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.