The elk are ready (or at least getting ready) to Rut

Sure sign of fall....

the bull is bringing his harem to the hill to feed by the side of our house.

I figure this is the Pre-Rut to Early-Rut phase. He doesn't look aggressive. 
But he's moving his herd, who seem to me mainly interested in food.

See what the internet says about the 4 phases of the Rut:

Phases of the Rut

Pre-Rut: Prior to the Rut, the biological drive for all deer centers around feeding.  Does are in a pre-breeding state and congregate in family groups.  Bucks form bachelor groups and intermingle with does at food sources.  Towards the end of this phase, testosterone levels in bucks begin to rise and they begin exhibiting rutting behavior.

Early Rut: As the Early Rut begins and the first does begin their estrus (breeding) cycle, bucks become more territorial and break off from their bachelor groups. Bucks seem to become more reckless in their behavior and can be seen moving more during the day as the Rut swings into full gear.

Full Rut: The Full Rut coincides with the time when the majority of the does come into estrus. Deer movement occurs during all hours of the day. Bucks increase their home range in search of receptive does, traveling their rub lines and frequenting their scrapes. This is an exciting time to be in the field.

Post Rut: As the Full Rut fades to the Post Rut, the majority of the breeding activity is concluded and bucks seem to disappear from view. The increased daylight activity  seen during the Rut diminishes and frustrated hunters may only catch a glimpse of the dominant buck the last minutes of twilight.