This year's very hot weather has slowed the rut. Boxley Valley, near Ponca Arkansas has 2 herds of cow elk awaiting herd bulls. Usually by now there is at least 1 bull rutting very early. Not so this year so far as I have observed. The pattern for my 6 years of watching and photographing the rut is that we are in any time now mode. This will switch overnight and soon the valley will have many bull elk and mornings and evenings will be full of the sound of bugling. It is quite a treat.

Boxley Valley near Ponca, Arkansas is a part of the Buffalo National River. This is my home ground and I love this place as a naturalist and photographer. 50 million people live within 2 tanks of gas of this place but the park remains largely unknown. It is a perfect family staycation destination with hiking trails suitable for every ability level virtually adjacent to the elk viewing areas. the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce website documents all the things to do and possible cabins to rent as well as campgrounds. Complete with GPS information. Everything is very affordable compared to national norms. All of my photography is shot in this area. My wife and I have the good fortune to have a home that backs up to the Ponca Wilderness. We have 800 feet on our back line shared wih the park. I am glad to help visitors arrange lodging or camping and provide more details on how to see the elk and take pictures of this amazing place that nobody knows about. We have many visitors who used to go to Colorado to see elk who visit here instead. Once you have had the "elk experience" you will be back. Fall is the very best time and the fall season is just beginning. You can write me at comptonphotographer@gmail.com for more information.