Sometimes the best opportunities happen when everyone has gone home.

A long day of searching for wildlife in Wyoming had come and gone. After driving around and hiking all day, I stumbled upon a small line of cars along the road on my way home; 'home' being my camper in the National Forest.

A bull elk had gathered a small harem and was bugling way out in a field. Too far for any decent shot I thought as I glanced at the elk.

Not having had any luck that day, I decided to stick it out. I parked, took out the tripod and set up the big (and heavy) 600mm lens. You never know.

Well, nothing happened.

The bull elk kept bugling from time to time while the cows munched on the grasses. Far away.

As the sun set, it started snowing and it got very dark quickly. Other photographers started leaving one by one.

Snow isn't ideal when shooting: it messes with your auto focus system as your camera focuses on snow flakes between yourself and the animals; and of course, the moisture can damage your equipment. Being a regular visitor to Alaska, I'm ready for moisture and my camera and lens are protected with a 'rain coat' (click here to see what I use and recommend).

I switched the camera to 'manual' auto focus and sat there; enjoying the snow and the sounds of nature. Pretty soon, it was just me and the elk.

As the dark clouds and snow increased, and it got darker and darker, I dialed down the shutter speed further and further. 

Finally, the herd came closer ... and closer ... within reach of the 600mm lens. I shot a few images. This is my favorite.