Final 10/1/2011 Bull Fight Video

This is a REAL bull fight, not sparring. You can see the energy and the power of these two guys. Before they fought in the field in front of us, they fought in the river bed. I believe it was during this fight the Beast lost one of his eye guards.

Turns out this is about the longest bull fight on YouTube. Mandy and I edited the footage, added the sound back in with editing out some adult comments. This is Mandy's first video, talk about getting lucky with the subject. She did a great job -- it was the first time she used the camera.

I think the funniest part of this video is the satellite bull watching the fight. He got so excited he started bugling himself. As is pretty standard for one of these fights, the satellite bulls take all the cows, or at least many of them. 


This was taken in south Boxley Valley just north of Smith Creek. So far in 2011, this remains the best viewing field. There is no question it is the field where you are likely to see a bull fight. For the time being, these two huge bulls are quite near one another. I know of two fights between them, there have probably been more. 


Here is the direct link if you want to share this video:


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

The Boxley Beast vs. Godzilla Video

We are still hacking around on this video file, but I thought it would be best to just get it out there and put the refined version up next. You will get the idea.

This is what a REAL bull fight looks like. The Boxley Beast and Godzilla have fought at least two times that I know of. The share the same field most days down by Smith Creek. They don't like each other, and this rivalry sets the stage for a fight just about any day.

Enjoy. This is our first video. We had to turn off the sound because of all the chatter of people watching the spectacle. What you are missing is the crash of the antlers and the rage. These are huge bulls. It is amusing to watch the "spectator" bull. It is as though he was looking for pointers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J4VAf9SlQ4&feature=youtube_gdata

October 2, 2011 Elk Herd Locations

Elk activity backed off a little this morning, but it was still pretty good. The main action continues to be at the south end, especially since haying elsewhere in the valley.

Remember to be careful driving in Boxley Valley.

Elk Death on 21

Photo by Dan Davis

Nobody seems to get serious about driving slowly until the worst happens. This morning a bull elk was hit on HWY 21 near the old steam mill. It was very sad to see him laying on the side of the road, apparently with a broken neck, still breathing.

Remember that elk during the rut are skittish and amorous bulls wander in a state of distraction. Too often elk watchers are not much better.

There is not much to say that I have not said. There is never a time when it is safe to drive fast in Boxley Valley. The density of all wildlife is high, it is not just an elk thing. During the elk rut, conditions are more dangerous. There are plenty of deer, wild turkey, woodchucks, rabbit, skunks, coon and trumpeter swans. I have seen them all standing in the road, sometimes because some well meaning, but ignorant person has fed them or tamed them.

Another Fatality Along 43

If I could, I would reduce the speed limit in Boxley Valley to 45MPH. That is the fastest speed I recommend for safety. Faster than that, and your chance of hitting animals goes up dramatically because your braking distances go up dramatically. Highways 43 and 21 (basically the same road) are full of blind corners and dips that would block an animal from your view until too late. Elk or deer grazing in ditches can bolt suddenly in front of your vehicle. Is saving 2 minutes over 6 miles worth killing these animals?

Elk Graze Along 43 & 21

Pragmatically, even if you don't care about the animals, hitting a deer or elk can total your car, and occasionally somebody dies. This for saving 2 minutes. Do the right thing. Relax and enjoy one of the prettiest drives in Arkansas.

Drive carefully and be safe, especially during the elk rut, when elk and elk watchers forget about traffic and wander everywhere.

2 Bull Fights October 1 at South End

The 8x8 Prince of Boxley

Saturday night there was another bull fight in the south end. That is 2 bull fights in the same day.

The south end field north of Smith Creek remains the hotspot in Boxley Valley. Not only is it setup for bullfights during active periods, the Prince is there as a satellite bull.

This picture is from last evening. We went down to the valley yesterday twice. Everyone must see Prince. Even the fellow satellite bulls recognize that Prince is something special.

I will be updating the viewing map later this morning.

Boxley Beast V. Godzilla -- The Beast Rules

The Boxley Beast and Godzilla squared off this morning for a 20+ minute fight, starting in the river bed behind the field near Smith Creek, and resuming right in front of us. It was a rip snorting real deal bull fight. The two battlers are well matched but finally the Beast prevailed, but along the way one of his eye guards was broken off. Now he is a 7x7, no longer an 8x7.

This is the third fight in this field I know about in the last week.

As long as these two share the same field there will be fights. This is at least the second fight I know of between these two dominating herd bulls. So far the Boxley Beast has fought off all challengers. The rut is a long season and will continue at least through the month. Only time will tell if he can go the distance again this year and have a harem to the end.

I am working on an October map. It will be posted in a couple of hours. This morning there were elk only at the opposite ends of the valley. One herd near Ponca, and two in the Smith Creek Field (Godzilla's and the Boxley Beast's). While the Beast won the fight, Godzilla still is running a handful of cows.

Prince also made an appearance.

VIDEO. My wife Mandy cut her teeth on video last night, and this morning taped most of this bull fight. She is editing it now and it will be posted today. Visit later to see a video of the fight and the new October map.

Prince, Boxley Valley's Trophy Elk

This is the best picture I have of the Prince of Boxley to date. This trophy elk is just amazing. His double drop tine with points is super rare.

This is a bull elk you will want to see. The double drop tines are so unusual that you should be able to ID him from quite a distance. He made this appearance last night just before sunset.

I hope to get better pictures of him this rut. This is a pretty good start.

Copyright 2011 Michael Dougherty, Arkansas Wildlife Photography