Rare Cow Elk with Twin Calves in South Boxley Valley
Only once in 100,000 births does a cow elk have twin calves. For the second time in the last few years it has happened in Boxley Valley in the south end. I don't have a picture of her yet, but I am sure this is authentic. The 2 calves are glued to her -- I think it might be the same cow from the past. Cow elk do form nurseries, but this is not that for sure. Unlike whitetail deer, twins don't happen often in elk. This is a very rare chance for a rare animal and her twins.
The very cool mornings has the elk out in the fields. It is a great time to visit the Buffalo River Region. There are many more things to do. Visit BuffaloRiverChamber.com for maps and service listings. There are cabins and camping areas near the elk. Very affordable and nearby.
Michael Dougherty
Compton, Arkansas
2015 Arkansas Elk Rut Just Weeks Away
Effective September 1 I will start blogging again about the 2015 Arkansas Elk Rut. The rut traditionally begins about the 3rd week in September. Before then there are stages that point to the big event. I was in Boxley Valley this morning at 6AM to beat the heat and sunrise. As I expected, there were 3 elk herds in the valley, one at the north end, one in the middle, and a 3rd at the south end. By 7AM the elk were heading for cover in response to the sunrise. I did not see a single big bull, it is too early. They start showing up in mid-September. The very biggest bulls show up around October 1, and they push the smaller bulls aside. That will be prime time to catch a bullfight. The driver of the entire process is the number of cow elk that are estrous. I will be posting frequently with maps as I did last year. I will also post any decent pictures. My goal is to get photographers to visit and photograph these majestic animals. Boxley Valley is also a great place for landscape photos. There are hiking trails and other attractions.
Michael Dougherty,
Compton, Arkansas
2015 Arkansas Elk Rut Just Weeks Away
Effective September 1 I will start blogging again about the 2015 Arkansas Elk Rut. The rut traditionally begins about the 3rd week in September. Before then there are stages that point to the big event. I was in Boxley Valley this morning at 6AM to beat the heat and sunrise. As I expected, there were 3 elk herds in the valley, one at the north end, one in the middle, and a 3rd at the south end. By 7AM the elk were heading for cover in response to the sunrise. I did not see a single big bull, it is too early. They start showing up in mid-September. The very biggest bulls show up around October 1, and they push the smaller bulls aside. That will be prime time to catch a bullfight. The driver of the entire process is the number of cow elk that are estrous. I will be posting frequently with maps as I did last year. I will also post any decent pictures. My goal is to get photographers to visit and photograph these majestic animals. Boxley Valley is also a great place for landscape photos. There are hiking trails and other attractions.
Michael Dougherty,
Compton, Arkansas
October 2, 2014
Its October and the Arkansas Elk Rut is at Peak
October 1, is the traditional peak of the annual elk rut There now 2 rutting herds in Boxley Valley as shown on the map. Each herd has a rutting bull and a few satellite bulls hanging around them. These conditions set the table for a bull fight. We have had a few visitors from Pbase. These folks are more serious photographers, and some are pros. They have been happy with the pictures they get, especially when they hike the river corridor. When properly equipped, river hiking is amazing. They are getting elk photos, turkey crossings and frequent pictures of river otter. Write me for more information. I explain everything for free.
30-SEP-2014
Herd Bull turns His Harem
Big herd bull turns his harem away from the road in early AM in Boxley Valley. Herd Bulls keep their harems compact to enable protection from other bulls. In this image the bull is compacting his harem that had become diffuse while grazing. Shot in thin fog and relatively low light at ISO 2000 f 5.6 (wide open).
