A group of bull elk, having just gone through the rut, gather together in a meadow during a snow storm in Banff National Park. With the long, harsh winter just starting these bulls will have to use their hooves to dig down through the deep snow to find what little food remains for them. Any that become weakened will be tested by wolves and undoubtedly a few won’t make it to spring. Natural selection will favour the strong and the adaptable.
Owen Slater Photography 
The snow really sets the mood the photo.
So, at what age do they marry?
Good question Amar and I think I know what you are alluding to! Except for maybe one or two elk in this photo I doubt any of the others were successful at breeding this year. The Oxford dictionary states that any bird or mammal that is kept from breeding, especially from a more dominate male is referred to as a bachelor! The elk in Banff usually can maintain a harem by 4-5 years of age and every year afterwards until they are about 12 or so. They typically have Hollywood marriages…multiple short term ‘bonds’ that are very open and end in a quick divorce! 😉