Today there were 4 herds in the valley -- two were displaying rutting behavior. I only heard a couple of bugles this morning.
 |
| Godzilla |
I believe he is either an 8x7 or a 8x6. In any case, he is the largest bull to show up so far this year. I don't have a great picture of Godzilla yet to be sure about his point count. He definitely is one of the biggest bulls of recent years and he is larger than his current competition.
It will be interesting to see if he can stand up to the test of challenger bulls that will occur over the next few weeks.
 |
| Godzilla "running" a cow elk. This is rut behavior |
Godzilla does not have the huge belly often seen on the final dominant bulls, but he is a very powerful bull elk and will be a capable battler. His body reminds me of the last year's Boxley Stud who ended up being one of the dominant bulls.
Below is the current herd location map. Today there were a lot of elk and my prediction is that this outstanding viewing will carry through to the weekend.
 |
Current Elk Locations in Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR. |
Thanks, Michael. We're headed down to Ponca this weekend with visitors to view the elk... your information makes me feel confident that it won't be in vain. Would you recommend morning or evening viewing?
ReplyDeleteI think the hormones flow harder in the morning -- that translates to more fights when that finally starts happening in earnest. I think morning viewing can go longer if conditions are right. On cloudy, cool days it can extend to 10. That would be unusual. Elk love rain.
ReplyDeleteOne huge advantage of the morning is that you can do other natural things once the elk show is over. I recommend taking in Lost Valley. Again, if you are a photographer there are other subjects as the day emerges. Butterflying is good in the morning because butterflies move slowly then.
It is also nice to take a drive over to Jasper and get a bite to eat.
If you are a photographer I think morning light is more interesting, but that is my preference. Morning light is blueish, so there are adjustments that need to be made. Evening light is wam and just great, but Boxley is a valley and direct sunlight stops earlier. Once the elk are really bugling strong, you can hear them bugle at night. That is enchanting but a week or two off.
This is very early in the rut so there are not enough estrous cow elk to drive the competition between bulls. It will happen though very soon. It is very interesting to watch the rut unfold.
Take good care.