Just in case people don't understand, Elk are pretty huge. It's not a like a deer. It's closer to a horse in size than a deer. An aggressive buck mule deer can be deadly enough, a bull elk can be terrifying. Glad you were able to get out of the situation without you or the elk being hurt.

I worked at Yellowstone National Park and thats what we call a Yellowstone moment.

Woah those antlers are no joke! 😳😱🦌

was scary enough getting attacked by a herd of turkeys as a kid.. climbed a tree to "get away"..which was also the day i learned turkeys fly.. Bull elk are big and scary enough on nornal days..let alone in rut..you got lucky.

😦 YIKES... I'M GLAD YOU DIDN'T GET HURT !!!

I think choosing the right time to film should be considered. Rutting season is not the time. Ab,❤️🇨🇦

I know at least 2 other people who are very well versed and familiar with elk who've had almost the exact same experience. 1 was in the campground at jasper and the other was in the town of Banff lol.

Shawn when I lived in Banff back in my early 20s (winter 90/91) I rented a place in town with a backyard. The elk were not shy and pervasive and would graze whatever grass was under the snow in my back and side yard. There were times I’d nearly bump into them in town and my backyard. They were docile and obviously no strangers to the people in town. It was a good thing it was a few months after the rut.

Good thing you kept your cool and didn't show any signs of fear. Another KZfaqr, Foresty Forest, was recently attacked by a Big Horn ram while hiking. His reaction was a little different. But he is a very agile hiker and he seems to be a good runner too 🏃‍♂😏

Glad you didn't get hurt Shawn!

Ever since National Geographic captivated us with their photographic wildlife publications some 120+yrs ago, I don't think we can ever really understand exactly what goes into that type of photography until you're there yourself ...it's the wild poking you right in your eye!

during the rutt the only predictable thing about animals is their unpredictability ... I agree getting a walk around of the old cabin and how it looks now with the new owners would be awesome ... HOPE they watch and decide to make it happen with you .... sure would love to see how they combined the old and new buildings ...

It is nice to see you taking it a little easier on yourself by getting this tractor. I understand as we get older, this kind of help is needed with the heavy loads. I really like the chipper attachment. Make use of that PTO on the tractor.

How frightening! It would be scary getting back to your family afterwards too. Just glad you’re ok. Your life is more important then footage. Take care Shawn.

At least you knew how to react which saved your life, Cheers Shawn for showing up close what a majestic creature he was.

It's great to hear news about the old property. Yikes, now Shawn thats a scary story about the bull elk. Whew! Good footage tho.

Glad to see that you are not hurt, yeah that must have been a little scary

Even an experienced hunter like you! Whew! I've always hoped trees would protect me from antlers!! Now I have more hope. Elk are huge. We had a dozen of them outside a rented holiday cabin in Kananaskis. Opened the curtains in the morning...and there they were...right outside the window! Keeps ya on your toes!! 😂👍😎🇨🇦

So glad that you are okay! Thank you for letting us know that even an experienced outdoorsman such as yourself can be caught in a potentially dangerous situation with wildlife. It can certainty happen very quickly.

I used to love watching the wildlife in Western Canada. That's the only thing I miss about the west. The wildlife and the beautiful mountains.

Great experience Shawn. You hear CNR stories about bull moose ramming trains. Crazy the rut.

Oh Lord I would never never make it out in wilderness! I admire you all so much because NATIRE IS GORGEOUS! Thank you sharing it with us and risking what could have been disastrous for you. I will continue praying you are always protected, safe and fully awake when near those amazing animals. From A true 🔵 Blue Dot elderly Texan here, cheering you on both channels.

So glad you're okay. That was some quick-thinking on your part.

Phew! That was close..Thank God you came out unscathed...

An amazing story!! You have such respect for the wild! Take care!!!

Nice pictures, Shawn. 👍 People say what do you do when you come face to face with a bear. Elk or whatever, you better have an escape plan. Alberta is stunning beauty. I love it ❤

Wow, that was amazing. Guess that bull was not in a good mood. Glad to hear that it did not see your wife, although I am sure she would have known what to do also. I live in Maine, USA, and we have a lot of moose up here, but I have never seen one as aggressive as that one. Of course, in November we avoid them as much as possible. As you said, just respect them and their way of life.

Glad you knew enough to move before he attacked! Great footage of the scenery - love it! Funny you talk about the other cabin - after putting all that time & work into it only to have the new owners build a new bigger one & dismantle the one you built would be a big disappointment. One of your viewers told me awhile back that you spend very little time at your new cabin & most of your time is spent with your wife & girls in town at the house where they live... obviously she doesn't know what she's talking about & actually believes you could do all that work at the new place in a week or two - building everything by hand ... lol ... You're still doing an awesome job & I'm sure you & your wife are happy to get things done at the new place... it's nice to know you both got the chance to get away & meet up with your girls being able to enjoy time together ... thanks for posting the video ... Christmas will soon be here along with the 2024 New Year ... I hope you & your family have a great one! ❤ 🇨🇦

Wow! The adventurers of Shawn James! You’re living it and I’m loving it! 👍🙂

Love your channel Shawn James❤ I am a former traveling musician from the US and in years past I’ve traveled a lot in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia into the Yukon and nearly to the NW Territories. Jasper and Banff are awesome places. My best to you and yours❤️

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Well thank God you got behind the tree. Could have been bad outcome for you. By grandpa told me years ago about a hunter that got pinned and killed against a tree by a deer I believe he said. Thanks for sharing. Be safe out there.

All the best for 2024. Your new cabin build and wonderful scenery are great. Glad you sidestepped that bull elk Cali's birthday was a treat ❤

Your story reminds me of when my wife and I visited Jasper for the first time 24 years ago in October. There was a bull elk with his harem walking around the town and I was taking pictures of him. I may have gotten a little too close because he started eyeing me and shaking his head back and forth. I backed off and made sure there was a vehicle between us, though that may have been littke protection. But it did teach me to respect wildlife even when they seem quite docile and used to people around. Loved the bugling at night!

I got attacked by a Buck Deer in my backyard and about 10 miles from our property a Horse was killed by a Elk. Last week the 'new' neighbours flew a drone over our backyard don't really like that, but hate that it hovered over us. How long we have no idea. It was about 70 feet above us. Everything seems to be invading our privacy now.

That is wild Shawn ! Gez the size of that rack is huge 😳 My wife and I came across a herd of Roosevelt Elk hiking up on Mount Rainier on a trail about 20 yards away at 1 point and we were in awe of the massive size of the Bull that literally made me shutter as they went around us and literally disappeared in a split second ! Thanks for sharing Shawn and you have a great week 🌲 🐕 🍁 🦫 ❄️ 🦌

My hubby and I went to Jasper, we were there when the fires were happening and all the power was out. We stayed at the Whistler Campground and there were a lot of elk. I went to get firewood and there was a nice big one standing by the woodpile and I had to wait for him to leave! Got to hear their bugling all night by the campfire! They are beautiful animals, but I think I will keep my distance!

Even Elk cows can be very agressive, seen a woman being attacked by one in Jasper (Whistlers campground) because she came a little too close. These are big and powerful animals.

Good thing you didn't panic and start running away, experience makes the difference between disaster and a good story

My brother got his two Wyoming elk! Bull & cow elk…I was so excited for him! 🥩👍🏻

Holy Wow😮 The footage is phenomenal!! Thank God you have the knowledge and awareness! Amazing!!😮

I live in Calgary and every year there are reports of tourist being attacked by elk in Banff because they look so tame.

Glad you survived this close call....beautiful bull elk! Thanks for sharing!

Good Tuesday Shawn & Cali🐕! 👍🌅🌄🏞️🏡

Oh my gosh glad you got out of the bull moose trying to get you.😮 Can't imagine what your old cabin looks like inside a home building within. Surely its a focal point for their home. I'd like to see it too. Thanks for your informative video❤😊

I am so glad you were able to protect yourself during this venture. Please be careful Shawn. Many would suffer if you were harmed and couldn't produce your wonderful videos.

Thank God you’re ok. Thankyou for the footage. ❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Wow wow!! Happy you’re safe! Gorgeous footage!

Fascinating story! And it was good to hear what’s happening with the old cabin. Be even better to see what the new owners have done with it! Thanks for sharing!

Glad you are ok Shawn👍🏻

I would like to see the old cabin too. 🎄💞🎄

im glad you're ok that could have been really bad

Good Morning to All❤

I was in Jasper back in 93 in October and was just walking down the sidewalk back to where I was staying for the night and nearly walked straight into a cow elk just standing on the sidewalk!! My head was down because of the cold and wasn’t aware of the possibility that this could happen. Lesson learned with my heart in my throat!!!

Shawn, glad your okay, a fearsome animal.....

There was a recent KZfaq Shorts video of a Elk acting like he was charging vehicles in Canada that happened about that same time frame you’re talking about. Turns out everyone was driving by and swerving their vehicles and most just drove on by. But a couple people stopped and one man noticed that the elk really wasn’t being aggressive or hitting cars with his antlers at all. So he was the only brave soul to get out of his car because he felt like the big Bull elk was actually trying to tell humans something. So when he got out and walked towards the Elk it was as if the elk was saying follow me I need help. The man followed the elk through a row of trees just to discover the elk wanted him to see this huge mud pit the size of a small pond . To the man’s surprise there was 3 other Elk sunk up to their necks in mud and could get out. One was sunk up over its head only antlers sticking above the mud and no movement. So that one was most likely dead but the other 3 had their heads above the mud totally exhausted. The man Ran back to the highway of lots of tourist vehicles and rallied a rescue party. The rescuers was able to pull 2 Ek still alive from the mud pit so I’m assuming the 3rd one submerged below his head was dead. But had it not been for the elk going to the road and acting weird towards the vehicles. Then the one brave man realizing the Bull Elk acted desperate for attention and help and following it into the timber most likely all the Elk In that mud pit would’ve died. A pretty remarkable story to say the least but it happened a few months ago in some national park tourist area in Canada from what I understood.

Just adds perspective on the beauty of what you do and why you do it. In nature, you can do everything right, and you’re still not in charge. Keeps us humble, keeps us knowing and appreciating our place in the hierarchy. Glad you’re OK Shawn!

Great shots, thanks for sharing. Scary experience but one you will forever remember.

LMAO, I had the same thing happen to me several years ago, but with a bull Moose in NH when I was working with the Forest Service. The only difference is that we went round and round that tree for about 2-3 minutes and without a doubt the longest 2-3 minutes of my life ! I must admit it scared the "Billy Jesus" out of me, for sure ! Even though I'd been around them all my life and knew just how aggressive they could be while in rut. It happened in the Lincoln Woods Wilderness Area where Moose and Bear encounters were common , even so it was still a thrill to say the least and something I'll never forget. The thing that stuck in my mind most was that when he charged me he still had the shredded pieces of a tent stuck in his horns that he had just ripped up . He had stomped all over and tore up 2 tent sites before he turned his attention to me and what finally drove him away was by me lighting a small string of fire crackers that I always kept handy for chasing Bear away from the dumpsters and parking area at the trail head. This happened about 5-6 miles into the Lincoln Woods Wilderness area at one of the tent sites though and the funny part is that not a single camper showed up for almost a week after that, Hummm, wonder why ? Gezz, what a bunch of woosies,,,,,LOL !

Glad your ok. I live in the Pacific Northwest more specifically north west Oregon and we have a really good elk population. Here 2-3 yrs ago (time goes by) there was a bow hunter that was killed by a bull elk. He stuck it and unfortunately didn’t make sure it was dead. He was gored and didn’t survive. Working in the woods most of my younger life I have ended up with elk around me but they left quite suddenly. Had an old timer tell me he was chased up onto an old growth stump by a big mad bull that raked that stump and the ground around it. In 09 I was visiting friends in Alaska and they took me to the animal conservation park south of anchorage. It was during the rut and they separated the bulls with each having cows. Man they were mad. We pulled up and one of them bulls made a beeline for us but slid to a stop at the fence. But I admit I did jump back. That’s a big animal coming at you. Glad you shared some footage.

OMG Shawn!! So glad you made it out of that dangerous situation. Please stay safe out there.😱😟✝️💜🙏🏾🇺🇸

Nice one Shawn. Cheers. I really like your new intro tune by the way.

Glad you did get hurt Shawn... have a safe winter up there...

I missed you by a week this year but iam glad you made out all right. I suspect it's the same bull I photographed last year wallowing in the river near the bridge late in the afternoon. Quit the display. Funny enough, not sure it was him but earlier in the day he spent several hours resting along with several cows among the nearby trees. Come late afternoon he was very aggressive. Apparently one bull even put his antlers through the sides of a passing car. Seeing them in the wild is great , but give them lots of space.

Wow Sean that was something I'm glad you did not get hurt you and your wife made it back safely that's awesome take care blessing to you 😊

Thanks for Sharing Mr. James , awesome Content , The Wapiti (Elk) are my Favorite Their voices in the Fall are Hard to beat ... Great filming Mrs. James.. Kudos .

Two lessons to be learned here: Be very, very careful around bull elk in mating season, and always leave the camera running. Camera man always survives. 😄

Wow! Scary and exciting at the same time!

Canada 🇨🇦 is so diverse! I love the wildlife! That was quite an adventure Shawn! Thanks for sharing.

Wow ! I would have felt a warm sensation running down my legs. Holy elk.

Yikes 😳 !!! So interesting to watch your adventures 😊

Wow Shawn I was holding my breath while you were telling the story of the Elk, it is a good think your wife couldn't see you she would of freaked out. Elk are a huge animal, so happy you handled it the way that you did remained calm everything turned out OK. Beautiful pictures of the animals. I love nature live for it, I am surrounded by nature. Interesting information thank you for sharing. I didn't know that someone else had your other cottage. I am glad it is being used. I hope that they will allow you to share some pictures to your followers. Until next video take care.

Good morning all and thank you Shawn James 😎

Glad you are ok. Thanks for surfshark info.

I've been wondering for a long time what happened to the pond you created at your old cabin, it was an exciting project.

I truly enjoyed this footage. Elk are such wonderfully beautiful animals, and it was thrilling to see them up close and personal, even if it was at your expense. Grateful for this glorious video.

Hmmmmm!? Things ya see when ya don't have a gun/bow/atyl..glad you are ok....! Thanks for sharing.. C ya on the next video! Enjoy your holidays! 👍🐺🧙‍♂️🦊👍

Great story Shawn...it happens to the best of us!😂 Glad you didn't acquire a new breathing hole💪😎👍

WOW! Thanks Shawn!

As always, great video Shawn

So glad you had an escape root with the foliage and tree. I have seen them on the highway up in Montana and they made my car seem small in comparison. That must have been frightening to go through. Great channel as always.

Glad you are okay! 🤍🕯🤍

Saw this title and thought "OH NO" 😮

Wow they have some HUGE antlers. That's when telephoto lenses are good to have :)

You're a regular Marty Stouffer! Amazing experience! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from NYC!

Wow! Scary but great footage. Thanks

Always appreciate your content. Glad you’re safe and healthy best for the Holidays!

Amazing footage and story!

Great story and beautiful video of the elk bulls!!!

In addition to the Jasper Park "tame" herd, there is some at Banff Park (often on the golf course) , and some at (just east) of Waterton Park.

Thanks for sharing! Educational for sure

If you get Starlink Roam package on your vehicle, you won’t necessarily need to use cafe’s to do work.

I'm glad you listened to your gut & kept safe!!!! When I was only 8, I sensed a bull cow had changed his demeanor. Cautious enough, I kept one hand holding tight on the bull pen bar, as I had foolishly slipped through the bars to pet him. The moment I noticed that body language change, 😳💩 I pulled myself back through those bars with all I had with zero hesitation, followed by a floor shaking boom as his head smashed into the bars right behind me!!! 😬 I never told my Grandparent's or my folk's about the dumb move I barely survived at the time. Some lessons we survive & learn from!!!!!

SHAWN & OUR CALI !!! This I can see really !!! It hath been hard for all of us out there !!! Canada has really pulled on down on people up North there !!! I enjoy the channel will watch more now of Private things for You !!!

In my case , I probably would have died ! Your knowledge of wildlife is probably what saved your life !😊 Mike.

So glad that ended well for you. I can only imagine how you felt and how your wife felt watching from above. Wildlife can be unpredictable for sure. I can't wait to see the Moose Hunt. 3 yards, that's awesome. And I thought the bull we got at 30 yards last year was close! I'm sorry people have to invade your privacy. Everyone should respect you and your family. One of the biggest issues in this world is that people have no sense of boundaries. One of the reasons we moved 3 miles off a main road and gave up my home based business of over 20 years.

Excellent content! As always, you don’t disappoint.

🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS JAMES FAMILY 🎄

Thanks Shawn!😊

skip to 5:14 to miss the surfshark ad....