By Scott Shephard

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I don't know what this is. My ignorance underscores the fact that I don't consider myself a wildlife photographer. I will also say that in all of the years I've been going to our cabin in the Blacks Hills, I have only had a close encounter with these horned things once and thus, I haven't had the need to identify them. (Blissful ignorance? I hope not.)

Fortunately, I just happened to have my camera and telephoto lens handy when I did encounter this beautiful specimen. He/she wasn't alone. In fact it and its entourage were heading down Needles Highway. Tourists? I didn't see their license plates.

Check out the group photo below. (And, yes, it is slightly out of focus - my camera was as surprised as I was.)

Why not join us in the Black Hills this summer? Get more information here:

Canon 1D 1/200s f/2.8 ISO400 200mm