The Monarch of the Golden Fields

Several years ago my family and I visited Parker Dam State Park in Penfield, PA.  It is part of the region which is called the Pennsylvania Wilds, and we spend some time exploring the area of the Moshannon State Forest.  The big draw to this area is the elk herd in Benezette.  There were a few great viewing areas to see the elk and get photos.  And we even were able to hear the bull elk's eerie sounding bugle! 

I don't know why I waited so long to begin this gourd, as the photos were taken for this very purpose!  The bugling bull with his cow is on the one side, and as you turn the gourd you can see the rest of the herd with a few calves as well.  The "rival" bull elk waits alone, along with some wild turkeys and pheasants.  

---

​The gourd is done with pyrography and colored pencils. 

I recently learned how to weave with round reed.  It is still new to me but I felt confident enough to use a to finish the rim with this basket weave.  The reed is "space dyed", which means that each reed is dyed in sections.  

---

Above, the bugling bull elk and his cow.

Above, the "rival" bull elk.

Above, the wild turkeys.

As a side note, any outdoor enthusiast would love to visit the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds.  My family and I really enjoyed our visit to Moshannon.  If you ever would like to visit and see the wild elk herds, check out these websites: 

Moshannon State Forest

Elk Country Visitor Center

Parker Dam State Park