Yesterday, for the first time, it was clear that the elk
in Boxley Valley, Arkansas' premier elk viewing site, have
dramatically changed their patterns probably due to the rut.

For the last few days the daytime high temperature had shifted
from the 80s down to the 60s. This seems to have ramped up
the rut and elk are wandering everywhere in Boxley Valley, and,
importantly, they can be seen during the day. It is true that
peak viewing remains in the morning and evening, but there are
plenty of opportunities during the day.

Good news for photographers is that we are heading quickly into
fall color now. It is delayed about a week or two, presumably
due to climate change, i.e., global warming. If you make a trip
to NW Arkansas to photograph elk, you can now depend on very
good photo opportunities with added fall color. Fall is one of
the prime landscape seasons, and when you hit the rut, it is
pretty easy to shoot 500+ photos a day.

Stay tuned. I will provide periodic updates on what is happening
with the elk herd. There are signficant seasonal shifts in photo
opportunities that make all the difference to photographers
visiting this beautiful area. The landscapes are worth visiting
alone, but the elk offer a great additional payoff.

Ponca Elk Education Center 870-861-2432. Mary Ann Hicks and Carol
Villines can help you with everthing you need to know locally.

For more information, call the Ponca Elk Education Center. If you
see me shooting in the valley, stop and say hi. I am there most
every day. I am the gray haired guy with the tripod and big lens.