11/10/13 Elk Herd Locations & Report -- Viewing Improves

As I suggested yesterday, sometimes modern rifle deer season drives elk into the pastures for improved viewing. This morning's viewing would seem to support that idea. (Remember to watch out for deer for the next 2 weeks, they are running everywhere.)

Elk viewing was pretty good until about 7:30 CDT, which tracks right along with 8:30 CT. This time has been pretty standard as the time elk move from the fields to the bedding areas in the morning. People who came after 8:30 CDT were lucky to see an elk.

I would estimate that there were at least 35 cars this morning to see the elk. The afternoon viewing shift will begin about 4 PM. Generally I don't go down for that, but I am fairly certain viewing will be good this evening.

The Boxley Stud in 2012, Will He Return?

Around the first of October the really big dogs arrive. Last year's monster bull was the Boxley Stud, a truly magnificent bull with a huge body.  When he arrived, he just took over and was with us for a very long time, both during the rut and in the post-rut period.

One of the great parts of the rut is never knowing for sure what big bull will finally show up. I think the "Stud" will be back with his characteristic huge down tine on his left antler.  The picture below is from the 2012 Rut.  Below it is my best picture of him from the post rut taken at sunrise in frost.

Boxley Stud Scanning for Threats 2012 Rut

The Boxley Stud Post-rut 2012

12/21/12 Elk Celebrate End Of World Delay

Elk viewing is very good now. There are 4 herds in Boxley Valley, and one bull in the Ponca Fields on the north end remains in a rutting pattern. Typically there is a bull or two that remain in rut until the first of the year.

The all bull herds were not out this morning. There are at least 2 in the valley now. One of them is the big bull herd, the other is second tier bulls. Catching these bull herds with a camera is the gold standard in bull elk photography. This is now prime time to photograph groups of trophy bulls together. The key is to get to the valley early. There are no guarantees, but when you catch the big bulls it is a real treat.

The 12/21/12 elk herd location map is below:

12/18/12 Elk Herd Locations

Elk are transitioning now and we are definitely in the post-rut period. All this means is that the last straggling rutting bulls are done for 2012. Elk viewing remains good, but it is different.

Visitors will see gender segregated herds of all bulls or all cows. There are exceptions, but this is the current pattern. There are bulls here and there and all bull herds now. Many bulls have retreated into back fields and put in an appearance now and then. The bull herd identified on the map has been pretty reliable for some time. Elk fights are done, but quality sparring is still going on, and it will continue for months.

The all-cow herds are on the move. The combination of drought and army worms challenges them to find decent forage. While you can generally rely on the herd positions on the map, visitors should survey the entire valley because big moves between fields are quite likely now.

The 12/18 elk herd location map is below:

12/14/12 Elk Map & Weekend Outlook

Elk viewing is very good now and roughly about as good as it gets. I would estimate there are over 100 elk in 4 herds in Boxley Valley now -- a 25% increase over last week.

Weekend viewing should be very good. Elk like rain and cloudy weather. Remember to get out early to see the all-bull herd in mid-valley.

This morning I saw a bald eagle hunting the river down by the Ponca Access. Visitors should be looking for eagles now, especially near the mill pond.

Be careful driving along the stretch of 21 down by Cave Mountain Road. A big herd is there now and it is grazing right on the roadside.

12/12/12 Elk Herd Locations

The elk herds have returned to the pattern that has been dominant for the last month or so. 

The 4 elk herds are in the Ponca fields, an all bull herd is about mid-valley just north of the Mill Pond, a herd behind the mill pond, and a 4th herd just south of the 43/21 intersection. 

Viewing is pretty much all day now in the cold weather with the exception of the all-bull herd. Most days when the sun is coming up, these big guys are heading for the bedding areas. If you want to see big bulls, you need to get to the valley before sunrise and watch the show until the sun hits the pastures. 

Today's elk herd map is below:

12/7/12 Elk Herd Locations & Report

Elk viewing remains very good. The herds have returned to the pattern that has dominated this fall after a brief break.

Viewing is from the Ponca Fields to just south of the 43/21 intersection.

Bald eagles are now arriving and will make an occasional appearance in Boxley Valley, most often along the mill pond area.

The 12/7/12 map follows:

12/3/12 New Month & New Herd Pattern

As I predicted a while back, a decent herd has arrived in the south end. The herd that has been in the Ponca fields has gone south to the mid-valley area, and it remains to be seen if they will head further south. For now, the all bull herd is not visible.

This week marks the end of deer season. I am pretty sure the deer hunters kept the elk pushed forward a bit.

I was pleased to see at least 3 cars watching the elk this morning. Good elk viewing will continue until after the the holidays. It seems like the message is getting out great elk viewing continues until around April 1.

Keep your eyes out for bald eagles. There are not a lot of them in Boxley Valley, but we are in eagle season now. Usually the best place to see them is around the mill pond. It is hard to predict when you might see them. Look for bright white patches in the trees.

Today's map is below:

11/30/12 Elk Herd Locations

Elk herd locations remain pretty steady at the close of the month. Patterns for the recent week or so remain constant. My guess is that the available grazing is pretty narrow this year due to the drought and the army worms and there are not as many field choices. 

Expect great viewing to continue. Bald eagles are now starting to arrive so keep an eye out in Boxley Valley, especially on the tree lines along the old mill pond. 

11/27/12 Elk Herd Locations Unchanged

The herd locations near Ponca, and at the 43/21 intersection fields are unchanged. In this cold weather viewing is all day long in most cases, but best at the ends of the day when the animals are more active.

The bull herd that is about a mile north of the mill pond is also pretty stable, but the bulls do not hang around long after the sun hits the fields. If the all bull herd is your priority you should visit early.

The updated elk map is below:

11/25/12 Picture of the Day -- The Boxley Stud

This is the big bull hanging around the 43/21 intersection. He is the "Boxley Stud", and he is the biggest bull in the valley this year. In this picture, I was fortunate to get him quite close to the road. He, the cow, and the calf in the background sense an intrudcr so they paused their grazing to have a look.

 This Big Bull, the "Boxley Stud" is VERY viewable at the 43/21 intersection

11/24/12 Elk Herd Location Update

After a few day break for Thanksgiving I am posting the herd location map.

Viewing is VERY good. The biggest bull in Boxley Valley is at the 43/21 intersection field and last night at least he was very close to the fence. This is a rare treat to see a legitimate 9x8 bull up close.

A small herd has shown up in the Ponca Fields again.

I believe there is still a herd in the back fields in the south end. It is worth checking to see if they show up around Smith Creek one of these days.

See the 11/24 elk herd location map below.

11/21/12 Map & Holiday Outlook

As promised, here is today's up-to-date elk herd location map.

These herd locations are pretty reliable through Thanksgiving. I expect to see another herd pop up farther south -- I could not locate it this morning so I think it is moving or on a back field for now.

All visitors should check all the way down to the south trailhead with any visit. There are 2 herds jammed into the area near the 43/21 intersection. Expect them to spread out, and my guess is one will head further south. Time will tell.

Today's herd locations are below:

11/20/12 Picture of the Day #2

When you are given great cross light you know it. It is definitely something given. This little guy was part of the herd moving south today. The RAW image was so sharp it could hardly be improved on, a pretty rare event. This little guy is from the 2012 crop of calves.

11/20/12 Image of the Day

Today is moving day. No point to do a map because it is already wrong. The herds that were in the north end of Boxley Valley are heading south. I caught them moving from one area to the other this morning, and along the way got real close to the Boxley Stud, this year's big bull. Here he is "winding" me as I lay on the ground in front of him about 30 yards away.

I expect the herds to move to the south fields today or tonight. They are outstanding for elk viewing. Only tomorrow will tell for sure. They have been in the north fields for a long time, they were overdue for a move south.

The "Boxley Stud" Winding Me

11/16/12 Picture of the Day -- All Bull Herd

There are still 3 or 4 bulls rutting with cow elk harems, but the same gender herds are forming in Boxley Valley. This is a picture of part of one of the all bull herds. There are now two. 

This morning the herd positions remained unchanged. If you want to see or photograph the herds, there is nothing quite like the early morning. I was back home today before 8AM. The elk were still out, but they slowly move away from the road.

11/15/12 Picture of the Day

This was take a few days back. This monster bull elk is sniffing the air for an estrous female. The cow elk on the right is keeping her eye on him.

He remains in the rutting pattern, while some other bulls have transitioned to a post-rut pattern. These  seasonal patterns always blend like this. This bull, the Boxley Stud, is a 9x8, is a monster, and you can see him around the 43/21 intersection.

There is now a pretty large all-bull herd in the middle valley. Early visitors to the valley will often see these big guys grazing right along the road. This is a definitely a great wildlife watching and photographic opportunity.

November and December Elk Viewing is Outstanding

11/15/12 Weekend Outlook & Elk Herd Locations

Elk viewing remains very good, easily on par with the peak of the 2012 elk rut. Bugling is fairly common and there are plenty of elk to see in Boxley Valley.  This weekend should be outstanding, the herd locations have been very stable for some time. Cool weather has really extended viewing.

The herds remain at the Highway 43/21 intersection and points north. Lost Valley remains in play.

Modern gun deer season is underway so the elk are pushed forward a bit by deer hunters along the river. This actually can improve elk viewing. If you hike in, "orange up" and watch for hunters.

When you visit, expect skittish deer all along your route regardless of the time of day. Remember one deer may be trailed by another, especially a leading doe with a trailing fawn. Slow down when you see deer crossing and give them a chance.

The 11/5 map is below:

11/14/12 Picture of the Day

I don't take too many of this sort of picture, but this big guy is just a beast. This is the Boxley Stud up close and personal. 9x8, a true trophy elk for a photographer. He proves that the best photography is still out there. I heard him bugle this morning a dozen times. Nobody told him the rut was over. He has me in his cross-hairs.

I am publishing the map less often now, about 3 times a week. Today the elk were in the same location they have been recently. Look at yesterday's map for details. Plenty of great opportunities for amazing photos.

11/13/12 Picture of the Day

The biggest bull in Boxley Valley is the Boxley Stud. He remains an active rutting bull along with 3 others at different locations in the valley. To get close to this animal you need to get to the valley early. He may be out with his herd later in the day, but generally he will be far away from the road later in the day. This is a great 9x8 bull elk.