1/6/13 Elk Herd Location Map

Elk herds have moved back to a south valley pattern now. The herd that was in the Ponca fields is now in mid valley next to one of the bull herds. The best and safest viewing is in the south end next to the Upper Buffalo Wilderness trailhead. Expect to see straggler elk elsewhere.

Remember to park on the shoulders outside the white line. Drive slowly through the valley and be safe.

12/28/12 Elk Herd Locations

Elk viewing remains good. The Ponca fields are empty now. It is not clear if that herd has moved to a back field, or simply headed north or south. Elk viewing is concentrated from the mill pond and points south. The best viewing is down by Smith Creek in the south end.

We are now clearly in the post-rut period and all-bull herds have formed. There is one that ducks in and out in the mid-valley area. Today it was not visible, but tomorrow it could be at roadside. A true big bull herd is further south. These big guys offer the very best of bull elk shooting when they are around. Photographers in particular will want to track this blog closely to learn when these big guys appear. This is the best bull elk shooting of the year and it will continue through March.

12/18/12 The Boxley Stud in Frost

Well, here is another picture from today. This is the Boxley Stud, the dominant bull this year in Boxley Valley. This post rut photo is a wall-hanger for me. Ripping sharp in morning frost, this is a typical December, post-rut, bull photo. This is in my top 5 pictures for 2012.

The Boxley Stud, 2012 Monarch of Boxley Valley 

12/18/12 Today's Picture

December remains outstanding for elk photography and this new patter extends all through the winter.  Today's picture is of post-rut sparring. Often it approaches the intensity of full-blown bull fights. The picture below is one such sparring session that took place on the edge of a herd of big bulls. These are pretty nice bulls.

Spirited Post-Rut Bull Elk Sparring 12/18/12