Elk bugling/rutting?

[nclonghunter]

The lucky guys that get to hunt through the different elk seasons, when have you seen the peak bugling and rutting activity?


Everyone says it's in September, but I have not seen much or heard much activity/bugling during the archery and ML season. It has been real hot the last few years, so what do you guys think or have expirenced?


Thanks

 

[Marc_350]

I hunt in Colorado now. From my past experiences I've noticed that 90% of the time the elk I call in with aggressive bugling/tree raking etc. come in 100% quiet. This happened 3 times with three different bulls hunting last year. I've heard this is generally the case on an OTC unit in Colorado. I did however get a few bulls to bugle all after shooting hrs though. They were all rutting hard though and very interested in my calls. it changes every year generally but the time I personally think you will see the most rutting activity is the last cple weeks of September into the first cple weeks of October. A first season rifle tag can be a great choice if wanting a shot at some rutting elk with a rifle along with a muzzle loader tag which usually starts right in the peak of the rut in my spot every year. An archery tag will pretty much get you through every phase of the rut except for the last cple weeks of it.

 

[turbo1967]

In my area in Montana the rut will take place from the end of august to the end of October, the peak will very every year depending on the weather.In general the peak is usually mid September and is almost always over by the end of October. 

 

[COarrowchucker]

Here in Colorado i see most the rut activity during 1st rifle season, due to the warmer weather the rut has been later and later the past several seasons.

 

[Montana_BackCountry]

In my area in Montana the rut will take place from the end of august to the end of October, the peak will very every year depending on the weather.In general the peak is usually mid September and is almost always over by the end of October.

Also my experience.  Third week in Sept is usually the money week.

 

[MT_Elkhunter]

I'd have to say that the second or third week of September has been the best for me although it can and does vary from year to year.  Put on as many miles in as many days as you can.  The true key to hunting elk is to be in the elk woods as much as possible.

 

[COelkaholic88]

Here in Colorado i see most the rut activity during 1st rifle season, due to the warmer weather the rut has been later and later the past several seasons.

I agree with you to some point about 1st season in Colorado. With the hot dry weather I see here in southern Colorado, the elk do seem to peak the last week of September into the first week of October. I do believe parks and wildlife caught on to this observation as well as they moved openining day of 1st season a week later in Colorado. However, as much as I have hunted 1st rifle season and have seen many bulls still going nuts, there has been times when out scouting in late September where I have called a few bulls within 30 yds. Like everywhere else I believe there are numerous factors that play a role such as pressure, location, weather etc.