daughterdad's Journal

September 19, 2024

My parents and I visited the CSKT Bison Range, hoping to encounter a variety of wildlife—and we were not disappointed!

We started the morning with stunning views of white-tailed deer transitioning from higher elevations to the river bottoms. We also spotted several bison but decided to photograph them later in the day. As we traveled along the river, we captured photos of two magnificent bull elk, who treated us to several bugles since the rut had just begun. The call of a bull elk is one of my favorite sounds in nature.

After the elk bedded down in the trees, we doubled back to travel the 19-mile loop. We quickly spotted several antelope and more white-tailed deer. The bison were abundant, and as we climbed in elevation, we encountered a large mule deer buck. While his antlers were impressive, he appeared quite thin—he was the only animal we saw that didn’t look healthy.

The meadowlarks filled the air with song, though they were challenging to spot. We managed to capture a few photos of them throughout the day. We also observed several gray partridges near the truck, making for beautiful shots. There were numerous birds of prey hunting from the sky or perched nearby, along with a few ducks and other waterfowl along the river. The rarest bird we encountered was a long-eared owl; we were fortunate enough to take several photos, none of them perfect, but I can clearly identify the bird.

On our route, we were slowed by a few bull bison leisurely making their way along the road. As we passed the first bull, he tossed his head and pawed the ground but did not charge. Seeing these massive creatures up close was incredible.

As we neared the mountain’s summit, my parents pointed out the spot where they once observed a mother bear and her three cubs. To our delight, we saw another mother bear with two cubs in the same location! One of my bucket-list experiences was to witness baby bears with my mom, who adores young animals. Sharing that moment was truly special; my daughters and I have seen many bears in the wild, each memorable in its own way.

One of my favorite encounters of the day was watching two young mule deer bucks mock-fighting. They rattled their antlers for 5–10 minutes, not even 100 feet from our truck! I was surprised to learn my parents had never seen that before, and it sparked an idea: for our animal camping trip next fall, we might find a place to photograph deer and elk during the rut.

We enjoyed lunch in the picnic area, where wildlife was abundant as well. We spotted a deer, birds of prey soaring overhead, and what I think was a vole. After lunch, we took a short nature walk around a pond and along the river. I couldn’t believe the number of turtles in the pond—probably hundreds!

We decided to drive the loop a second time. Though there weren’t as many animals as the temperatures rose into the mid-seventies, the viewpoints over the valley and the Mission Mountains were breathtaking. We also enjoyed a short hike to a scenic overlook.

Overall, the day was a wonderful success! I cherished the time spent with my parents, especially reminiscing about past trips while observing wildlife together. Being in nature not only rejuvenates my spirit but also deepens my appreciation for these shared moments. I hope to pass on this love for the wilderness to my daughters, creating lasting memories in the great outdoors, just as my parents have done for me.

This experience was truly special, filled with the beauty of nature and cherished moments with my parents. I deeply appreciate the time we spent together, sharing our love for wildlife and the outdoors. It inspires me to create similar memories with my own daughters, fostering their connection to nature and the joy of family adventures. I hope to pass down this appreciation for the wilderness, just as my parents did for me, building a legacy of exploration and appreciation for the great outdoors.

Nature rejuvenates and inspires me, helping me maintain a healthy perspective as I strive to be a better person. I am grateful for the time I spent at the CSKT Bison Range.

P.S. Thank you to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for sharing their land and wildlife resources while caring for nature on the Bison Range.