Bulls in Velvet in Boxley Valley Fog

2013 will no doubt be the year of some odd looking bulls. I caught these guys in early morning in pretty dense fog. Not much of an image, but you get the idea.

August Bulls in Velvet

8/25/12 Elk Herd Locations Unchanged

This morning the elk herds were in the same positions as yesterday.

The cool weather and rain has expanded viewing hours. Early and late remain most reliable, but the elk are slower to be down, and will come out in the evening somewhat earlier for now. Expect Sunday viewing to be very good.

More ivory white antlers every day. The rut is at hand.

Elk Viewing is Very Good -- Ivory Elk Antlers Everywhere

Elk viewing is now very good in  Boxley Valley. There are two big herds, one just south of the 43/21 intersection, and a second in the field north of Smith Creek. All major elk viewing is in the south end of the valley and the current pattern has been stable for a couple of weeks. 

Many bull elk have now scraped the velvet off their antlers. White, ivory-colored antlers are everywhere now in Boxley Valley. If you have never seen freshly-scraped antlers, it is interesting. They are very white at the beginning, then they air dry down to a deep nutmeg brown. 

For me this is the first clear marker of the 2012 rut. Some large bull elk have already assumed the "rutting position" hanging around with cow herds and bedding down with them overnight. Most all of these bulls are "second tier" bulls and will be quickly replaced as the rut hits full speed. 

Around the third week of September, and often the biggest bulls show up around October 1. As bulls arrive. These big boys are huge, and quickly there is a changing of the guard. Most of them are still hanging around in an all-bull herd of the biggest animals. For now at least, this herd is not visible, but it could show up at any time. 

August 24, 2012   Copyright Michael Dougherty 2012

Revised Elk Viewing Map for 2012 Rut

Small Bull Elk Shedding Velvet in 2009

I have revised the elk viewing map for the 2012 Arkansas Elk Rut to reflect the current patterns a bit more. There is another zone -- now there are 5.

There are other additions. The route to nearby hiking trails are identified to assist first time visitors with locating nearby trails. The Ponca Elk Education Center is added to the map. Visitors will want to visit this award-winning center as part of their elk viewing experience.

The new map is shown below. It incorporates the latest August observations. This year is shaping up as an outstanding elk viewing year. The rut is now just a few weeks off.

Bull elk are now beginning to scrape off their velvet, completing the antler growth cycle in preparation for the 2012 rut.

Whitetail Deer in Mid-Summer

Doe and Twin Fawns, Ponca Mill Pond 7/29

For some reason this year there seem to be many more deer around. Everyone seems to agree on this point. It is also true whitetails are more visible around the Buffalo National River. This is most likely due to the drought -- the river might be about the only place there is much water these days. Many farm ponds are now dry.

I see whitetail deer in Boxley Valley nearly every visit, but this year there must be 5 times as many deer visible.

There are two whitetail compositions I look for in July and August. First, I like to get pictures of bucks in velvet. Second, I like to take pictures of does and fawns.

If at all possible, I like to get both in and around water. I am really fond of reflection shots. One very good spot to catch whitetails in the river is the Ponca Access just outside of Ponca past the HWY 74 intersection off HWY 43. I like to sit on the low water bridge in the very early morning and wait for deer. Crossings and deer drinking are quite common now. There is a game trail that crosses the river just upstream from the low water bridge.

Ponds are also a good bet. Pay attention to ponds when you drive by. The picture of twin fawns with the reflection above was spotted while driving by. I backed up and turned around twice to get this photo from a few different angles. The deer did not spook because I stayed in my car and used it as a blind.

Taken at the Ponca Access

Time of day. Just about any time is good for whitetail deer, but the ends of the day are best for photography and the deer move more then.

This strategy will work anywhere on the Buffalo National River. Get up early, post yourself near a pool downwind from the animals and animal trails, and wait. Generally you will not be disappointed. If they cannot smell you, and you remain still, deer will often walk up pretty close to you.

White Winged Crow, Ponca Access

If you get on a good game trail, you might get an elk crossing or even a turkey crossing. Other river wildlife could show up. You do have to be patient. Any day on the river is a great day, even if the animals do not cooperate. I am writing this at 5AM and planning to hit the river again today. You never know what you will get, and just like fishing you might get skunked, but hours spent in the wild are never disappointing.