artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Welcome. Great pic. If I sense what you wanted with it, you might try lightening the elk (?) while keeping the foreground foliage dark. I used Photoshop's Curves and then Burn tools. One of the things I like about post processing is that it can bring the limited view of a camera into the range of human perception.

Ben Stanford Loc: Texas

ART
I'm new here, and haven't figured my way around the Hog's settings, etc.
I agree w you; "post" is amazing. I'm beginning my 2nd year of pscc, quite the learning curve, eh?
At this time my goal is to achieve what "I" saw.
I've been thru the over saturation and filters stage, and looking back, now think it horrible of what I produced. Thus, am backing down to a neutral or natural to my eye final take.
As you may know, Wildlife photography presents it's own limitations of lighting, and the animal dictates where the subject stands. Low lighting in the forest calls for higher shutter speed
( especially w the 500mm hand held), thus higher iso's. It's not only a challenge to get into position without being detected, but also pure luck if the animal presents itself for a clean shot through the trees.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

great job
welcome to UHH

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Very nice image Ben!

Don

Einreb92 Loc: Philadelphia

Welcome and thanks for sharing!

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Good one! Great catch.