Elk Rut Underway, Fall Color in a Month

Fall Color Along the Buffalo River Trail

Fall is a great time to visit the Buffalo National River. Summer heat is now giving way to fall-like temperatures.

Two reasons to visit (among many) are fall color and the annual Arkansas elk rut, natural events that draw thousands to the region.

This year fall color could be outstanding. Drought conditions often precede exceptional years for fall color. All of the roads around the Buffalo National River are very scenic during fall color. The Boston Mountains are the highest range in the Ozarks. Visitors are treated to mountain vistas as well as exceptional river scenes, both from the access areas, and along the river hiking and riding trails.

Another marquee event is the annual Arkansas elk rut. Elk mating season begins in mid-September. Thousands of people travel to the upper Buffalo River area to see elk and hear them bugle. Best viewing times for elk are mornings and evenings, with longer viewing during cold weather.

Boxley Valley Bull Elk with His Harem, Fall 2010

By far the best place to view this annual event is in Boxley Valley, just south of Ponca. In the farm fields along the valley, visitors witness the struggle for domination between herd bulls. Bugling is common, especially from mid-September to mid-October.

No visit to see the elk is complete without visiting the Ponca Elk Education Center in Ponca. The center features elk and nature exhibits and information about the elk locations in Boxley Valley. There is also a small store for souvenirs and nature guides. Kids love the center and its many hands-on displays. There are free posters and educational materials. The Center won a national award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Visit their website, or call them at 870-861-2432.


For additional elk viewing information visit the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce website, http://buffaloriverchamber.com and http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com.  The Arkansas Wildlife Photography website features up-to-date information on herd locations in Boxley Valley, along with advice on elk viewing and elk photography. 


Fall Events Calendar
There are two major events in the upper Buffalo River region each fall. 


First is the Ozark Mountain Artists Tour, held September 16-19th in Newton County. For more information check out the tour website, http://ozarkmountainartists.com. The tour features 25 artists at various location in the county. There are demonstrations, studio tours, and art for sale. There is no charge for the event. 


Second is the annual Color Fest, put on by the Ponca Elk Education Center each October. This year's event will be held on October 28th and 29th. For more information call the Elk Education Center at 870-861-2432.


Both of these events fall within the elk rut in Boxley Valley. Plan to come and combine each event with watching the most-watched wildlife in Arkansas. 

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.