Black Hills Bison, 2003

October, 2003 (The Black Hills, South Dakota) -- The American Bison roam freely throughout the Black Hills, one of the few herds remaining from a population that once numbered around 50 million. These are massive and unpredictable animals, with excellent senses of smell and hearing, and they can run at speeds of up to 37 mph. Males only join the hierarchial female herds during mating season, in the Fall of the year. Bison are not territorial, and their migration patterns are dictated by season change and available food supply. Sort of like us...

Tech Notes: All of these images were captured by my Nikon D1H through either my new AF VR-Nikkor 80-400 1:4.5-5.6D or my trusty AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8D, depending on the distance. Bison are somewhat unpredictable, so the technique is, as with most wildlife, not to approach or encroach, but rather get stationary and let them come to you during the course of normal movement. Being familiar with bison biology and their habits is a definite 'plus.' (Knowing someone who does can also be handy.) Time is usually not a major element in this situation, so the Gitzo G1348 (carbon fiber tripod) was utilized on everything. Well, almost everything...

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