Gathering of Deer
A Springtime Gathering in Sunlight Valley
Every spring, as the snow begins to melt and the first hints of green emerge across the valley floor, Elk Creek Ranch becomes a temporary home to more than just its usual residents. Our small group of "local" mule deer is joined by large numbers of migrating deer moving through the region. Around here, folks call it a "gathering" of mule deer—a fitting term even if we’re not sure it’s official Wyoming Game and Fish lingo. What we do know for certain is that this annual ritual brings beauty, energy, and the welcome sight of fifty or more deer gracefully making their way across the ranch and the neighboring Rocking Double R Ranch.
Curious Visitors at the Barrel Field
One of the first stops for this gathering of deer was the ranch’s barrel field—the very place where, during the summer months, Elk Creek Ranchers practice horsemanship, ride patterns, and strengthen their relationships with their horses. The deer seemed curious about the space, wandering through the field and sniffing at the barrels, though they showed no interest in running the course themselves. Watching these animals explore the same spaces where our campers ride and learn each summer was a vivid reminder of the shared connection between the ranch, its people, and the land’s wildlife.
Exploring the Pond, But Passing on the Menu
After a long morning of foraging and wading through icy waters, there’s nothing better than a mid-day nap in a snowbank. Moose are well-insulated for extreme winter temperatures, their thick fur trapping warmth even in subzero conditions. With the sun casting long shadows through the trees, they take time to rest before continuing their journey through the valley.
Over Fences and Under Cottonwoods
Much like the moose before them, the deer showed little concern for fences, gracefully leaping over them in pursuit of the best feeding grounds. Their focus was on the tender new grass sprouting beneath the cottonwood trees, where the early spring growth offers a nutritious meal. These cottonwood groves, a favorite shady refuge for our horses in the summer, become a grazing haven for the deer during this brief window of migration. It’s always impressive to witness their agility and determination as they seek out the richest feeding spots.
Close Encounters Near the Cabin
“The grass is always greener,” as the saying goes—and the braver members of the herd took that phrase to heart. Some ventured right up to the cabin where the lucky photographer was able to capture these close encounters. Their calm presence and quiet confidence made for a rare and beautiful sight, one that embodies the sense of peace and connection that life at Elk Creek Ranch so often provides.
A Short Stay With Lasting Impact
The gathering of deer at Elk Creek Ranch and Rocking Double R Ranch is always short-lived, lasting just a few weeks before the herds continue their journey further up the valleys. Following the greening grasses and the promise of fresh feed, the deer, along with elk and antelope, participate in this ancient cycle of seasonal migration—a key to their health and survival. Though their time here is brief, these moments of shared space between ranch life and wildlife are a powerful reminder of the rhythms of the land and the importance of protecting the ecosystems that support both humans and animals alike.
