Roosevelt Elk Question

[huntingbg]

Will the rut still be occurring October 6th for the Muzzie hunt? 

[Huntbear]

That depends, on weather, the moon, and the elk..

Normally the rut lasts through mid october, but I have seen it run clear into November, with the bugling, and fighting going on during Modern Rifle season.

You just never know.  Plus, if they are rutting, they may have shut up and quit bugling as well, so you might never know.

[WSU]

In my experience there are bulls still with the herds.

[ELKBURGER]

I am hoping the same thing. I am helping a friend with his Toutle tag. Hoping for some rutting activity!

[Holg3107]

After archery season and the lack of rut that was going on in my area I have a sneaking suspicion that the muzzle loader season is going to be a good one. 

[ouchfoss]

After archery season and the lack of rut that was going on in my area I have a sneaking suspicion that the muzzle loader season is going to be a good one. 

Seemed to me that back in August everything in nature was happening early so I kinda predicted that the rut might start early too based on what I was told about what was already seen in the herds. When early archery opened up though it seemed it was just the opposite. I'd be willing to bet that locally this coming week will be the peak of the rut so when Muzzy opens up there will still be plenty of really stupid Rosies in and around the herds. 

[Eli346]

 At this point I don't think there will be much open in Toutle or Margaret to hunt without any measurable rain in the forecast. I hope we get a few good days as I'm supposed to be helping a friend in the Margaret!

[BowBender87]

They rut the same time every year regardless of weather or moon

[lastmk8]

I just don't seem to have a clue yet this year.  I've been down to my area (wet side southwest) and I have seen or heard much of anything to indicate the rut was even close yet.  Wondering if anyone else has seen/witnessed or otherwise this year.  I know last year during modern I bumped a couple cows and their was a bull still hanging around with them.  Unfortunately, he did put the slip on me, but he was pretty bold letting those couple young cows know exactly where he went off to.  Unfortunately for his "budddy" I ran into him about an hour later, and he will not be enjoying this years rut....

Anyway, really interested if anyone else is seeing things that seem to indicate another late rut...

Happy Hunting all,  provided any of us can find some open woods to get into!!

[Ridgerunner]

I didn't hear my first bugle till last week, they should still be going good in early October.

[bucklucky]

I have been all over washington , from the south east corner, mid washington, South West washington and the bulls have been bugling stong for all of september, the rut is in full swing as I type. Pre rut was awesome, post rut should be too. When cows come into there 2nd and third estrus Im sure you will find a horny bull but more than likely will be silent. (late October / November.

[WSU]

They seem to be less talkative by muzzy season, but I've only hunted it a couple years.  I have killed herd bulls with 20 cows, so they must be in the rut to some degree.

[bwhntr350]

 Back when archery season was in the first part of October, I hunted six seasons killing elk, all big bulls, in all six seasons. I killed one on the 4th of October and the other five, for some weird reason, on the date of October the 6th:)

[RadSav]

The best day of bugling I've ever experienced in my life was October 16th.  Every bugle seemed to be answered by at least five bulls.  Trying to decide which one to go after wasn't easy that day.

October 17th was the toughest day of packing ever with two bulls down and lots of headgear on the packs for 4-5 miles.

I don't remember October 18th that year.  I think I slept for 18 straight hours.

[blackveltbowhunter]

IMHO bulls will be rutting and either in the herds or nearby picking up 2nd and third estrus cows. Now... how talkitive they are really depends on how many times they have heard a hoochie mama 

[summit creek]

did not see the bull but 2 years ago i had a bull tear up an alder tree in my driveway in mid november

[grousetracker]

i could show you 3 bulls 1 over 300'' still in a batchelor group not a cow around and will not make a sound but they will in the next week 10 days . every year the same times early oct- mid oct will scream there heads off.

[huntingbg]

Awesome, im getting pumped already!

[Basket Rack]

The bulls have been in the rut since early september, I have heard lots of bugling since the first weekend of september.  The past week they have not been so vocal but the bulls are still with the cows and I am sure some still will be in early october.  The better question might be where will you find some land that is open to hunt.

[ELKBURGER]

The rut usually spans late aug to mid oct. The cows that dont get bred in thier early cycle will cycle again a month later. Kind of like a 2nd rut but weather and pressure affect exact times and areas.