called harems. Bull elk also bugle to attract cows and use it as a deterrent for other male elk competing for mates. Bull elk are very aggressive during this time and you should view the rut from a safe distance. Rocky Mountain National Park recommends to stay two bus-lengths away from elk (75ft/23m).