ELK
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want to go walking into that field,” he adds. People that take advantage of the remote wildlife management areas should also remember to keep their distance from animals and be aware of open hunting seasons.
Although elk are often thought of as a western animal, the eastern elk was a native of Arkansas. However, it disappeared from the state’s forest sometime around 1840 and is now considered extinct. The U.S. Forest Service introduced 11 Rocky Mountain elk in the Black Mountain Refuge of Franklin County in 1933.
Although the herd did well for a number of years, it eventually disappeared likely due to illegal hunting, natural mortality and loss of suitable habitat. Between 1981 and 1985, 112 Rocky Mountain elk were again stocked. This time they were placed near the Buffalo National River in Newton County.
The 112 elk have grown to about 550 elk. The animals are referred to as the Hilary Jones Elk Herd, after former Game and Fish Commissioner Hilary Jones. Jones, along with local citizens of Newton County were instrumental in establishing the elk herd.
Two centers interpret the elk and their habitat.
The Ponca Elk Education Center is operated by the education division of the AGFC in Ponca and has about 6,500 to 7,000 visitors annually.
This interpretive center, which has free admission, contains an exhibit room with full-body mounts of elk in natural settings as well as an Arkansas black bear. Handson displays include hides, skulls and other artifacts, a geology display, interactive computer quizzes, and a birding window. Groups are welcome to schedule use of the facility for customized programs.
Visitors can shop for educational and fun souvenirs, books, videos, shirts, and even buy a hunting and fishing license at the center, which also has rustic log rockers and benches on its wrap-around deck overlooking Pond Creek, picnic tables, and a covered pavilion.
Another source of information is the Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum and Elk Information Center in Jasper. Learn more about elk and other wildlife through exhibits and video presentations. Exhibits in-
See ELK, page A10 ELK
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and other wildlife through exhibits and video presentations. Exhibits include elk mounts, three freshwater fish aquariums, and touch table of furs, feathers and bones.
The gift shop offers handpainted agar nightlights, carved wooden toys, wildlife prints, note cards, T-shirts, caps, jewelry made from elk antlers, coffee cups and more.
Admission is free and the center is located on Scenic Byway 7 about a half mile north of Jasper and the Little Buffalo River.
The Buffalo River is a national park known for superb recreational activities such as hiking, floating, camping and wildlife watching.
About Arkansas Tourism
Arkansas Tourism-Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com.
