Tips for Enjoying the 2010 Arkansas Elk Rut

Bull Elk Are Preparing for
the 2010 Arkansas Elk Rut

The elk rut begins now in just two weeks. These tips will add to your enjoyment as you visit the Ponca elk herd in historic Boxley Valley. These tips should add to your elk viewing experience. 

• The best elk viewing is early and late in the day. Plan to visit early mornings and in the late evenings.
  
• For a few years the best elk viewing has been in the fields near the intersection of Highways 43 and 21, just south of Ponca. Begin looking for elk in these fields, but don't rule out the entire valley.
  
• Drive slowly in Boxley Valley. My recommendation is 40 mph maximum. Remember bull elk are in love during the rut, they are a bit more recless and if you speed you could hit one.
  
• Be very conscious of safety issues. Tourists gawking at elk are often not very alert. Drive slowly, and watch for pedestrians.
  
• When you stop to view elk, pull as far as possible off the road. In many places in Boxley Valley, there are wide shoulders that will allow you to pull completely off the road.
  
• Respect private property. All the farm fields in Boxley Valley are private. Do no jump fences or block farm field entrances.
  
• Remember that elk are wild animals. Both cow and bull elk can and will protect themselves and their young if they perceive you are entering their space.
  

During the peak elk viewing season, the National Park Service and the Newton County Sheriff Department enforce speed limits and trespassing laws. Tickets will be given for egregious parking violations in driveways and private lands. Let common sense be your guide. If anything seems wrong it probably is, and you could get a costly ticket.