Rare Cow Elk with Twin Calves in South Boxley Valley
Only once in 100,000 births does a cow elk have twin calves. For the second time in the last few years it has happened in Boxley Valley in the south end. I don't have a picture of her yet, but I am sure this is authentic. The 2 calves are glued to her -- I think it might be the same cow from the past. Cow elk do form nurseries, but this is not that for sure. Unlike whitetail deer, twins don't happen often in elk. This is a very rare chance for a rare animal and her twins.
The very cool mornings has the elk out in the fields. It is a great time to visit the Buffalo River Region. There are many more things to do. Visit BuffaloRiverChamber.com for maps and service listings. There are cabins and camping areas near the elk. Very affordable and nearby.
Michael Dougherty
Compton, Arkansas
2015 Arkansas Elk Rut Just Weeks Away
Effective September 1 I will start blogging again about the 2015 Arkansas Elk Rut. The rut traditionally begins about the 3rd week in September. Before then there are stages that point to the big event. I was in Boxley Valley this morning at 6AM to beat the heat and sunrise. As I expected, there were 3 elk herds in the valley, one at the north end, one in the middle, and a 3rd at the south end. By 7AM the elk were heading for cover in response to the sunrise. I did not see a single big bull, it is too early. They start showing up in mid-September. The very biggest bulls show up around October 1, and they push the smaller bulls aside. That will be prime time to catch a bullfight. The driver of the entire process is the number of cow elk that are estrous. I will be posting frequently with maps as I did last year. I will also post any decent pictures. My goal is to get photographers to visit and photograph these majestic animals. Boxley Valley is also a great place for landscape photos. There are hiking trails and other attractions.
Michael Dougherty,
Compton, Arkansas
2015 Arkansas Elk Rut Just Weeks Away
Effective September 1 I will start blogging again about the 2015 Arkansas Elk Rut. The rut traditionally begins about the 3rd week in September. Before then there are stages that point to the big event. I was in Boxley Valley this morning at 6AM to beat the heat and sunrise. As I expected, there were 3 elk herds in the valley, one at the north end, one in the middle, and a 3rd at the south end. By 7AM the elk were heading for cover in response to the sunrise. I did not see a single big bull, it is too early. They start showing up in mid-September. The very biggest bulls show up around October 1, and they push the smaller bulls aside. That will be prime time to catch a bullfight. The driver of the entire process is the number of cow elk that are estrous. I will be posting frequently with maps as I did last year. I will also post any decent pictures. My goal is to get photographers to visit and photograph these majestic animals. Boxley Valley is also a great place for landscape photos. There are hiking trails and other attractions.
Michael Dougherty,
Compton, Arkansas
03-OCT-2014
Son of the Beast
This bull has to be the son of an old bull I photographed for years. It is kind of eerie to see him, he shares many antler traits with his dad, in particular very tall tines. His eye guards are atypical wiht kickers, and one has twin points. He is a rutting herd bull now on the south end of Boxley Valley, near Ponca, AR. Visit my blog for maps and information on elk photography in Arkansas.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.blogspot.com/
October 2, 2014
Its October and the Arkansas Elk Rut is at Peak
October 1, is the traditional peak of the annual elk rut There now 2 rutting herds in Boxley Valley as shown on the map. Each herd has a rutting bull and a few satellite bulls hanging around them. These conditions set the table for a bull fight. We have had a few visitors from Pbase. These folks are more serious photographers, and some are pros. They have been happy with the pictures they get, especially when they hike the river corridor. When properly equipped, river hiking is amazing. They are getting elk photos, turkey crossings and frequent pictures of river otter. Write me for more information. I explain everything for free.
30-SEP-2014
Herd Bull turns His Harem
Big herd bull turns his harem away from the road in early AM in Boxley Valley. Herd Bulls keep their harems compact to enable protection from other bulls. In this image the bull is compacting his harem that had become diffuse while grazing. Shot in thin fog and relatively low light at ISO 2000 f 5.6 (wide open).
September 28, 2014 Elk Herd Locations
There are now 2 nice rutting herds in Boxley Valley at opposite ends of the valley. At the south end is Godzilla, a traditional herd bull a big-bodied 7x7. At the north end of the valley a small bull has control of a larger harem. There was a fight there last Thursday, there will be more as the largest bulls are starting to arrive. I saw a few tonight moving north and no doubt there will be changes soon. This is prime time to catch a bull fight. If you have been thinking about coming it is time to get here. This is a great venue for elk photography, and most visiting photographers get good results. These maps and reports are designed to guide visitors so they hit the ground running. Buffalo National River is a largely unknown federal park -- elk are only 1 atraction. We have national class smallmouth fishing, outstanding hiking trails, national class horseback riding trails. and outstanding floating. Consistently voted in the top ten parks nobody knows about but must visit. Fall color in 3 weeks. Visit
http://buffaloriverchamber for detailed guides and maps.
September 27 Elk Viewing Report in Boxley Valley, near Ponca, AR
We are getting deep into the elk rut now. Boxley Valley loads up with visitors during the rut and the valley is loading up now with visitors from all over Arkansas and the Adjacent states. There are millions of people within 2 tanks of gas of our largely unknown national park, the Buffalo National River. For more information on the overall area visit
http://BuffaloRiverChamber.com for attraction guides and hiking maps. This is a very affordable vacation destination. Elk viewing is very good now, and there are reliable reports of bull fights. The map below shows the locations of the herds by date. The most activity now is in Zone 1. There is plenty of bugling now. If you visit, please be aware of pedestrians in the viewing areas. Kids will dart out from between cars and now and then people open card doors into the traffic lanes. Watch the road and not the elk when you drive. Mornings are foggy and evenings are sunny. Experienced photographers struggle with the fog, evenings are easier. Remember to respect private property and stay out of the fields. There is a hefty fine for trespassing on private land. If you decide to make the trip feel free to write me at comptonphotographer@gmail.com for advice. I will provide in-depth advice to photographers on places and times to get the best photos. Now is a great time to come. About mid-October our fall color comes while the elk rut continues through the holidays. I can also help you locate lodging and camping facilities. Most places are booked, but there are a few spots with availability.
September 27 Elk Viewing Report in Boxley Valley, near Ponca, AR
We are getting deep into the elk rut now. Boxley Valley loads up with visitors during the rut and the valley is loading up now with visitors from all over Arkansas and the Adjacent states. There are millions of people within 2 tanks of gas of our largely unknown national park, the Buffalo National River. For more information on the overall area visit
http://BuffaloRiverChamber.com for attraction guides and hiking maps. This is a very affordable vacation destination. Elk viewing is very good now, and there are reliable reports of bull fights. The map below shows the locations of the herds by date. The most activity now is in Zone 1. There is plenty of bugling now. If you visit, please be aware of pedestrians in the viewing areas. Kids will dart out from between cars and now and then people open card doors into the traffic lanes. Watch the road and not the elk when you drive. Mornings are foggy and evenings are sunny. Experienced photographers struggle with the fog, evenings are easier. Remember to respect private property and stay out of the fields. There is a hefty fine for trespassing on private land. If you decide to make the trip feel free to write me at comptonphotographer@gmail.com for advice. I will provide in-depth advice to photographers on places and times to get the best photos. Now is a great time to come. About mid-October our fall color comes while the elk rut continues through the holidays. I can also help you locate lodging and camping facilities. Most places are booked, but there are a few spots with availability.
26-SEP-2014
Wading the Buffalo
This photographer is wading the Buffalo National River to get closer to elk and otter. The river is very wadable. Wading the weedy gravel bars is much safer than bare rock, that can be very slippery. I wade the river a lot, I recommend felt-bottomed studded wading shoes to better grip the rock. The river is not very deep in most spots, so hip boots are enough. Many hike with over the calf length boots. Wading in makes very dramatic photos possible.
26-SEP-2014
Herd Bull "Little Forks" Gathering his harem
When you watch a herd of elk, often cow elk seem to stray when grazing. Periodically the herd bull will round them up and compact his harem. This presents an opportunity to see the herd bull up close. In this image Little Forks had just turned the ladies back to where he wanted them and then he bugled. This was at the north end of Boxley Valley near the Ponca, Access.
24-SEP-2014
Satellite Bull Elk Crossing Highway 21 2014 Arkansas Elk Rut
The Arkansas elk rut is heating up now and bulls are arriving from everywhere. October 1 is the traditional peak. This bull elk will not be a herd bull, he is too small. But he will be a satellite bull hanging around the edge of the herd to pick up the occasional stray estrous cow elk. According to biologists, these satellite bulls breed more than the dominant herd bulls who are distracted by defending their harems.
23-SEP-2014
River Hiking for Elk
Buffalo National River is bounded by public land so it is legal to hike up and along the river. During elk season many veteran photographers will hike the river to get crossings and river reflection shots of wading elk. Landscape photography along the rive is also outstanding. Here are a few pointers. It is useful to have at least over-the calf height boots for river hiking. With care you can hike along gravel bars and keep the wading depth to below 18 inches. I often use hip boots for a little additional margin of error. YOu will definitely want felt soles or felt with studs to manage slippery rocks. Remember small rocks and gravel offer better footing than big rocks. Move slowly and use a wading staff -- I use my monopod or tripod as a wading staff. When I can get on an elk trail and out of the water I do. Falling and wrecking equipment or getting hurt is too great a risk. If you see a solid rock bottom, thinking skating rink, it will be very slippery. If you follow my work you will see many river pictures. Most of them were taken by hiking up and down the river. River Hiking is strenuous and hazardous, but can yield amazing results. I have photographed elk, turkey and whitetail deer crossings from the river. A good rule of thumb is to move slowly and deliberately and assume every stone is slippery or unstable. That will serve you well.
22-SEP-2014
Maverick Bull 2014 Elk Rut
This big guy is alone for now, but will no doubt show up to challenge a herd bull. He had the body mass. I think I remember him from last year's rut. He is within a half mile of where he ran a herd last year, just south of the Boxley Mill Pond. I expect him to show up any day. For now he is alone in the woods.
Chat Room Implemented @ ArkansasasWildlifePhotography.com
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com/phpchat/ This is a live chat room open most evenings after 8PM to answer questions about photography in the Buffalo National River Region. I am testing it today 9/21 at noon. Stop in and say hi. Michael Dougherty, Compton, AR.
09/21/14
September 21 Elk Viewing Report
The peak of the Arkansas elk rut is still a a couple of weeks away, but elk viewing and photography is better with each passing day. This morning there were 2 rutting herds, 1 at each end of Boxley Valley. The herd at the south end of the valley had 4 challenger herd bulls hanging around and there was evidence that there had been a bull fight. There will be more until the current herd bull is replaced. Elk viewing was over by 9:00AM. For reliable viewing it is important to get to the valley at dawn, about 7AM or before. Elk dislike heat and sunlight and they are usually gone from the fields shortly after sunrise.
9/20/14
Elk Herd Report & Location Map, Boxley Valley, Ponca, AR
This morning there was a single rutting bull and his harem in Boxley Valley. There was no bugling. This particular location marked by the date 9/20. This location has been the site of bull fights in recent years. Those fights are most frequent around October 1 when the biggest bulls arrive to join the rut. For now we have the early bulls who seldom prevail in the fights and become satellite bulls around the edge of the herds. There was a nice crowd watching and photographing the elk this morning in light fog. Arkansas remains the best kept secret for photography and wildlife. We also have the most viewable elk herd in the south. This is a great destination for photographers. If you are interested in visiting please contact me for advice I answer all emails. comptonphotographer@gmail.com.
Ideal setup for a bull elk fight
This little map shows details for Zone 5 in Boxley Valley. This field currently has a nice bull in it with a couple of dozen cow elk. The back of the field is cut with trails to the river where the elk go to drink. Challenger bulls roam up and down the river and will challenge herd bulls in Zone 5 for their harems. The setup is ideal now. 2 years ago there was a great bull fight in this field between the biggest herd bulls in the valley. There is a great video of it taken by my wife Mandy. It was amazing to witness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Pb_s1SG1o These two huge bulls began their fight in the river as shown in the attack points arrows, before they ran up to the field to finish the fight. The challenger bull is still alive and could well show up again. These fights are something you will want to photograph. It is a treat to see one. Conditions are ideal now, there is a bull with cows in the field, and around the end of September the big bulls come down the river to join the rut. This is prime bull fight season.
9/13/14
Bugling has begun in Boxley Valley
This morning the herd bull in the south valley area began bugling. This is because a small shag bull showed up around the edges of his harem. He ran him off repeatedly and bugled a few times for good measure. The stage is set for a bull fight in the Smith Creek Field, all that is required is a worthy opponent meaning a bull of comparable size to the current herd bull. There are a few around, but none have showed up by his herd. This map shows the locations of the elk. This morning there were close to 70 animals most of which were in 2 herds.
Updated Elk Viewing Map for Boxley Valley, Buffalo National River
This is the first map for the 2014 elk rut in the Buffalo National River region. Photographers with at least 400MM glass will want to shoot these animals from the roadsides. Our elk are accustomed to spectators making them an ideal subject for photographers who visit from many states. The area is near Ponca, Arkansas and is relatively close to 50 million people though it is largely unknown. There are plenty of other things to photograph and do. Compared to other similar venues tourism is inexpensive here. Photos on this Pbase account are all from the Buffalo National River Region. Write me at Admin@buffaloriverchamber.com if you have any questions or need detailed information.
12-SEP-2014
2014 Arkansas Elk Rut is Underway
Today I saw the first legitimate herd bull in action in what we call the Smith Creek field in Boxley Valley near Ponca, Arkansas. This bull looks like a departed bull I called the Boxley Beast, a great bull with great symmetry, a big 6x6, his dad was much larger before he was shot in our annual preposterous hunt. These animals are not afraid of humans, this is one of those shooting fish in a barrel kind of things. Serious elk hunters shut these hunts. I name the bulls,I am calling this one the Son of the Beast. This is his first year as a legitimate herd bull, and he is the first for 2014. I chased his dad around for 3 years before he was shot. This is not a great picture, but I will get some good ones of him this year. It is always exciting to have the rut begin. For information on the area visit buffaloriverchamber.com or write me at admin@buffaloriverchamber.com. We are the elk capital of the south.
2014 Elk Rut Beginning Slowly
This year's very hot weather has slowed the rut. Boxley Valley, near Ponca Arkansas has 2 herds of cow elk awaiting herd bulls. Usually by now there is at least 1 bull rutting very early. Not so this year so far as I have observed. The pattern for my 6 years of watching and photographing the rut is that we are in any time now mode. This will switch overnight and soon the valley will have many bull elk and mornings and evenings will be full of the sound of bugling. It is quite a treat.
Boxley Valley near Ponca, Arkansas is a part of the Buffalo National River. This is my home ground and I love this place as a naturalist and photographer. 50 million people live within 2 tanks of gas of this place but the park remains largely unknown. It is a perfect family staycation destination with hiking trails suitable for every ability level virtually adjacent to the elk viewing areas. the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce website documents all the things to do and possible cabins to rent as well as campgrounds. Complete with GPS information. Everything is very affordable compared to national norms. All of my photography is shot in this area. My wife and I have the good fortune to have a home that backs up to the Ponca Wilderness. We have 800 feet on our back line shared wih the park. I am glad to help visitors arrange lodging or camping and provide more details on how to see the elk and take pictures of this amazing place that nobody knows about. We have many visitors who used to go to Colorado to see elk who visit here instead. Once you have had the "elk experience" you will be back. Fall is the very best time and the fall season is just beginning. You can write me at comptonphotographer@gmail.com for more information.
09-SEP-2014
This morning in Boxley Valley
The 2014 elk rut is just 2 weeks away in Boxley Valley. This morning I saw 3 small herds and no large bulls. This little guy is just a yearling and is hanging out with the cow herd. Not a breeding bull. The big dogs will be coming soon-- around the 3rd week of September to around October 1. During these first 2 weeks, the best bull fights of the year happen. It is the initial struggle for domination. Very exciting. If you can come here only once during the rut, that would be the prime time, from the 3rd week in September though the second week of October.
Arkansas Elk Rut Photo Tips
I have been photographing bull elk for 7 years. Along the way I have made most possible mistakes and learned to overcome them. The following tips should help many take much better elk pictures.
1. Most photographers are after pictures of big bull elk. They must always keep in mind that during the rut, bulls are full of testosterone and can get aggressive if you crowd them. Learn to read their body language when they feel challenged -- they will square up on you, they literally get their back up, and if you look close you can see their nostrils flare. If you create this situation back off some. This is why god created telephoto lenses. If it feels tense to you, it probably is. Trust your instinct. You will also get better pictures if you and the animal are both at ease. The picture with this entry is the Boxley Stud, a monster bull. I took it on my belly looking up at him pretty close -- I would say it was 30 feet -- too close. He is one of the dominant bulls in Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR.
2. Elk as a subject. Elk are light on top, and have dark necks and bellys. I am very aware of exposure to avoid blocking up the dark areas of their bodies. Generally it is better to set up your camera for spot metering and perhaps to over-expose 1/3rd of a stop. I always shoot in RAW because it gives me more room for error.
3. Elk as a subject II. Think of an elk in terms of its component shapes. The body as a rectangle, the Rack as a hoop, the legs as sticks or lines. I believe the best pictures come from breaking the straight lines, through body twists and turns, and legs crossing or bent at the knees. Straight on side shots look like box cars or cattle. There are reasons why sculptors show curves and twisting in their works. Think about the statuary at Bass Pro and Cabellas -- you will get the idea. Break up those straight lines.
4, Equipment. My standard rig is no tripod and my DSLR with a 100-400 zoom lens, I usually try to shoot at ISO 2000, aperture priority, +1/3 stop and at least f8.
5. Composition I go for "a day in the life of" pictures, I want a real or implied story. Also I prefer movement or two animals interacting. A good compo pulls people in. It makes people guess what the animal is feeling. It has an emotional aspect to it. It compels participation by the observer. I also love color and long tonal scales. Something special about the light. You have to observe and think to get great compos. Also pre-visualize away from the camera. Imagine your "bucket list".
15-OCT-2010
The Buffalo National River Elk Experience
the Bull Above is JYD (Junk Yard Dog) one of the big dominant herd bulls in Boxley Valley. There are others and it changes each year.
The Annual elk rut in the Buffalo National River region is now only a month off beginning the end of September and lasting at least a month. Judging from the amount of traffic on my elk gallery, I think more than a few of you are interested in taking photos of the Arkansas Elk Herd. I am an espert on Elk Photography in Arkansas. This year I will blog on Pbase as well as on my regular website and blog about the elk rut.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com. You may write me too at comptonphotographer@gmail.com.
Arkansas has arguably the most photographable elk herd in the South. The main venue is Boxley Valley a huge tract of pasture land surrounded by limestone bluffs. I am president of the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce
http://buffaloriverchamber.com. Our website is the definitive guide to the river, its hundreds of miles of hiking trails and wildlife. In these blogs I will report on elk movements, share pictures, elk herd locations and tips on elk photography. This has been my obsession for 6 years. So stay tuned. If you had to pick one person to answer your questions about photographing elk in Arkansas it would be me.
29-NOV-2013
96A9633 late rut 2013 ponca access 8z19 web.jpg
19-NOV-2013
96A9445 godzilla steering his herd 12x6 web.jpg
19-NOV-2013
96A9433 godzilla and harem 12x8 crop web.jpg
15-NOV-2013
96A9400 calf feeding along creek 8x10 web.jpg
14-NOV-2013
96A9388 bull crossing 43 with tourist 10x8 crop web.jpg
14-NOV-2013
96A9346 roadside shag bull crop 10x8 web.jpg
24-SEP-2013
96A6693 5x5 in front of barn 10x8 web.jpg
13-NOV-2013
"Junk Yard Dog", 7x7 Herd Bull in Mid-November
Contrary to popular opinion, the best elk shooting for bulls is from now until the end of March. It is when the elk rut is winding down (and over) that we get close to the big guys like JYD. Got him 11/13/13 up close.
10-OCT-2013
96A7529 satellite bull by buffalo 8x10 web.jpg
10-OCT-2013
96A7485 hooks in pasture 8x10 web.jpg
09-OCT-2013
96A7399 hooks at last light 8x10 crop web.jpg
09-OCT-2013
96A7264 hooks looking away 8x10 web.jpg
09-OCT-2013
96A7261 hooks standard pose 8x10 web.jpg
08-OCT-2013
96A7175 hooks by tree line 8x10 web.jpg
07-OCT-2013
96A7165 hooks 10x8 web.jpg
03-OCT-2013
Pretty Boy Herd Bull in Ponca Field, 2013 Elk Rut
The 2013 elk rut is underway. It is not affected by the closing of the national park.
08-MAR-2013
March 2013 Bull at Sunrise
We are in the rut, but great elk photo opportunities will continue for months. This bull was photographed in March 2013
27-SEP-2013
Elk Nursery Looking for the Cows
Elk form nurseries and share calf rearing duties so that cows can be freed up to graze in shifts. This little group got separated somehow and were working pretty hard to recontact their mothers.
28-SEP-2013
Elk Watchers in Ponca, AR
This picture is from September 28. Elk watching in Arkansas is being discovered. After the big floods in Estes Park many are now coming to Arkansas to see elk. The big bull "Pretty Boy" put on a great show this morning pushing his harem up to the fence right in front of elk watchers and photographers.
28-SEP-2013
Herd Bull "Little Tine"
This herd bull has a very tiny tine on his left antler, just a barb. This distinctive trait has not prevented him from running a harem in 2013
28-SEP-2013
2013 Herd Bull "Pretty Boy"
This bull is too small to be a dominant herd bull, but he is a herd bull early and late in the elk rut for 3 years now. He is a couple of years away.
Locating Arkansas Elk Bull Fights -- 2013 Elk Rut
Due to severe flood damage, Estes Park is just about out of business for this year's elk rut. Consequently elk fans are visiting Arkansas' elk herd, centered in Ponca, AR. I have a blog
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.blogspot.com that publishes daily maps and elk photography tips, as well as photos. 49 entries so far in September.
If you are an elk fan it is time you visited Arkansas. We are nearby, our lodging is very inexpensive, and the elk viewing and photography is outstanding. There are also many outstanding hiking trails.
http://buffaloriverchamber.com for details on prices and contact information as well as the very best area guide.
We are just now starting the Arkansas elk rut for 2013. The map below shows all the herd locations, and it shows where bull elk fights have traditionally taken place. Elk viewing is very good because our elk are boxed in by bluffs around the Buffalo National River. All the elk photography in this blog is taken in Boxley Valley.
25-SEP-2013
Herd Bull "Tiny Fork"
The big bulls are starting to show up now for the 2013 elk rut. This is the first sign we are heading toward the peak starting just a week off. Tiny Fork is one of the recent comers. Here he is bugling.
22-SEP-2013
Hooks Running Off a Spike Elk
22-SEP-2013
Hooks through Foliage
22-SEP-2013
Hooks the Arkansas Bull Elk
17-SEP-2013
JYD and His Harem -- 2013 Arkansas Elk Rut
17-SEP-2013
Cow Elk Crossing the Buffalo National River
17-SEP-2013
JYD Running His Harem
10-SEP-2013
Big Bull Elk at Ponca Access -- 2013 Arkansas Elk Rut
Big herd bull in the Buffalo National River drinking after grazing. 2013 elk rut is now underway.
04-SEP-2013
Shag Bull Crossing the Buffalo III
My fascination is light. I like this picture because the bull is in mixed, cutting light as he heads across the Buffalo National River.
04-SEP-2013
Shag Bull Crossing the Buffalo II
This picture of the little guy was within 20 yards. He was pretty comfortable with me and more concerned with continuing on to join the cow elk. As you can see he has not completed scraping velvet off his antlers.
04-SEP-2013
Shag Bull Crossing the Buffalo
This little guy is a few years away from being in the fight. I shot him trailing a cow herd on the way to the bedding area. I like the light. I was close enough to him to see the pores in his nose.
03-SEP-2013
JYD, 2013 Contender
JYD, "Junk Yard Dog" is a returning herd bull. This is his 4th year in front of my lens. This year he is sporing 2 more points and is a 7x7. He will be a contender for breeding rights in the rut, coming in mid-September.
23-AUG-2013
Twinforks -- First Rutting Bull in 2013 Rut
For the third year now, Twinforks has been the first bull active in the rut. In a couple of weeks the "big dogs" will arrive, and he likely will be reduced to a satellite bull. He is a couple of years away from having "game".
13-AUG-2013
Droopy
Droopy is an atypical bull elk. His left antler seems to grow down. It will be interesting to see how well this works in bull fights this year.
17-AUG-2013
Bulls in Velvet, 2013 Rut
The final step leading to the rut is for the bulls to scrape the velvet off their antlers. As you can see the velvet on their antlers is already loosening up.
01-FEB-2013
Winter Elk Sunrise in Boxley Valley
Early morning offers selective light and painterly drama to ordinary settings.
18-DEC-2012
Boxley Stud at Clark Mill Pond
Another interpretation from the same shoot. This big guy gave me 2 shots I like a lot.
18-DEC-2012
The Boxley Stud in December Frost, PostRut
The rut is over now and the big bulls are herded up. This is the best time to get great bull photos. This is in my top 5 for this year
12-DEC-2012
Bull Elk by Old Boxley Grain Mill
28-SEP-2009
Big Bull at Sunrise
I have over 100,000 pictures of Arkansas Elk. I found this big guy digging around in a file about 2 years old. I like the light and he is a fine bull. Cutting light like this is rare, more rare than a bull of this size.
05-NOV-2010
Big Bull Crosses the Buffalo at Sunrise
20-NOV-2012
Looking for Intruders
23-NOV-2012
Cow Elk Searching for Calf
23-NOV-2012
Prince Crossing a Dry Creek
20-NOV-2012
Boxley Stud "Winding" Me
16-NOV-2012
Bachelor Bull Herd 2012
As the rut winds down, bull elk form all male herds. This is one of them, currently 14 bulls.
14-NOV-2012
Cow Elk Crossing the Buffalo in November
14-NOV-2012
Royal Bull Elk Through the Leaves
Sometimes you get what you get. The bull is in focus inside a "frame" of leaves.
14-NOV-2012
Got Antlers?
The biggest bull in 2012, The Boxley Stud.
14-NOV-2012
Monarch Crosses the Buffalo
13-NOV-2012
Sunrise in a November Frost
13-NOV-2012
Boxley Stud and Cow Elk
13-NOV-2012
The Boxley Stud in November Frost
This bull is the biggest in Boxley Valley this year. This is the first picture I have that I feel really good about. I got him up close illuminated by frost. He had himself interposed between me and his harem as they moved between two fields. He is a spectacular 9x8 bull elk. I call him the Boxley Stud.
12-NOV-2012
Satellite Bull Gesturing Me Away
It is pretty rare for Arkansas elk to show aggression. I moved into this bulls comfort zone and he turned his head and shoulders toward me to signal that I had crossed into his comfort zone. At the time I was 30 yards from him kneeling close to the ground.
12-NOV-2012
Satellite Bull Trailing the Herd
12-NOV-2012
Satellite Bull Elk at Roadside
10-NOV-2012
Late Rut Herd in Boxley Valley
12-NOV-2012
Satellite Bull in November
27-SEP-2012
Satellite Bull Hiding in the Woods
Satellite bulls trail herds hoping for straying estrous cow elk. This one was 50 yards behind the herd moving through the woods to its bedding ground.
10-NOV-2012
Sweet Nothings
The biggest bull elk in Boxley Valley woos a cow. November elk rut.
08-NOV-2012
Moving South in Boxley Valley
This is a Buffalo River Crossing. The herd was displaced by grazing cattle and has headed south. I was lucky to get them in the river.
18-OCT-2012
Morning Bugling Elk Boxley Valley
18-OCT-2012
JYD Bugling at Sunrise in Boxley Valley
04-NOV-2012
Boxley Stud Grazing at Sunrise
01-NOV-2012
Twinforks, Satellite Bull 2012 Rut
This picture is ripping sharp. Nothing like a little light and no fog.
01-NOV-2012
Boxley Stud at Sunrise
Elk photography will be good for a long time to come in Boxley Valley even as the rut is slowly tailing off.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.blogspot.com/2012/11/11112-late-rut-whats-ahead.html
30-OCT-2012
Boxley Stud, Cow and Calf -- Backlit Frost
Super tough shooting conditions yielded few usable shots. This is the biggest bull in the valley this year. A great bull, the Boxley Stud, a multi-year herd bull. The 2012 rut is slowly waning now, but will go on at least another month.
28-OCT-2012
Bull Elk Fight, Second in 8 Days
This was a very difficult shot to get. I had to shoot straight into the rising sun hitting a frost covered field. My exposure was to overexpose +1 stop to open up the dark colored head and neck area of the elk. It was at times blindingly bright.
I could not be more pleased with this elk fight shot. I think it is a totally unique moment. The two are briefly nose-to-nose, and making eye contact. I have never seen this before.
23-OCT-2012
Elk Crossing of Buffalo National River
This is a pretty standard crossing. The herd bull is with his cows and off camera is a satellite bull hoping to catch a stray.
23-OCT-2012
Satellite Bull at Big Hollow
Taken in low light and light fog along Buffalo National River.
21-OCT-2012
Cow Elk in Buffalo National River
Elk Herd Locations in Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR 10/19/12
This is my Friday map of elk herd locations in Boxley Valley near Ponca, Arkansas. These elk are easy to photograph from the road. For that reason, the valley draws photographers from all over the US. The best time for viewing is from daybreak to 9 AM and after 5 PM.
18-OCT-2012
Steamy Bugle, Boxley Valley, AR
It is finally cold enough to get these shots. I like this one with the rim lighting and the calf elk getting out of the way. Shooting like this is just about every day now. Ponca, Arkansas is within 2 tanks of gas of about 20% of the US population.
15-OCT-2012
Herd Bull "Junk Yard Dog" and Cow Elk, 2012 Rut
16-OCT-2012
Satellite Bull at the Ponca Access
This guy was close enough to take with any camera.
Elk Herd Locations in Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR 10/14/12
The annual Boxley Valley Elk Rut is now at peak. The map below is published every day at
Other than for Estes Park, CO, Ponca Arkansas' Boxley Valley is probably the best venue for elk photographers. Boxley Valley is in a narrow canyon and elk are never too far from the roadsides. The pictures you see in this blog are all from Boxley Valley.
Great elk viewing will continue for at least a month, and it will be very good until the the end of the year.
13-OCT-2012
Herd Bull Posing in the Buffalo National River
13-OCT-2012
Cow Elk with Walking Bull in Buffalo National River
13-OCT-2012
3 Spike Bull Elk in the Buffalo River
13-OCT-2012
Cow and Calf Elk Crossing the Buffalo
13-OCT-2012
Satellite Bull and Cow Up Close
13-OCT-2012
Bull and Cow in Buffalo National River
10-OCT-2012
Bull Crossing the Buffalo National River in Fall Color
10-OCT-2012
Big Bull Drinking
This is a later shot in the same sequence as below. If you are thinking about visiting Boxley Valley, it is time now. The rut is peaking, and shooting will be great for about another month, and very good until the end of the year. Fall color is now pretty good.
10-OCT-2012
Crossing the Upper Buffalo National River
This big bull is a couple of years from competing in the rut. He has joined a bachelor herd and stays away from the rut.
07-OCT-2012
Elk Photographers at Boxley Valley, Buffalo National River near Ponca, AR
Great photography opportunities exist now in the 2012 Arkansas elk rut. The rut hit peak just last week and cold weather has kicked the rut up a notch. A great place to visit for photographers from many states.
04-OCT-2012
Satellite Bull Crossing Buffalo National River
This picture is from a Buffalo River Crossing I shot on 10/5. This is my favorite shot because of the light.
In NW Arkansas we have just entered the peak elk rut. Few people know how good elk photography is here. Our elk are in a box canyon and readily accessible. For the next 5 weeks we are in prime time.
To see the rest of this shoot, and learn more visit this link.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com/2012_elk_gallery_3_crossing.html#axzz28Z7UeVK4
Elk Herd Locations in Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR 9/23/12
This map shows elk herd locations for September 23 2012 in Boxley Valley, part of the Buffalo National River.
Dates on the map represent locations. Larger dates are the most current sightings. All bull herds are identified.
Boxley Valley is one of the best locations in the US for watching elk. It is arguably the elk capital of the south. It is located within 2 tanks for gas of 20% of the US population. For information on the area visit
http://buffaloriverchamber.com.
09-SEP-2012
First Rutting Bull of 2012 -- Twin Forks
The 2012 Arkansas Elk Rut is now officially started.
http://arkansaselk.mobi for maps and information. This is the first rutting bull -- Twin Forks.
He is a good sized bull but perhaps not quite large enough to withstand the challengers that will come soon.
Sunrise Crossing at Highway 21
Winter remains excellent for elk photography in Arkansas. This sunrise shot of a bull following a herd post rut is proof.
JYD at Beechwoods Cemetary
I suppose like many photographers, I never keep up with my post processing. I think this is a carry over from when I used to shoot slides, of course, that bad habit keeps me from doing the other half of photography, getting the image right in post processing. My folder of "images to do" contains old images, some forgotten. I found this one last night from 2010. I call this bull elk "junk yard dog". He has wonderful symmetry and a kind of hoop shape to his rack.
Crossing an Ozark Creek
This is a typical December elk shot. Long after the peak of the annual elk rut, I pretty much have the place to myself.
04-NOV-2011
Prince, Classic Pose
Another view of the great one, just razor sharp.
04-NOV-2011
Prince and Cow Elk in 2011 Rut
Easily the finest bull elk in the Ozarks. Prince is a super rare double drop tine typical atypical. Simple a splendid animal.
Crossing the Buffalo
A small satellite bull persuades a couple of cow elk to cross the Buffalo National River for some private time.
Prince of Boxley Valley
Prince entering a field in the evening. Amazing bull elk.
Godzilla Bugles While Walking
Boxley Beast vs Godzilla Bull Fight
The Prince of Boxley Valley
This is a better image of Prince, our trophy atypical bull elk. He showed up this year for the first time with double drop tines and twin points on each. Visit the Buffalo National River area of Arkansas to witness some of the finest elk viewing in the US. The area is nearby to 50 million people, but most don't know about it. It is one of America's undiscovered natural treasures.
http://buffaloriverchamber.com .
Tame Elk in Boxley Valley
On a state highway, a tame elk is a dead elk walking. This little guy allows people to pet him. If you plan a visit to see our elk, DO NOT feed him or pet him. He just walked up to this photographer, then a few others. I like the photo, but hate the situation. I alerted authorities to tray to get him relocated.
Bull Fight in Boxley Valley, Near Ponca AR
This is a scene from the 2011 rut in Boxley Valley, near Ponca, AR taken on September 28th.
Boxley Valley is arguably one of the best places to take elk pictures in the US. The unique geology of the valley traps elk close to the road for great viewing and picture taking opportunities. We are now in the elk rut, and it will continue for at least another month.
Prince with Spike, Cow and Calf
Prince, an 8x8 Royal Bull
This bull has to be one of the great trophy bull elk in the US. He is an 8x8 with great symmetry, and two drop tines each with two points. So very rare he should be cast in bronze. Outstanding.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com for more information.
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10/14/10
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This is from mid-October 2010. The annual elk rut is at peak at Buffalo National River near Ponca, Arkansas. Visit my website,
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com for information on the rut, and taking pictures in the Buffalo National River area. Fall color is just coming on now. Great photography ahead now for weeks.
12-OCT-2010
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29-SEP-2010
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30-SEP-2010
105949 bubba stud looks off a satellite 10x8 web.jpg
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105699-hacksaw-crossing-the-buffalo-12x6-web.jpg
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29-AUG-2010
102391 elk antlers up close web.jpg
29-AUG-2010
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29-AUG-2010
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Elk Watching In Boxley Valley
If you are a photographer, and interested in getting pictures of Arkansas elk, go to my website,
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com. Peak elk viewing for the 2010 Rut begins around September 15 and extends to October 15, but excellent elk viewing continues through November. As you can see, this is a great venue for photography and elk viewing. We are the elk capital of the south.
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Very rare photo of cow elk with twin calves. This occurs less than .025% of all birth in elk -- one in every 400 to 450 births.
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30-MAR-2010
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07-MAR-2010
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05-MAR-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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18-FEB-2010
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31-JAN-2010
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31-JAN-2010
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15-JAN-2010
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31-DEC-2009
Bull Elk and Cow December 31
11-DEC-2009
Cow Elk Chasing Off Dog
04-DEC-2009
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04-DEC-2009
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04-DEC-2009
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04-DEC-2009
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26-NOV-2009
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22-NOV-2009
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29-SEP-2009
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09-NOV-2009
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07-NOV-2009
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07-NOV-2009
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05-NOV-2009
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29-OCT-2009
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25-OCT-2009
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25-OCT-2009
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25-OCT-2009
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25-OCT-2009
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25-OCT-2009
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19-OCT-2009
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19-OCT-2009
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19-OCT-2009
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19-OCT-2009
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19-OCT-2009
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18-OCT-2009
Elk Grazing in Field by Boxley
#81,823 Elk grazing in early fall color in Boxley Valley.
09-OCT-2009
Cow Elk Playing in Flood Water
#81,167 Cow elk playing in flood water after heavy storms dropped more than 5 inches of water.
10/07/09
Big Bull #6 Grazing in Sunrise Meadow
#80,852 Big bull grazing in light shafts, Boxley Valley, Ponca, Arkansas
07-OCT-2009
Bull Elk #6 Drinking at Boxley
#80,868 Huge satellite bull bides his time for a challenge of a nearby herd bull in Boxley Valley.
25-SEP-2009
Rutting Elk in Boxley Valley, Buffalo National River
22-SEP-2009
Sparring Satellite Bulls
06-SEP-2009
First Big Bull of 2009 Rut
#78,518 First big bull of 2009. He is a great 6x6 with good symmetry.
15-AUG-2009
Private Affection at Sunrise
#77,633 Private affections expressed between a mother and her newborn as the sun began to cut through their field.
21-AUG-2009
First Signs of the 2009 Elk Rut
#77976 This is my first herd bull shot of 2009. Today for the first time I saw some evidence of the rut, but I would say it was hardly a beginning. Two cow elk "presented" to this bull while I photographed them. This bull is likely just a year away from keeping a cow herd after the rut begins. The really big bulls will come down in late September and just take over.
8/13/09
Cow Elk and 2 Day Old Calf
#77,372 Very rare picture of a tiny calf elk. Typically they are hidden until they are a few weeks old. At this age, they eat and sleep until they have the strength to move on.
8/8/09
Cow and Bull Elk Boxing
#76973 This is a pretty rare picture. An amorous bull nuzzled up on a cow about a month before the rut. He was ready, she was not. This was the result. She won.
26-JUL-2009
Calf Elk Reads the Park Rules
18-JUL-2009
Sparring Elk in Velvet
05-JUL-2009
Calf Elk Early 2009
10-JUN-2009
Newborn Elk Calf, Buffalo National River
72,615 This is a picture of the first elk calf born in 2009 )(at least the first one I saw.) Usually they are hidden away until much later. See my website,
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com for more details, especially for visiting photographers.
06-JUN-2009
Bull Elk Herd, Boxley Valley June 2009
#72,363 Bull elk herd in the off-rut period of the year. Roughly from January to September in Boxley Valley. Usually the bull herds disappear to the upper wilderness, but this one is at the south end of the valley now. The biggest bulls are herd bulls, and just 3 months from now will be fighting fiercely for domination and breeding rights. Photographers interested in photographing these animals should visit my
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com website for detailed advice on locations, times and other issues related to visiting the area.
06-JUN-2009
Morning Herd Bull in Velvet
06-JUN-2009
Herd Bulls in Velvet, Boxley Valley
#72,332 A rare picture of large bull elk in late velvet. About two months of growth remains for their antlers. Usually they are dug in deep in our upper wilderness area. In this care they migrated down for an unusual opportunity.
09-MAR-2009
March Elk
#68,333 March bull elk in early morning light.
03-MAR-2009
Big 7x7 In Woods
#68,214 Decent bull pictures are getting hard to get now, but this big guy hung around long enough to give me a shot in the woods.
19-FEB-2009
Calf Elk By The Ponca Access
#68,106 This is the slow time of year for elk photography. Very soon now the bulls will drop their antlers, those that remain are very ragged. This is my down season with fewer visits, but now and then a nice non-bull photo comes along. This little one is one of those.
18-FEB-2009
Cow Elk Jumping Fence
67,968 Caught this one just right on a beautiful Arkansas morning.
12-DEC-2008
Herd Bull Looking Around
12-DEC-2008
Bull Elk Walking to Herd
12-DEC-2008
Two Cows and a Calf at Sunrise
#65558 This will is a favorite picture because of the light and the unusual poses and context. This calf elk is trotting to its mother, as she and another cow are looking back. Nice edge illumination and long tonal scale in frost set this image apart in my mind.
12-DEC-2008
Shag Elk and Cow
12-DEC-2008
Shag Elk Sniffing Air
12-DEC-2008
Cow Elk in Frost
12-DEC-2008
Bull Elk Grazing at First Light
#65423 The unusual colors of his coat is due to frost on his hair.
12-DEC-2008
Three Grazing Cow Elk in Frost
#65261 Three cow elk grazing just after waking up. If you look closely you will see frost on their backs. Elk fur has superior insulating qualities, so much so that it insulates the frost on the fur from the body heat of the animal. Generally they will carry this frost on their coats until they are hit by the sun.
11-DEC-2008
Two Big Bulls by Fence
12-DEC-2008
Big Bull in Lost Valley
26-NOV-2008
Three Shag Elk in Frost at Lost Valley
26-NOV-2008
Elk Calf on Cold November Morning
25-NOV-2008
Crossing Lost Valley Road
23-NOV-2008
Satellite Bull at Lost Valley
#60636 Migrating to his bedding area, a parting glance as I followed him.
21-NOV-2008
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21-NOV-2008
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21-NOV-2008
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20-NOV-2008
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20-NOV-2008
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20-NOV-2008
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20-NOV-2008
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10-NOV-2008
Monster of Boxley Valley
#58728 This huge guy is probably the largest bull in Boxley Valley this year, I would guess he is too old to hold a herd. He is absolutely massive with a fine rack.
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
09-NOV-2008
Bull Elk Fight
29-OCT-2008
Elk in Morning Frost
29-OCT-2008
Love in the Frost
#56002 Herd bull sniffing one of his ladies.
29-OCT-2008
Bull Elk Dominant Bull
03-NOV-2008
Elk Herd Pano, Buffalo National River
#57411 Elk herd panoramic. Herd was bedding down next to the cane line.
29-SEP-2008
Herd Bull Crossing the Buffalo
#52404 In the rut each herd gets a herd bull through a process elimination. After the fights for domination are completed, the herd bull move their herds around the Boxley Valley from field to field, traditionally following rather than leading his herd. This big guy is crossing the Buffalo National River and drinking as he walks.
22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
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22-SEP-2008
Rumbling in Boxley Valley
#51,469 People interested in shooting bull elk fights and hearing them bugle will find no better venue in the south than Boxley Valley in NW Arkansas. Visit my blog site at
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com for details, and how-to's.
12-SEP-2008
Bull Elk Along Fenceline
#50293 Bull elk along fence line in Boxley Valley.
07-SEP-2008
Looking for Love
#49599 The big bulls in Boxley Valley, near Ponca, Arkansas, are beginning to join the cow elk in the earliest stage of the elk rut. There is no bugling, no real bull fighting, but the bulls at least temporarily are "running" the cows. A caught cow is mated.
This big guy wandered into very deep grass looking for love. I report on this daily on my blog site
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com. I encourage interested photographers to consider making a trip to NW Arkansas. It is a place nearby to see the elk rut, and witness bull fights now and then. Soon will be color season, a great time to be here.
19-AUG-2008
Elk Along a River Trail
#47443 These guys were migrating along in front of me at a leisurely pace, stopping occasionally to look back and check on me.
We are about a month now from the peak rut, and it should be starting in about three weeks. Anyone interested in coming to Arkansas to see the elk should check out my blog at
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com . I do reports a couple of times a week on the current situation in Boxley Valley, Arkansas' best elk viewing destination.
29-AUG-2008
Calf in Field
21-AUG-2008
Young Bull Elk and Calf
21-AUG-2008
Startled Elk Look Back As They Stop
21-AUG-2008
Young Bull, Cow and Calf Elk in Boxley Valley
21-AUG-2008
Herd In Corner by 43
#47502 Elk herd in corner by highway 43.
17-AUG-2008
Velvet Bull Elk in Fog
#47221 The bull elk are now starting get in position for the 2008 rut in Boxley Valley. This morning I observed 14 bulls in a separate herd, for the first time they were near the cows and not at the south end of the Boxley Valley. This picture is of three of the largest bulls, plus the very largest of the bunch, a 6x5 bull. Rut is about a month off now. Check out my online guide to photography in Boxley Valley.
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com . It provides maps, and frequent reports on what is going on with photo opportunities. If you live near NW Arkansas, don't miss the rut, it is a spectacle. This is also our peak color time. Plenty of shooting to fill each days.
21-MAR-2008
Grazing Elk at Sunrise
#39,090 Taken in Boxley Valley at sunrise. Boxley Valley is a part of the Buffalo National River park. It is by far the easiest place to see the elk.
17-JUN-2008
Bull Elk in Velvet in Deep Woods
#43533 It is between seasons now and the elk are calving. The bulls shed their antlers in March, and the regrowth of new antlers has begun. This bull is in velvet in the woods.
23-DEC-2007
Bull by Cabin Backover Pose
This big guy was pretty cooperative and gave me a couple of different poses. #39,674
23-DEC-2007
Bull Elk by Boxley Valley Cabin
Bull elk by cabin in Boxley Valley. This is part of the winter pattern when bull elk leave the cow heards. Typically they herd up in bachelor herds until the next rut. #39,649
09-NOV-2007
Cow Elk Crossing Buffalo in Late Fall Color
08-DEC-2006
December Elk in Boxley Valley
15-DEC-2006
Cow Elk by Sycamore Tree, Boxley Valley
Another scene from Buffalo National River park. #3,126
10-DEC-2006
Big Bull Elk Along Fenceline
08-DEC-2006
Cow Elk Herd in Winter
Cow elk herd in winter. After the rut, the cows and bulls segregate, with the cow elk in the north Boxley Valley area, and the bulls moving to the south Boxley Valley area. We are now in this transitional phase. By early December it will be pretty much complete. #1,765
10-DEC-2006
Small Bull Herd Late Season
Unattached bull elk pool up in bachelor herds after the rut. These three were shot in the south Boxley Valley area. #1979
10-OCT-2007
Bull By Fence at Sunrise
This is a bull trailing his herd. In most migrations, the dominant bull is the last in line, presumably to guard against challenges from other bulls. #28,622
24-SEP-2007
Bull Elk Bugling in Buffalo River
Bull elk bugles after following his herd in a migration across the Buffalo River. #19,006
19-SEP-2007
Big Bull Side Pose
I call this bull medusa because of his curly antlers. Generally I am not into straight ahead side poses, but his magnficent rack I think justifies it. He emerged this year as one of three dominant bulls in Boxley Valley. #18,344
18-SEP-2007
Rubbing Along Corral Fence Line
This big old guy was sparring with brush along the fence line. He was agitated by the presence of satellite bulls and the prospect of having to defend his herd. #18,076
24-DEC-2006
Two Young Bulls in Roadside Woods
13-DEC-2006
Elk at Dusk in Lost Valley
In the field next to lost valley school. #2,720
13-DEC-2006
Frosty Morning in Lost Valley
Elk often herd up near the old school at the entrance to the Lost Valley Campground. #2,516
17-NOV-2007
Morning Sidelit Bellowing Bull Brown-Toned
24-SEP-2007
Monster in the Mist Sepia
A different take on an earlier photo. #18,792
28-DEC-2006
Spike and Cow Elk Crossing Buffalo
28-DEC-2006
Three Cows and a Spike Crossing
28-DEC-2006
3 Cows Crossing the Buffalo
From a memorable day last December. #4,194
29-SEP-2007
Elk on Foggy Morning
26-OCT-2007
Big Bull by Barn
This is the biggest bull I have seen in Boxley Valley this year. He is also running the largest herd. He was late to join the rutting herds, but he immediately took over from the prior dominant bull. #30,770
24-OCT-2007
Bull by Stump and Calf
Big herd bull behind stump watching a small calf as it runs by. #30,467
13-OCT-2007
Big Bull by Cabin
05-OCT-2007
Cow Feeding along Woods Edge
25-OCT-2007
Big Bull in Filtered Morning Light Black and White
This is my favorite bull visually. He has curly antlers with drop tines. #30,749
07-NOV-2007
Boxing Baby Bull Elk
Baby bull elk boxing on a frosty Boxley Valley morning. #38,361
09-NOV-2007
Cow Elk Crossing the Buffalo
09-NOV-2007
Bull Drinking from Buffalo River
Rare moment of fall color and Buffalo River wildlife. Soft light makes this scene look pastel. #38,784
09-NOV-2007
Spike Horn in River Brush
This one was spying on me as I was hiking the Buffalo River. #38,869
09-NOV-2007
November River Crossing in Fall Color
Nice reflections in final fall color. #38,825
06-NOV-2007
Big Bull Along Woods Line
Big bull elk along woods line. Note the rubs on the tree trunk. This is one way that elk mark their territory. #33,050
05-NOV-2007
Rounding up a Cow
This photo isolates a bull rounding up a cow that has strayed from his herd. You will note that his is turning her back to the left. During the rut, dominant bulls spend a lot of time compacting and protecting their herds, and fighting off challengers. #32,775
05-NOV-2007
Waiting to Cross
With colors running all over the place, this photo was much better as black and white, and I prefer it in sepia tone. This is an elk herd waiting to cross highway 43 to a different pasture. #32,869
05-NOV-2007
Bull Jumping Fence
Bull jumping fence in Boxley Valley as herd migrates to the south. Typically when elk migrate, the bull is dead last. Presumably he is protecting the rear from threats. #33,007
05-NOV-2007
Bull Drinking from Buffalo River
Something different, a small elk picture, more of a landscape. We were awaiting a potential crossing, but the elk were only going for a drink. Nice fall color. #32,906
31-OCT-2007
Bull Peeking Through Tree Line
Bull peeking through tree line at me. #31,887
29-OCT-2007
Sidelit Bellowing Bull
Contrasty photo of bull elk in early morning. #31,533
01-NOV-2007
Bull Elk at Forest's Edge
Satellite bull at the forest's edge in Boxley Valley. #32015
01-NOV-2007
Bull Elk Crossing 43 at Ponca
Wonderful fall light and a rare opportunity got me this fine bull today. He was crossing with his herd to the upper pastures near Ponca. #32,080
26-OCT-2007
Sparing Bulls
Bulls sparing along the tree line in Boxley Valley. #30,870
28-OCT-2007
Bull Jumping Fence
Bull jumping fence on foggy day. #31,348
28-OCT-2007
Bull Surveying Fenceline
As part of the migration to another field, the herd bull surveys the fence and the field behind the herd as they migrate away. #31,339
28-OCT-2007
Elk Bedding in the October Fog
Foggy mornings in Boxley Valley create opportunities for closeups, but high ISOs in dim light are tough to manage. These elk were awaiting migration to the next field. #31,296
27-OCT-2007
Bull Returning to Herd in Fog
This was a tough morning in Boxley Valley, very thick fog. Still the alpha bull of the herd up by HW 21 drove off competitors and then returned to his herd in the lifting fog. #31,148
26-OCT-2007
Counterpoint Bulls
I got this unusual composition after two bulls quit sparring. #30,884
26-OCT-2007
Big Bull in Pasture
This bull is a casualty of the current rut. He was a participant in the bull fight I recently documented, and he has now come up a bit lame. I imagine he will heal and in a few weeks he will be OK. But for this year, he can no longer fight, and he will not mate. #31,032
Patterns Change in Boxley Valley, Ponca, Arkansas
Yesterday, for the first time, it was clear that the elk
in Boxley Valley, Arkansas' premier elk viewing site, have
dramatically changed their patterns probably due to the rut.
For the last few days the daytime high temperature had shifted
from the 80s down to the 60s. This seems to have ramped up
the rut and elk are wandering everywhere in Boxley Valley, and,
importantly, they can be seen during the day. It is true that
peak viewing remains in the morning and evening, but there are
plenty of opportunities during the day.
Good news for photographers is that we are heading quickly into
fall color now. It is delayed about a week or two, presumably
due to climate change, i.e., global warming. If you make a trip
to NW Arkansas to photograph elk, you can now depend on very
good photo opportunities with added fall color. Fall is one of
the prime landscape seasons, and when you hit the rut, it is
pretty easy to shoot 500+ photos a day.
Stay tuned. I will provide periodic updates on what is happening
with the elk herd. There are signficant seasonal shifts in photo
opportunities that make all the difference to photographers
visiting this beautiful area. The landscapes are worth visiting
alone, but the elk offer a great additional payoff.
Ponca Elk Education Center 870-861-2432. Mary Ann Hicks and Carol
Villines can help you with everthing you need to know locally.
For more information, call the Ponca Elk Education Center. If you
see me shooting in the valley, stop and say hi. I am there most
every day. I am the gray haired guy with the tripod and big lens.
25-OCT-2007
Bull Elk Classic Pose
A standard pose by a very nice 6x6. #30,733
24-OCT-2007
Bull by Field Stump 2
Another picture of the bull hanging around a stump. #30,475
24-OCT-2007
Bull Elk Peeking Around Stump
For some reason this big guy was peeking from behind a stump at me. He was busy keeping his herd in a compact group near a small stream. #30,469
24-OCT-2007
Bull, Cow and Calf in Stream
Three elk, a portion of a small herd under the protection of the alpha bull. #30,451
21-OCT-2007
7x8 Bull Elk Along Fenceline
One of the biggest of this year's bulls in the south end of Boxley Valley near the Baptist Church. #30,328
14-OCT-2007
Satellite Bulls at Sunrise
Satellite bull bugles a challenge during the October rut. #29,909
13-OCT-2007
7x8 Bull in Backover Pose
This big boy came out for a private showing quite unexpectedly. He was in a field behind the church in Boxley Valley. #29,559
12-OCT-2007
Battlers in the Mist
A fight today in the early morning mist in Boxley Valley. #29,118
12-OCT-2007
Family Photo
Father and child photo. Dad bugles and child participates in the staredown. #28,995
10-OCT-2007
Shag Bull by Walnut Grove Cemetary
This little guy actually posed in good light by the Walnut Grove Cemetary in Boxley Valley. Those who have wondered if I had any concept of light and color will find some evidence here. Elk photography in Arkansas is often done in such dim light, it is a wonder to get it at all. #28,520
10-OCT-2007
Bull Crossing Buffalo at River Bend
What has become the north herd migrates to a resting area bounded by a u-shaped bend in the Buffalo River. As is generally the case with elk migrations during the rut, the alpha bull trails the herd and guards against intruders. The is the alpha bull crossing the buffalo completing the morning migration. The image is soft and painterly because it was shot through leaves and twigs, but I find the color interesting. #28,827
12-OCT-2007
Preparing for Battle
This captures how bull elk behave before battling for domination. Two bulls will face each other, tip their antlers back and forth, and paw the ground before engaging. Bull elk fights are wrestling matches much more than sword fights. #29,227
12-OCT-2007
After a Skirmish
Not all encouters lead to fights. Often there is just a face off, and the challenging bulls quickly withdraw. This is one of those interactions. #29,195
12-OCT-2007
Alpha Bull Surveys Threats
After winning a few skirmishes and one fight, the alpha bull keeps watch on the satellite bulls attempting to steal his herd. #29,148
12-OCT-2007
Losing Bull Flees Fight
The loser of the bull fight flees in a flash. The distracted alpha bull watches the loser leave, while a different satellite bull sneaks off with some of his cows and calves. Satellite bulls often gang up on an alpha bull and non-participants steal cows during during the fight. This scene recurs every morning. #29,098
12-OCT-2007
Bull Fight in the Mist
The big boys are beginning to fight now as the rut begins in earnest. This morning I shot 4 fights, more than all the rest of this fall to date. The next days should be pretty intense. Stay tuned. #29,096
Photographing Elk in Ponca's Boxley Valley
It's prime time in Boxley Valley, the Elk are in the early part of the annual rut
and photographers will get their best chances for great shots over the next month
or so. Here are the details for those who might wish to visit this beautiful area.
It's early and late. You pretty much are only going to see big elk at the ends of the
day. I get there around daybreak, and shoot until 9:00 at the latest. In the evenings,
opportunities start around 5:00, and continue to dark. There may be a herd that
stays out, and there may be exceptions, but for the most part the elk don't like the
heat and light of day. This changes gradually as the weather gets colder, and we
are just heading into that period now. In the winter months, there are often elk in the
fields all day. The bad news is that the really huge bulls segregate from the cow
herds and they remain timid and pretty much disappear by 8 AM.
The rut is just starting to get into full swing. This makes the elk less cautious and
sometimes you can get real close because they have one thing on their mind. Satellite
bulls, that hang around the edges of "claimed herds", look for opportunities when the
dominant bull is not alert. I think this makes them a kind of wild card in all my predictions.
Expect the light to be lousy in the morning, and decaying rapidly at night because
Boxley Valley is framed in high bluffs and low mountains. I find myself shooting at
ISO 400 and above, most often at 800, and at times 1600. A while back I got a good
picture at 1/5th of a second at ISO 1600 at 560MM. Obviously, there were many
shots that just did not come out. Bring your tripod, and your longest lens.
Sometimes the fog is very heavy in the morning and there are not many opportunties.
It can be very heavy at one end of the valley and relatively light at the other. The area
where the elk are now is compact, so there is ample opportunity and time to choose
your shooting area before you setup for your best chances.
The last few days the herds have been located on highway 43 between the intersection
of highway 21 on the south end, and north to the last fields before you get to elk
observation station that was built by Game and Fish (the elk are never at this station
unless they are passing through, don't bother stopping there). What I recommend is
that you head down Boxley Valley from Ponca on highway 43 slowly and look at the
fields on the east side of the road. Do not stop the first time you see any elk, unless
it is one of those obviously exceptional situations like a fight close to the road. Until
you have examined the whole potential range down to just north of the church just
past the 21 intersection, you will not know what is the best opportunity. I can't tell
you how many times I have driven past a good opportunity to find an outstanding one just
farther on. It only takes about 5 minutes to drive the length of the relevant area and
return to your choice.
The elk will range as far north as the field next to the Ponca access point, but the
herds have not been there for a while. That could change overnight, but it is unlikely,
still it is a simple matter to look when you do your survey.
In the evening, the herds often pop out of the cane line quite suddenly. They almost
always will be where you saw them in the morning. Migrations are led by cows, and
you may only see one along the cane line before the whole herd, then suddenly they
will pop out as a group in a couple of minutes. The bull is almost always dead last.
If you see other bulls in a migrating herd, the dominant bull will still likely be
dead last, and there could be a fight.
Fall color is expected to peak in the third week of October. There are also many places
to visit and take photos during the mid day when the elk are generally not seen.
I hope you can make it to see this outstanding photographic opportunity. I drive a black
jeep wrangler and I am in Boxley most days. I am glad to offer the most up to date info
I have, just ask.
Michael Dougherty
Compton, Arkansas
October 12, 2007
info@arkansasnaturephotography.com
11-OCT-2007
Bull by Fence at Sunrise ll
A second take of the bull remaining behind in the field #28,835
10-OCT-2007
Bull by Fence at Sunrise
Boxley Valley bull looks after his herd after they crossed the fence to their daytime resting area along the river. Bulls typically are the last to make any crossing. They guard the rear for intruders, in this case, other bulls termed "satellite bulls" who are hanging around to get mating opportunities. #28,622
28-SEP-2007
Bugling 6x6 Bull Elk
This is another bull elk from Boxley Valley in this 2007 rut season. #20,114
01-OCT-2007
Bull Elk by Tree
28-SEP-2007
Boxley Bull by Shed
Early morning scene in Boxley Valley at first light. 1/15th of a second at F8, ISO 1600 has to be just about the limit for low light. Obviously I had to tripod this one. #19,762
28-SEP-2007
Battling in Boxley Valley
The rut has begun in Boxley Valley now officially. The big bulls will be battling now for the month of October. #19958
18-SEP-2007
Bull Rubbing along Corral Fence
19-SEP-2007
Bull Elk Emerging from Woods
Bull elk emerging from woods in the evening after resting all day away from the summer heat. #18,304
21-SEP-2007
Cow Elk at Boxley Valley Farm
23-SEP-2007
Boxley Morning Painting
This is a soft photo that I experimented with. I took the original, duplicated it, and applied the "angled strokes" filter, then reduced the opacity of the second layer to 35%. It seems to have sharpened the photo and makes it look sharper. I would like opinions on this. #18,748
24-SEP-2007
Bull Elk Black and White
25-SEP-2007
Calves on Trailer Boxley Valley
24-SEP-2007
Morning Bull Along Fence Line
24-SEP-2007
Monster in the Blue Mist of Morning
24-SEP-2007
Bugling Bull in Buffalo River
22-SEP-2007
Big Bull Side Pose
22-SEP-2007
Big Bull at Fence Line
Big bull at fenceline trying to find a place to cross. #18626
22-SEP-2007
Bugling Bull September Morning
Bugling bull on a September morning in Boxley Valley. #18,613
16-SEP-2007
Bugling Bull Elk
Bull elk bugling in the evening in Boxley Valley. #17,548
20-SEP-2007
Bugling Bull in Woods
Bellowing bull in woods along Boxley Valley. #18,443
16-SEP-2007
Bull Fight Boxley Valley
This fight is a pre-rut tuneup for the big fights about two weeks later. If you examine the bodies of these bulls closely, you will see scars from past fights. #17230
19-SEP-2007
Big Bull Side Pose
Big bull down by the Ponca Low Water Bridge just before the rut. #18344
18-SEP-2007
Morning Affection Boxley Valley
Sometimes you take a photo and it turns out to be a painting. Soft light, and a moment between a cow elk and a calf provided this photo. #18,141
18-SEP-2007
Morning Meal Boxley September
Backlit in soft morning light, a boxley elk cow nurses her calf. #18,051
16-SEP-2007
Big Bull
Big bull in Boxley Valley. #17,432
17-SEP-2007
Monster in the Mist II
Another experimental image, this time monochrome and watercolor effect. #17,714
16-SEP-2007
Monster in the Mist
Sometimes this is all you get. In a deep fog, I took what I got and in photoshop reduced it to its elements. #17,153
16-SEP-2007
Bellowing Bull Boxley Valley
16-SEP-2007
Nursing Cow Elk and Two Calves
A cow elk nursing a calf, with an observer, at first light in Boxley Valley. #17,175
16-SEP-2007
Morning Fighters of Boxley Valley #2
16-SEP-2007
Morning Fighters of Boxley Valley
Before the rut, bachelor elk herds begin to migrate toward the cow herds. These are members of one bachelor herd, and they are tuning up for the fights that come. #17,268
16-SEP-2007
Big Bull September Morning
It's September and its time for the rut. Big bulls are moving into position in Boxley Valley. This is one of the largest, and last year's top dog. #17,408
15-SEP-2007
Bull and Cows in Mid September
My first shot of a bull and cows in September 2007. #17,127
15-DEC-2006
Cow Elk and White Tree
Taken late in the day in Boxley Valley. #3124
13-DEC-2006
Lost Valley School Elk
This is the big elk herd grazing in a pasture near the Lost Valley Campground. This old building is the original one room school for the area. #2,518
17-JUL-2007
Cow Elk in the Mist
Cow elk grazing on a tree in the morning fog of Boxley Valley, near the Lost Valley Campground. #12440
28-DEC-2006
Cow and Calf Crossing the Buffalo River
Another picture from the series of photos of the elk crossing of the buffalo river. This is a very rare shoot. #4172
28-DEC-2006
Elk Crossing the Buffalo River
Another one in the series of rare photos of an elk crossing of the Buffalo River. #4185
28-DEC-2006
Elk Leaving the Buffalo River Headed to Steel Creek
Elk leaving the Buffalo River after a crossing, headed toward Steel Creek in the Buffalo National River park. #4181
14-DEC-2006
Three Elk at Sunset
Small group of grazing elk at sunset, heard a bugling elk and two looked back. #3106
10-JAN-2007
Speaking Out at the Bull Meeting
Big bull appears to be asserting a point at a meeting of the bulls.
10-JAN-2007
Big Bull Elk Bachelor Herd
These photos are more of the big bull bachelor herd in Boxley Valley. We had an outstanding shoot yesterday and probably got over 100 usable photos, with a couple of real keepers. These we shot with a very long lens. Gratefully, I finally got some good light that made my life much easier. All these photos are crops, but they generally over 6mp. #5485
10-JAN-2007
Big Bull Elk Bachelor Herd
These three are the biggest animals I have seen in Boxley Valley. The fight pictures I took much earlier in December involved one of them. Finally decent light, it has been gloomy so much recently, and they have been migrating to their bedding area before sunrise hit the valley. Yesterday was an exception. #5513
10-JAN-2007
Big Bull Elk Bachelor Herd
This is a crop of a bigger picture, I wanted to juxtapose two compositional elements and counterpoint them. I thought this "vertical" with the two big guys was a pleasing composition. #5520
10-JAN-2007
Big Bull Elk Bachelor Herd
Meeting of the big bull bachelor herd in Boxley Valley. #5367
10-JAN-2007
Big Boxley Bull
A picture of my favorite bull elk in Boxley Valley. This one has the best symmetry and widest span of the big bull herd. #5399
10-JAN-2007
Big Boxley Bull #2
Another slightly different pose of my favorite big bull in Boxley Valley. #5398
09-JAN-2007
A Spiritual Defect
I offer my apology to anyone offended by this picture, but I am angry. It is well known
that elk are concentrated in Boxley Valley, but there are those who simply will not slow down, even if it leads to this. Speed kills, and it killed this beautiful animal. Taking 3 more minutes travelling the length of the valley was probably all that was required to prevent this. Is it too much to ask?
08-JAN-2007
Hiding Behind the Barn
One of the big boys hiding behind a barn in Boxley Valley. Cropped about 30%. #5033
07-JAN-2007
Spike Bull Elk near Moore Creek
Spike bull elk shot near Moore Creek in Boxley Valley on a cloudy morning. #4918
05-JAN-2007
Big Bulls in the Gloom
The last few days have been real tough in the valley, bad light, few elk, and lots of fog in the morning. This was shot across a field in low light and light fog. These big guys are the dominant animals that fight each year for the control of the largest herd in the Boxley Valley. This is about a 50% crop. #4791
28-DEC-2006
Scramble for the Bank
Cow elk scramble for the bank at the end of their buffalo river crossing. #4195
28-DEC-2006
Bull Crossing the Buffalo River
This bull posed for me in front of a perfect black rock as his herd crossed the Buffalo on the way to the Steel Creek campground. #4155
28-DEC-2006
Lead Cow Elk in Buffalo During Crossing
If I a observing correctly, there is an alpha cow elk, and she often leads the migrations. The bull came up the back. She is noticable larger than the other cows and carries herself differently. #4232
25-SEP-2001
Missouri Bachelor Elk in Woods
Not many points, but a massive animal with a heavy rack. He lost out to the wading bull and lived by himself in the woods.
02-SEP-2001
Wading Missouri Elk
This is an old picture of a huge bull.
27-DEC-2006
Young Bugling Bull Elk
In the confusion of the crossing, the young bull decided to bugle.
27-DEC-2006
Checking the Scent
Checking my scent. Young bull trying to get my scent during the shoot. #3935
27-DEC-2006
youngbullwithnervouscalfUL_3938.JPG
Young bull with nervous calf during attempted road crossing. #3938
27-DEC-2006
Migrating Elk Boxley Valley
Small single file elk herd attempting to cross highway 43 in Boxley Valley. #3908
27-DEC-2006
panickedelkUL_3902.JPG
Panicked elk, a cow and two calves, at approaching truck. People often simply do not slow down for migrating elk. These are often 1,000 pound animals that will absolutely destroy a car if hit, if not kill the driver. This driver slowed down to a creep and slipped by, the next flew by at about 60. #3902
21-DEC-2006
Yearling Bulls Play-Fighting
This is a common scene, when yearling bulls bump and wrestle, anticipating real fights later when they are older and will fight over territories and mates. Taken at sunset in Boxley Valley. #3665
21-DEC-2006
Big Bull Hiding in Edge of Woods #2
A slightly different composition revealing more of his face. These last two pictures are full frame 12.8 megapixels. #3582
21-DEC-2006
Big Boxley Bull in Woods
Big bull hiding in the woods. Somewhat better light on another foggy December morning in Boxley Valley. #3581
17-DEC-2006
Two Boxley Beasts Migrating Up the Mountain
Taken as two boxley trophy elk migrated up to their bedding area on top of the mountain. Usually they are up and gone before 8am, so these shots are rare and difficult to get.
15-DEC-2006
A Boxley Valley Beast
I am starting a series called the Beasts of Boxley Valley which will focus on the really big bull elk. This big guy looks like a draft horse from behind. This is a crop, but still over 6MP and will make an excellent print. #3203
14-DEC-2006
December Fight Between Two Bulls
Usually they are done by now, but these two decided to fight and give me the opportunity to shoot my first elk fight. This series is of 4 pictures ending with the moment of truth, where the victor pushed the loser down and pinned him to the ground. It was a wonderful experience to witness this. #2823
14-DEC-2006
December Fight #2
14-DEC-2006
December Fight #3
14-DEC-2006
December Fight #4 -- The Moment of Truth
The moment of truth. This is the last frame of fighting. The bull on the right has established dominance in this battle by pinning the bull on the left down. Immediately after this, the bull on the left wandered off, and the one on the right returned to his her of cows. #2844
14-DEC-2006
Bull Elk Bedding In Frosty Grass
A winter scene of a bull elk bedded down in frosty grass. They are mostly nocturnal and this is where he was bedding down. #2895
13-DEC-2006
Boxley Valley Evening Elk
Shot at dusk near the Lost Valley campground in Boxley Valley, Ponca, Arkansas. #2726
13-DEC-2006
Lost Valley Elk #2
Second shot in the series shot at dusk in Boxley Valley. #2720
11-DEC-2006
Protecting the Herd
Bull elk protecting the herd. I got close to them and he gestured to get back me off. I prefer this composition because it is not so centered on the bull elk. There are three in this series. #2291
11-DEC-2006
protectingtheherd2_2327.JPG
Bull elk protecting the herd. He inserted himself between me and them and gestured to get me to walk away. #2327
11-DEC-2006
protectingtheherd_2345.JPG
Bull elk protecting the herd. This was the most agressive posture he took toward me, attempting to get me away from his herd. #2345
11-DEC-2006
Big Boxley Bull at Dawn #2
This pose precedes the one that follows as he was just on the edge of the road. Better lighting and better pose most ways. A beautiful animal. I missed a shot of him on the 9th and didn't know if I would get another chance. It took over an hour to get these two shots. #2270
11-DEC-2006
Big Boxley Bull at Dawn
Early morning picture of a big boxley bull I chased around for about a half hour. He finally posed for me on the road. So far, this is the biggest bull I have photographed. #2271
10-DEC-2006
Boxley Elk Herd at Sundown
Boxley elk herd at sundown. This is a typical scene with the dominant bull laying down, chewing his cud watching his subjects. #2219
10-DEC-2006
Bachelor Bull Elk Herd in Boxley Valley
After the completion of the rut, bull elk often cluster into "bachelor herds" away from the rest of the elk herd. This is one such herd in Boxley Valley, Ponca, Arkansas, shot just after sunrise. #1981
10-DEC-2006
Boxley Bull Elk at Sunrise #2
Another Boxley Valley bull elk picture at sunrise. #2043
10-DEC-2006
Boxley Bull Elk at Sunrise
Cross lit shot of Boxley Bull Elk at sunrise. #1982
10-DEC-2006
Boxley Bull at Dawn
Shot at dawn in soft light along a fence row near the elk observation deck on highway 43 in Boxley Valley.
08-DEC-2006
Bugling Boxley Elk
Bugling bull elk in Boxley Valley.
08-DEC-2006
boxleyelkcrop_1783.JPG
Boxley bull elk alerted to my presence.
08-DEC-2006
Cows and Button Elk Herd
Elk cows and button bulls in Boxley Valley.
08-DEC-2006
Boxley Elk Threesome
A bull elk with two cows in Boxley Valley.
08-DEC-2006
Boxley Bull Elk Side Pose
Crop of side pose of Boxley Valley elk.
06-DEC-2006
Lone Grazing Boxly Bull Elk
Grazing lone Boxley bull elk on a December morning. #1684
28-OCT-2006
Boxley Valley Elk Threesome
This threesome is a crop of a larger 12MP image. It shows a bull, a spike and a cow in an interesting pose. #0171
31-OCT-2006
Bull Elk and Cow, Boxley Valley
Bull Elk and cow in Boxley Valley on a drab October day. 50% crop. #0335
06-DEC-2006
Boxley Valley Bull Elk on Frosty Morning
Bull elk and cows on a frosty early December morning. Taken in Boxley Valley. #1738
31-OCT-2006
Arkansas Bull Elk in Woods
Bull elk in a threatening pose as I took his picture. This is full frame, I got in pretty close to him and startled him.
Elk Watching In Boxley Valley
If you are a photographer, and interested in getting pictures of Arkansas elk, go to my website,
http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com. Peak elk viewing for the 2010 Rut begins around September 15 and extends to October 15, but excellent elk viewing continues through November. As you can see, this is a great venue for photography and elk viewing. We are the elk capital of the south.