"Going Elk Hunting With My Camera"
In Boxley Valley, Arkansas
by: Bobby McDonald
As a photographer and a writer, you're always looking for something new and exciting to bring to your readers. Well, although I have had the opportunity to take pictures of elk in Yellowstone, a few years back, I had never had the opportunity to shoot them so up close and personal, as I had yesterday morning, in Boxley Valley, Arkansas. It was truly an awesome day and I just hope that my photos provide half of the beauty of these grand animals, in a natural habitat.
It was a long trip to Northwestern Arkansas and down some mighty crooked mountain roads, in the Ozarks. I stayed in the small town of Kingston, Arkansas, and had to post my news, via my laptop, as I sat in my jeep outside the town library, located on the square and "hold my mouth just right," to get a signal!
And, it was up at 4:00 to get news posted and to the valley by 6:00 a.m., so that I'd be in place to begin taking photos. But, when I was in place the "bugle" of a couple of bull elks that echoed through the valley made the trip all worth it and the excitement build.
Please enjoy these photos of a truly awesome experience, that hopefully I captured for you all:
As daylight came, this herd of elk was grazing in front of me....
I spotted this giant bull near the river.....
These yearling heifers saw my flash....
This young buck is waiting across the river for his chance to take a cow away from the big giant...
It's breeding season (the rut) for the elk.....
A clash as the young challenger confronts, the "big daddy".....
The giant "bugles" his victory....
The victor takes his herd back to the woods....
He jumps a fence and crosses the road into the woods.....
Another herd, down the river.....
A playful elk calf.....
Scenes coming out of the valley....
And, Boxley Valley was voting at the Boxley Valley Baptist Church...
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