Boxley Valley Elk
The main reason we visited northwest Arkansas about a month ago, besides to visit Eureka Springs, was to see the elk in Boxley Valley.
At one time, elk roamed throughout North America, but by 1842, elk in Arkansas were gone.
Then, between 1981 and 1985, 112 elk were released into 2 counties near the Buffalo River in the northwest part of the state.
And today, the numbers are slowly growing. The best place to see them is in Boxley Valley.
In the early morning and evening, you can drive the road that runs through the valley and see elk grazing in the fields.
This bull elk was massive, the biggest I’ve ever seen.
Stick a fork in him, he’s done. And look at the size of his antlers.
What a beauty!
We drove through the valley at sunrise and sunset on both days we were there, and saw elk every time.
If you are interested in visiting Boxley Valley, click HERE for a website with directions and a map, plus regular updates on where and when the elk are best viewed in the valley.
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Your pictures are amazing! If you make it back Boxley you really should hike to the Hawksbill Crag. It is worth the time and energy to get to it. Fall would be perfect. Loving the posts about my home state! Thanks for sharing!
It was so hot when we were there we didn’t have the energy for hiking. We will be back though. Yours is a beautiful state with so much to see. 🙂
Beautiful shots of the elk! We have elk here in Washington State, Roosevelt Elk. They were also introduced here. We hear them bugling in the hills in the fall and sometimes see whole herds in the fields. Once, when my parents first moved here (they lived down the lane from me), a bull elk came running into my Mother’s yard while she was tending the garden, being chased by two dogs. When it saw my Mother it lowered it’s antlers at her and she escaped by hiding behind a shed. But she stopped the dogs by offering them a treat and the elk was free to go.
That’s scary about your mom! So glad she had the presence of mind to hide behind the shed and she was ok.
I’ve nearly hit an elk before, on my bicycle. Fortunately it decided it was better just to move along rather than stomp me into the ground. We actually have 5 guys about the size of the one with the rack you posted that wander our neighborhood and parts of the city. They call them the Lords of Loveland and they’ve been around for 3 years. Come down from the mountains following the river, hang out for the summer, and then go back up for the winter. It’s neat to see them, but I prefer it at a bit greater distance.
That’s amazing to have these guys in your neighborhood, but must be kinda scary too. They’re so big.
A majestic-looking animal, good pictures! I wonder what’s the deal with the elk with only one antler in the third picture. Maybe just a late bloomer. 😉
Thanks Louise. See Doe’s insight about the strange antler.
Great post, very interesting. The elk w/one antler probably got into a fight w/the big elk. The photo with the small herd grazing and the leaves on the side of the tree on the right side is so so pretty w/the sun on the leaves. But, then they are all so nice. Thanks.
YOu’re welcome, and thank you Doe for coming along.
I showed your post to hubby as he loves animals, used to hunt deer in PA, in his growing up years. Great shots and thanks for sharing! Have a good week.
Thank you Becky! You too!
Love your beautiful pictures, Suzanne. I have not seen Elk where I live, but we have lots of deer, some black bear and the stray moose, now and then. You are very brave to stand out there with your subjects, and we get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Thanks.
You’re very welcome Carol. Glad you enjoy it.
I loved my visit to the Boxley Valley and Buffalo River. After I got home, I couldn’t resist writing a song about it. Seeing the elk in Arkansas was something I will never forget. My song is posted on YouTube at http://youtu.be/mjwMw0neExc