The prime place to see elk in Ponca is about as easy as elk-watching gets: you’ll most likely spot them along the 4.5 miles of Highway 43 lying between Ponca and the Highway 21 junction to the south.
In the fall, elk tend to feed early mornings and late afternoons in the pastures between the highway and the tree line along the Buffalo National River. This usually makes finding them super simple, as well as convenient to view. You can also carefully park on the road’s shoulder and get out of your car to view these magnificent animals. Please use extreme caution when parking, making sure you don’t block the highway. It’s also a wise elk watcher who stands near the fence line rather than along the road when viewing elk. Be sure to pack binoculars.
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