10/4/14 Elk Herd Locaoins & Report

The rutting bulls in Boxley Valley have established the herd positions for late September and Early October. The most interesting of these are the 2 herds in the Ponca fields. The bulls for these 2 herds are very well matched up, and should fight often. This size match-up is one of the key factors that increases the likelihood of fights, Little bulls don't fight bigger bulls,  Big diffeences in size is enough to intimidate them. The 2 bulls in question are probably the same age. It was clear last night that a fight was coming. It was setup when a handful of cows wandered off between the two herds.  Bulls work to keep their herds compact, so when a few cows drift off, it is like bait to a competing bull who will run to meet them and this gets him close to the original herd bull. Once the 2 bulls get close together it fires off the instinct to fight. The bulls will walk along beside one another sizing each other up before squaring up to fight. It is very interesting to observe. The fight was of short duration last night. I think these 2 have already fought many times this year. In this cool weather conditions are perfect for the herds to be in the pastures most of the day. Viewing will be best at the ends of the day. Remember that elk don't like heat and sunlight very much. Maverick bulls near the fence seem more common in the morning. There are still a number of these big guys coming into the rut.

Saturday Evening 10/4 Report

Elk viewing this evening was  outstanding.  I witnessed my first bull fight of 2014 in the Ponca Field just north of the pullout. It was brief, but one I had predicted. These 2 bulls are about equally matched and will fight again. Their herds are fairly close together so that guarantees there will be more fights. The valley was full of cars and some bikers.  They heard a lot of bugling and had great opportunities for photos. NPS rangers ticketed people for illegal parking. I have a video of the fight that I will post, I don't think it lasted a minute, but it was the real deal. Sunday morning should be great end-to-end in Boxley Valley. Best in the Ponca Fields.  Got a reliable report on an otter shoot at the Low Water Bridge today.  Be there at 10AM to have good chances to see them.

9/28 Elk and Boxley Valley Report

It feels now like we are entering the customary fall rut. Boxley Valley now has hundreds of viewers of all ages from all over Arkansas and adjoining states. Many rely on these reports to plan their visits. The elk are cooperating with bugling and herd movements especially in the north end of the valley closest to Ponca. Safety is now becoming an issue with so many people milling around the parked cars. Visitors with children need to keep them close, unfortunately drivers continue to speed through the viewing areas. Please drive slowly, watch the road, and never double park. There has never been a fatality but those of us who follow the rut are very aware of the danger. I would say if you are coming to hear bugling you need to visit zone 1 (see map) closest to Ponca morning or evening. Picture taking is easier in the evening when there is no fog. I prefer mornings because the elk are closer to the fences.  We are still in the peak bull fight period. There are reports of fights and evidence of them in slightly wounded bulls. In other wildlife attractions, there is a single trumpeter swan on the mill pond. River otter continue to be very active just downstream from the Ponca Low Water bridge most often in late morning around 10AM. Otter are a bit hard to spot, look for feeding in the weed beds and ripples and wakes. It is a treat to see otter and photograph them. Otter seldom sit still.  The good news is that feeding begins when sunlight hits the pools, so you can set your camera up for a fast shutter speed.  I like to shoot at least at F8 so focusing is easier. 

Bull Fight at Dusk Thursday Near Ponca

I received a reliable report that there was a bull fight near Ponca Thursday night. According to my source, Little Forks was deposed as the herd bull. There is no question the Ponca fields are setup now for bull fights. I have seen more fights in those fields than anywhere else in the valley.  There are many cow elk and many bulls arriving for the first time. This is prime time according to my records and experience. If you hope to see a bull fight, get here now. Read the entry I posted on listening for a bull fight. It will improve your percentages. Bull fights are happening now as the first herd bulls are being challenged by bulls only now coming to the rut. Don't forget to check for the Otter just downstream from the Ponca Low Water Bridge they were active Thursday there about 10AM.  Worthwhile to both see and photograph.

Insider Tip. Listen for Bull Elk Fights

Everyone imagines that bull elk fights are something you just run into. The truth is if you are paying attention, you can hear bulls getting ready to fight long before they lock up.

Here is the setup:

1. You hear lots of loud bugling. Usually all the noise is from the herd bull who is attempting to warn off the challenger bull who he knows is nearby. Bugling becomes more frequent, and if you listen closely you can hear the two animals trading bugles, I call this "Counter-Bugling"

2. Counter-Bugling will get pretty intense. You can hear the bugles getting raspy and growly and deeper, less melodic. Sometimes the bulls are right next to each other bugling in each other's face. The herd bull will now be in a rage, and you can tell easily. I have seen the herd bull froth at the mouth at this stage.  

If you hear this kind of bugling get to the location it is coming from. The stage is set for a bull fight. Usually you will find the bulls facing off when the noise starts toning down. Then there is a transition to the bull fight.  They may lock up right away, if they do you can hear them for quite a distance. In Boxley Valley this can be well over a half mile. 

I listen in 2 ways, generally when I drive the valley I have my radio turned off and the windows rolled down. I both look and listen intently in placed where I pull off. I am listening carefully to the bugling as above, and for the clatter of antlers. When I stop and shoot I continue to listen carefully. I always move to counter-bugling, especially if it is raspy.

This is the first engagement in a bull fight, I call it the "run along"
Note the herd bull is bugling angrily. From here they will face off
and lock up.  This is from 2008.  

When you are working elk use all your senses. A lot of conversation will result in missed opportunities. You are a hunter, not a visitor to a zoo. Stay alert. 

9/20/14 Elk Herd Positions in Boxley Valley

This morning the herd bull and his harem near Ponca was in the second field south of the Ponca Access.  A number of people were there wildlife watching and taking pictures. I did not hear any bugling. This field has traditionally a good one for bull elk fights. It, like the Smith Creek field, has many attack points from the river that set the stage for bull fights.  The current bull I call "Little Forks" is here for the second year. He was part of the last bull fight I photographed. It was in this same field. See photo below:

Past Bull Fight in Ponca Field  

If you happen to witness a bull fight you will never forget it. This is my favorite fight picture because it was near the end of the fight and the bull on the right was pinning down the bull on the left. Note the eye contact. 

If you come to see the elk remember The Ozark Mountain Artist Tour is underway. Visit their website for details. Most of the artists are east of Ponca along Highway 74 and along Highway 7 near Jasper. There is printable a map on the website above. Artists cover the range of visual arts.  It is a great family activity. The event complements elk viewing that is best early and late in the day. 

Stage Set for Bull Fight in South Boxley Valley

The stage is set now for a bull fight in the south end of Boxley Valley. There is a herd bull with a harem in the Smith Creek field. This field has a few trails down to the river where challenger bulls can attack the current herd bull. This can happen at any time of day, visitors are most likely to observe a fight mornings and evenings. See the video below so you can get the idea of what a real fight is like. It happened in this same field.  The current herd bull is bugling a lot so he is nervous about protecting his harem.  The timing is ideal now. Usually around October 1 the very biggest bulls arrive and they roam along the river.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Pb_s1SG1o

10/10/13 Elk Herd Location Map & Report

There were 3 main locations to see elk this morning. The herd in the Ponca fields was holed up in the second field down from the access.  A second herd was tucked in the south corner of the 43/21 field.  The third and most visible small herd was led by the herd bull Hooks who was very cooperative again.  There was very heavy fog this morning, but elk viewing extended well past when it lifted.

I expect the Ponca field to be good tonight, and it remains teed up for a fight. There are many bull there so unless the current herd moves off to a back field expect to hear a lot of bugling. New bulls are now moving along the river to join the rut.  Fights about anytime.

If photos are what you seek, go to the south end and visit Hooks.  He is a very nice bull and for the time  being at least is pretty cooperative. You can get pretty great closeups there.

Ponca Fields are Setup for Bull Fight Any Time

Late this evening of the 9th we heard a number of  challenger bulls closing in on the current herd bull in the Ponca fields.  There seemed to be as many as 3 or 4 challengers in the area, more than a few attacking from the river.  They were all still bugling after dark.

If you want to see a bull fight, this is as good a setup as I have seen in the #1 bull fight field in Boxley Valley in 2013.  Any time now.

Recent Elk Fight Video & Facebook Page

One of the most dedicated elk photographers in our area, Andy Favors, was kind enough to share a bull fight video that he shot in the Ponca fields a couple of days ago. This is the same herd that was visible this morning in the Ponca fields. As I indicate on my maps, this field is #1 for bull fights for many years running due to its habitat setup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGv6znLt17I  This is a real fight, not sparring. You can tell by the leg drive and the energy.  Thanks to Andy for sharing this video on YouTube.

Also, Andy created a Facebook page for Arkansas Elk. He says there are now 600 members, reflecting the explosion of interest in Arkansas elk and the Boxley Valley area. https://www.facebook.com/groups/415729005157521/

Andy will be selling his elk photography at the Ponca Elk Education Center's 2013 Color Fest, October 18-19, 10 to 4:30PM at the Center. I encourage you to stop by and talk to him. He is one of the knowledgeable photographers working the Boxley Valley elk herd.

10/3/13 Elk Herd Locations & Report

Elk viewing improved a lot today as Pretty Boy returned to the Ponca fields with his harem of about 30. According to others that witnessed it, there was a fight in the river at Ponca this morning. It was evident from counter-bugling that there could be a fight in the Ponca fields any day now.  This is the best viewing by far now in the valley.

Other viewing opportunities were just north of the mill pond where there were some small bulls, and down by the Buffalo on the south end, a location that has been pretty stable for some time.  The south end herd is at most about 10 with a pretty good 5x5.

Cold, wet weather is predicted for the weekend clearing on Sunday. Very cool weather should kick the rut into another gear.

Real Bull Fights vs. Sparring Tutorial

Visitors to Boxley Valley often confuse bull fights with sparring. This slide show and narrative lays out the differences.  Sparring elk are common, bull elk fights are relatively rare.  This shows the stages of a fight and it explains the difference.

Taking Good Elk Bull Fight Pictures -- 7 Examples and Notes

I love to take bull fight pictures. The following pictures are samples from the many I have photographed with some ideas for you to think about when you photograph your first bull fight or even just vigorous sparring.

Remember that you will not see a lot of bull fights, you will see a lot of sparring and good sparring photos are worthwhile -- the same tips below apply. The photos below are from 2007 to 2012 -- 6 years.  I usually see 2 or 3 fights a year in dozens of visits to Boxley Valley.  I see sparring all the time extending as late as January, well after the rut.

The first tip in effective bull fight photography is that the you must anticipate the photo you want to get or you will never get it.  Your reflexes lag at least 1/2 second behind your decision to shoot a photo. You need to understand what movements precede the picture you want.

Spend some time looking at elk fight videos and you will understand the sequence of movements during a bull fight. In a real fight, bulls drive each other back, there is a lot of twisting, there are resets when they disengage and re-engage. All these key moments are better pictures than just straight ahead lock ups.

Note the Leg Drive and Body Strain

The picture above shows a bull driving on the left, and the bull on the right attempting to hold his ground. The neck twisting is pretty standard and I think more visually interesting than straight ahead in line shots.  (This was in the Ponca field.)

Just Before the Elk Reset -- Must Be Anticipated 

 This picture is a moment before the elk disengaged. The power and twisting of the elk is interesting visually. If I were a sculptor, this would be what I would go for. There is a lot of movement in this still photo. This happens many times in most fights, but it is very fast and you need to anticipate it. (This was in the Smith Creek field.)

The Moment of Truth, Look at the Eye Contact

 This is one of those "moments of truth" photos. Here the winning bull on the right has pinned down his opponent. They have great eye contact, and the bottom bull seems to be aware he is losing. This is one of my favorites because of the eyes.  Eyes matter a lot in fight photos.  (This was in the Ponca field.)

Twisting Bodies Make Interesting Photos

This picture shows a pleasing twist of the bodies as the two bull wrestle. Again this is only a moment and it has to be anticipated.  (This was in the Ponca field.)

Straight Ahead and OK, But Pretty Standard Pose

This picture is the Boxley Beast vs. Godzilla fight that my wife videoed so well.  This is a decent photo of two magnificent bulls, but it is not as visually interesting as all the photos above. (This was in the Smith Creek field.)

Loser Flees After Defeat

Ultimately there is a winner and a loser. Here you see the herd bull after a 25 minute fight finally drive off the challenger.  This was perhaps the best fight I have ever seen and this picture might be the best bull fight picture at the moment of truth.  Note the satellite bull n the background stealing the harem.  This is a rare shot. (This was in the 43/21 field.)

Before They Fight They Square Off

When a bull fight is setting up the two bulls often separate, paw the ground and tilt their antlers from side to side as though they were connected by magnets. This was taken just moments before they charged and began fighting in earnest.  (This was in the 21/43 field.)

These photos should get your thought process going. Spend some time with visualization. Make sure your camera is setup for high speed action.  I will shoot a high ISO (2000 or more) and try to be at least at F8 and 1/1000 of a second.  I don't use a tripod for fights because I miss too much.  Remember you will be very excited when you photograph an elk fight.  Do your preps, think about the issues, and pre-visualize to get the best results.  You won't have time to figure out details at the last minute.

Predicting Bull Elk Fights Lesson #3: Herd Proximity

Remember this, a herd bull class elk will never imagine he has enough cows in his harem.  This is fundamental. He can have 40 cows and he will think he needs 40 more, or whatever cows are available nearby. I have seen a bull with over 100 cows in his harem.

SO, if there are 2 herds near one another, in the same field, or in a field very nearby, the bulls will either 1) build distance between the herds, or 2) there will be a fight.  If they are in the same very large field, like the 3 big fields I identified in my last post, it is just a question of "when" and not "if" there will be a fight.  This is the very easiest fight to predict.

I consider this herd proximity idea common sense if you understand that the bulls will obtain as many cows as they can. Be on the lookout for this setup and pay close attention. If they stay close to one another a fight can happen any time.

Post Fight Herd Bulls in 2007 -- 43/21 Field

Predicting Bull Elk Fights: Lesson #2 -- Location, Location, Location

Lesson #1 was about listening for sound clues about bull elk fights.  Lesson #2 is about using history as a guide to where fights occur in Boxley Valley.

I have been chasing elk and bull fights since late 2006, but really hit the ground in 2007.  Over the years my obsession with elk photography has led me to focus on bull elk fights, and elk crossing the Buffalo National River as subjects.

The map below shows the 3 main places I have observed bull fights over 5 years.  Fights do occur in other places, but these are the 3 top fields.  I am certain that habitat is the determining factor that has moved them to the top of the rankings.  Here are the factors:

1. Field Size   Each of these fields is very large.  Large fields setup the conditions where 2 separate herds 2 bulls might graze near one another.  This proximity sets the table for a battle to unite the herds.

2. Attack Points  These big fields offer many attack points for maverick bulls. Behind and around them are major elk trail complexes exploited by bull elk to mount their challenges.

3. Food & Water  Each of these fields has water in the fields as well as the river behind them.  They also offer exceptional grazing with less (or no) competition from cattle.  Cattle and elk don't mix.

4. Large Bedding Areas   Each of these fields has large bedding areas right behind them, including areas across the river.  These are attractive to herds, and to their bulls.

What all this means is that bull fights during the rut are about habitat territoriality as well as the battle for breeding rights. These 3 fields are ideal locations for the rut offering plenty of food, water and bedding areas while the work of the rut is being done.  Pay particular attention to these zones in Boxley Valley and your chances of seeing a bull elk fight improve dramatically.

Updated Boxley Valley Map Showing Best Bull Fight Fields

9/27/13 2013 Elk Rut Weekend Elk Watching Outlook -- Bull Fights Anytime

With every passing day we are heading into the peak rut period. Bugling is picking up, and this morning there was some counter-bugling, one of the indications that bull elk fights will become more common. I got a report of a bull fight this morning that was heard but not seen.  Also, someone saw a bull breed a cow.

Both Saturday and Sunday have 30-40% predictions of rain.  This is actually a good thing.  Those conditions could well cut down on the morning fog. It is also true that elk love rain. Rain will extend viewing times as well.

Bull fights anytime now.  They are never common, but now is the time when they happen most often.  Remember to check the entire Boxley Valley before settling on a place to watch elk. Often the first field is not the best, you won't know if you don't check all of them first.

If I had to pick a field where a bull fight might occur, it would be in the field nearest the Ponca Access in the north end.  There are a few bulls kicking around in that zone. This morning the current herd bull, Pretty Boy was nervous and checking the cane line.  He also counter-bugled a bit.  This is the one setup in Boxley Valley right now for a bull fight.  Any day now.  We have all the ingredients.  In my many years of chasing bull fights this is the #1 field.

Time to Rumble!   Ponca Field in 2008

Finding Bull Elk Fights -- Lesson #1: Listening

Locating and Predicting Bull Elk Fights Lesson #1:  Listening

Boxley Valley is a big place, but if you learn to listen for fights your chances improve for locating one.  I have located a few elk fights by listening -- it is one of the reasons I work alone most of the time. When I am working the rut, I concentrate pretty hard. I am watching elk movements, and I am listening. People will see me parked in front of an empty field with my windows down and imagine I am nuts.  Nope, I am working -- listening.  

The Sounds of Bull Fights (and Coming Fights)

The first and most obvious sound of a bull fight is the crashing of antlers.  If you are paying attention, you can hear two big bulls mixing it up at least a half mile away. The big fight my wife videoed started out of view in the river, and only then moved to the Smith Creek field.  Listen more, talk less.  Turn off your radio and pay attention. 

Note the charging challenger bull in the distance. He is coming to
fight, setup by a special type of counter-bugling explained below. 

The second and less obvious sound of a coming bull fight is bugling, a special type of bugling.  It is a special type of "counter-bugling", when bulls bugle back and forth to announce their territories. Regular counter bugling has a relaxed pace.  Pre-fight counter-bugling is quite different.

So how is it different?  Well, the frequency of counter-bugles becomes steadily faster.  What was relaxed and occasional becomes more frequent, AND, the tone changes, especially for the herd bull. The herd bull's bugle will become somewhat lower, and gravelly in tone, and I swear you can hear his rage.  His hormones are raging and he has blood in his eye.

You can hear the challenger bull coming even if he is not visible, he is getting closer and louder.  Scan the cane line because he is coming, and the herd bull knows it.  Suddenly you will see the challenger bull break out of the cane line and run to challenge the herd bull (as above in the distance, not the little one behind).

As they get closer together, bugling gets more frequent as both bulls jack up the emotion. I have seen them right beside one another bugling up a storm before they lock up.

This is pretty exciting stuff.  Hearing the build up to a real deal bull fight between two of the big dogs is really something.  The buildup to a fight is really exciting.

So this is Lesson #1.  Listen, and pay attention, always.  If you do, you can quickly locate an oncoming fight if you are fairly nearby. Understanding how counter-bugling works helps you evaluate watching one elk herd vs. another when you have choices.  If you make the wrong choice, you can ID a bull elk fight in a nearby field and get there.  Remember, your brain is the most important photo tool you have, keep it in gear.  Concentrate.

I Relocated to this Bull Fight By Listening a Half Mile Away

Are You Ready?? It is Time for the Big Guys to Battle.

Time to talk about bull fights.  The picture below was my first big fight in 2007.  A 25 minute battle that inspired me to write about this special place.  Too good to have all to myself, you know the rest.

I would like all of you to witness a bull fight, at least one. They are dramatic and unforgettable.  I have seen many now.  My next entry will be about how to recognize the conditions that lead to bull fights, and even how to recognize those conditions just by listening.

The video below was taken by my wife Mandy.

Stay tuned for tips to experience your first bull elk fight in person.

My First Bull Fight in 2007

The 2013 Elk Rut Is Underway

September 9 elk herd positions below. The two current herds both have herd bulls. 

Friends the 2013 elk rut has officially arrived and the bugling has begun. Bugling will increase as more cows come into estrous. Peak bugling is a way off still. 

Expect the bull elk fights to begin anytime.  My guess is that bull elk fights are a week away and the majority will be in the following weeks. 

In my many years of following the rut, the most violent fighting is in the early period when the pecking order is being first established.  Roughly that would be from the 2nd week of September through the 1st week of October. This is your official heads-up.  The "big dawgs" arrive around October 1 as a rule. 

Rut Coverage Plans -- Current Viewing Conditions

I will take a little different approach on covering on this year's rut. It will include maps and herd locations as before, but it will also include periodic essays and tutorials on photography.  I am working on my first book on photography so there will be some spillover.

For me there is nothing that ignites my passion for photography like the elk rut. Sure, I love wildflowers and landscapes, river shots, otter, mink, and butterflies, etc. But nothing is the equal photographing the elk rut. For these next 3 months elk are my focus.

I am certain your mental approach is the primary key to your success as a photographer and sets the stage for your continual improvement. Fundamental to this success is getting clear on basic issues that go very far beyond f-stops, shutter speed and so on.

Bull Fight from 2012 -- Eye to Eye Near Ponca

Photography is about creative expression, not hardware. Creative expression is about being clear about what you are going for. I will have a lot to say about that. Time to start your "bucket list" and pre-visualize what elk shots you are going for.  If you are clear on what you seek, your chances of anticipating the opportunity and getting the photo improve a lot.

Current Conditions
Elk viewing is still in a summer pattern. Hot summer temperatures have shortened elk viewing. Elk head for cover now often by 8AM and come out fairly late to avoid the heat. The good news is that today temperatures are backing off some.

This last 2 weeks a lot of Boxley Valley has been hayed. The timing of this is just about perfect for the rut -- leading it out by about 2 weeks. For now elk are pushed back a bit, but I expect that to change as things return to normal.