Once safely across I snowshoed the rest of the way to the camera. I spent the next two hours constructing a makeshift bridge using downed timber. After a week of unseasonably warm early spring temperatures, I arrived at the creek only to discover that the ice had completely melted, turning what was once a small stream into a raging torrent.

I loaded up my skis and decided to throw in my snowshoes as well, just in case. I waited for a cold day due to a creek that had to be navigated along the way. I stayed away from the area for as long as I could before needing to return to change out batteries. Instead I captured a variety of other scavengers foxes, martens, ravens, and even snowshoe hares were all regular visitors to the carcass.Īs winter transitioned into spring it became increasingly difficult to access the camera due to deteriorating snow conditions. Over the next two months I returned once to change out batteries and check on the camera. Wolves are intelligent and wary animals so I placed the camera down into a tree well and camouflaged it using branches and snow. Knowing the potential for a unique photograph I returned later that afternoon to set up a custom DSLR camera trap.

Based on tracks and other sign nearby, I determined that a wolf had been regularly feeding upon the carcass. While out cross-country skiing near my home in Montana I stumbled upon the remains of a bull elk. Hard work, determination, patience, and even a little luck all played a role in the capturing of this image.

Spirithoods grizzly adventure throw