2010 Elk Rut at Peak, New Viewing Locations

The "Boxley Beast" Herd Bull

The elk rut has been going strong now for about two weeks, and is at peak now. Visitors can expect a good show for at least another month. As we enter November the elk rut will be technically off peak, but elk viewing will still be very good. My best bull fight was shot the first week of November, so there is quite a way to go before things tail off significantly.

Yesterday cattle were moved into the first field just south of the observation pullout. This displaced two elk herds that had been there for about two weeks. From what I could judge, it appears that one herd went north and another appeared to be heading south. One thing we can be sure of is that cattle and elk don't mix. The elk will go somewhere else. Time for a new pattern. These movements are pretty standard.

I expect to see a herd take up residence in the first couple of fields near the Ponca Access. These are traditionally strong fields and have elk only when cattle are not present. Herds that visit these fields also occasionally visit Steel Creek during the week when there are few campers.

Remember to be safe. I have many new elk photos posted on my photo website, http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com linked off the galleries section. I just started a third elk gallery on the 2010 rut. It has been a pretty good year for shooting.