Life and Wildlife along the Little Buffalo River

Elk were once common throughout North America, including Arkansas. Due to decreasing habitat, their numbers slowly dwindled. The species of Elk that was native to Arkansas (Cerrus elaphus canadensis) disappeared in the 1840.In 1933, the U.S. Forest Service introduced Rocky Mountain elk (Cersus elaphus nelsoni) in Franklin County’s Black Mountain Refuge. These guys were also gone by the 1950s.In 1981, Arkansas Game and Fish decided to try again. During the years between 1981 and 1985, 112 elk were released near Pruitt in Newton County, along the Buffalo National River.

A thermal infrared sensing project initiated in 1994 provided precise information on elk numbers and distribution. In February and March 1994, 312 elk were counted in areas normally surveyed by helicopter which included public and adjacent private land along the upper and middle sections of the Buffalo River, some National Forest land and private land in portions of Boone and Carroll Counties. In 2011 there were close to 1000 Elk in Arkansas. You can also stop at the Ponca Elk Center on Arkansas Highway 43 in Newton County to get information.

In general, elk are out in the fields at sunup and sundown. I’ve been told that during the summer, they normally retreat to the woods around 6:30 a.m. and come out around 5-6 p.m. During the cooler months, you may get to see them until 8 a.m. in the morning or 4 p.m. at night.

Late September and early October are when elk are breeding (rut). This is the favorite time for wildlife watchers, because the bulls are very active. Calves are born in May and June. The young babies are very hard to spot because the females keep them hidden. Male antlers fall off during February and March. During spring and summer, they’re covered with a velvety coating. They polish them for the rut in the winter.

The land in Boxley Valley is not public. Be courteous and respectful of private property. Drive slowly (you need to anyway because the path is curved). Don’t spend too much time in one place. There are often other elk down the road. Elk are wild animals and can be dangerous, especially during rut. Do not try to chase or restrain them.