This years elk rut

[janttihunter]

I noticed this years September new moon is 11 days earlier than last year. I know whether is a big factor but do you think this will influence a slightly earlier peak rut?

[JPhelps]

Nope, the rut is based on photo periods (length of day). 

Now the perceived rut from the weather and moon may be evident.

[Pigfuz]

Im not a biologist and have no clue what actually triggers the rut however I think weather plays a big role.  Where I hunt the elk don't seem to care about the exact time they start rutting but actually more of the temperature.  They wont start rutting until after a couple good frosts.  With our late summer weather it seems to push them later and later into the year.  Seemed to be that the rut was always in mid September but now it is closer to the first week of October during muzzleloader.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Yeah early october is best. I cant wait!!   

[elk247]

Nope, the rut is based on photo periods (length if day).  Now the perceived rut from the weather and moon may be evident.

This is exactly right. Like JP said the perceived rut is what you guys are noticing. Those cows are bred on time. That's why the woods are shut down the last week of September and the first week of October typically.

[bone head]

location,  weather, moon all have a factor in the rut.

[JLS]

location,  weather, moon all have a factor in the rut.

They have an affect on observeable rut activity, but as far as the actual rut itself they have no bearing.  Cows come into estrus at the same time every year based on photoperiod.  If the timing of the rut varied, you would have calves dropping at different times each year.  That would be a bad thing for calf survival and cows coming back into estrus when they should.

The majority of the cows will be in estrus and be bred in the middle of September regardless of the weather, moon, etc.

When it's hot, dry, full moon in the middle of September you won't have much observeable rut activity because the bulk of it is going on at night.

[rtspring]

Its all about the length of hours in a day, cooler temps!   The moon just gives them more chance of activity at night.

[huntnnw]

RUT is not pushed back or ahead due to weather...it still happens on time..its what the hunter is hearing and seeing as a judge of what the rut is doing. Perfect example..one year I was hunting some elk in NE WA..I ran into a hunter on the road on the way out..he was adamant that the rut was late..he had seen no sign or heard any elk in a week...well I had been listening to screaming bulls and cow talk for 3 days in a row.

Another issue with the rut is the area you hunt..if it lacks bulls your going to have a quiet hunting season

[RoyBoy]

Its all about the length of hours in a day, cooler temps!   The moon just gives them more chance of activity at night.

exactly. there not worried about the moon just makes it easier to feed at night

[TommyH]

Yeah early october is best. I cant wait!!   

  My adivice is for everyone to wait till then! 

[Bigshooter]

I was always under the impression that rut was always set by when the first sunday of september was.  If the first sunday was close to the 1st then the rut was early, and if the first sunday was closer to the 7th then it would be later.  But then you had to factor in rain.  If it rained before the 1st no matter the day of the week then that would push the rut back by a week.  But if it didn't rain until after the first that meant the rut would be early.  And then the last thing you have to look at is what time you get out of bed and into the woods.  If you're not in the woods before daylight then the rut probably won't start until after the season is over.  But if you're in the woods before daylight each day then we will probably have an early rut. 
Clear as mud?

[bucklucky]

I love september 

[JLS]

I was always under the impression that rut was always set by when the first sunday of september was.  If the first sunday was close to the 1st then the rut was early, and if the first sunday was closer to the 7th then it would be later.  But then you had to factor in rain.  If it rained before the 1st no matter the day of the week then that would push the rut back by a week.  But if it didn't rain until after the first that meant the rut would be early.  And then the last thing you have to look at is what time you get out of bed and into the woods.  If you're not in the woods before daylight then the rut probably won't start until after the season is over.  But if you're in the woods before daylight each day then we will probably have an early rut. 
Clear as mud?

You forgot to factor in how many miles driven, and how rough the roads are.

[TommyH]

I was always under the impression that rut was always set by when the first sunday of september was.  If the first sunday was close to the 1st then the rut was early, and if the first sunday was closer to the 7th then it would be later.  But then you had to factor in rain.  If it rained before the 1st no matter the day of the week then that would push the rut back by a week.  But if it didn't rain until after the first that meant the rut would be early.  And then the last thing you have to look at is what time you get out of bed and into the woods.  If you're not in the woods before daylight then the rut probably won't start until after the season is over.  But if you're in the woods before daylight each day then we will probably have an early rut. 
Clear as mud?

You nailed it there!!!

[billdo5]

Hunters misinterpret the rut.. The rut happens the same time, the weather factor ur talking about has to do with how vocal they are during the rut, not if they are in it or not... And if there isnt a lot of competition between bulls (due to the lack in numbers) then you wont hear to many bugles.

Heres a list of what i believe to be the biggest the factors if the bulls are bugling or not... 1 being the greatest.

1. weather
2. competition
3. surroundings/location

[brianb231]

Ahhhhh September.......Nothing better than Elk Rut and Football!

[Jonathan_S]

Hunters misinterpret the rut.. The rut happens the same time, the weather factor ur talking about has to do with how vocal they are during the rut, not if they are in it or not... And if there isnt a lot of competition between bulls (due to the lack in numbers) then you wont hear to many bugles.

Heres a list of what i believe to be the biggest the factors if the bulls are bugling or not... 1 being the greatest.

1. weather
2. competition
3. surroundings/location

Oh my goodness 

I agree with Billdo   

[billdo5]

 

[headshot5]

Heres a list of what i believe to be the biggest the factors if the bulls are bugling or not... 1 being the greatest.

1. weather
2. competition
3. surroundings/location

And soon to be...
4.  wolves   

[billdo5]

Im not a yuppy and i dont live in the city like u   

Just because they arent bugling doesnt mean they are not in the rut please read the whole thread thx byeee

Sorry for being hostile.. i got my bull 10minutes away from my house this year... 

[Wiley]

I dont think weather has any affect on them. Look at the elk down south where its hot they still rut without any weather change. I think its triggered on day light hours.

[6x6in6]

Nope, the rut is based on photo periods (length of day). 

Now the perceived rut from the weather and moon may be evident.

 

[deaner]

it started 5 days ago in the ne corner.
 

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Looks like a lesbo cow!

[jackelope]

Cleaned up.

Keep it on topic.

[jbeaumont21]

"There is not much variance in the timing of the elk rut from northern British Columbia to southern New Mexico. Although the rut is photoperiodic (dependent on the number of hours of light per day) the timing of the rut in each area is dependent on spring weather that is warm enough to allow the calves to survive. Generally speaking this results in the rut occurring earlier in at northern latitudes than it does at southern latitudes."

http://www.theamericanoutdoorsman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71:the-elk-rut&catid=38:big-game&Itemid=96

[billdo5]

"There is not much variance in the timing of the elk rut from northern British Columbia to southern New Mexico. Although the rut is photoperiodic (dependent on the number of hours of light per day) the timing of the rut in each area is dependent on spring weather that is warm enough to allow the calves to survive. Generally speaking this results in the rut occurring earlier in at northern latitudes than it does at southern latitudes."

http://www.theamericanoutdoorsman.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71:the-elk-rut&catid=38:big-game&Itemid=96

In redneck terms please??? 

[Broken Arrow]

Even red neck's can read. Pretty much sums it up.

[billdo5]

Big words in there man lol

[PolarBear]

I have found around here, Clearwater and St. Helens that as soon as every yayhoo in the country starts blowing their damn Terminator bugle, the bull shut up and everyone thinks that the rut is over or late because they are not talking anymore.     Pressure and over calling can push bulls to do their stuff at night making some think that the rut is not on.  Like it or not the rut is the same time every year.

[Broken Arrow]

Some folks learn from trial and error...some learn from being passed down,.....some on there own......some from reading and research. What ever method works best for folks and gives them confidence is awesome. I hunt with folks from all of the above mentioned methods, all we ask is if folks have something to share in their arena they do so and we have an open mind. Still one of my pet peeves, is the RUT discussion i have met others in the woods, who state;  " The rut is late", " hot weather postponed the rut", " they rutted in July this year". Its based on science.....and like others have said......depends on how you view it. I have hunted in 90+degree weather on the west side for the past several years in the early season and have heard almost no vocal during hunting hours, but have seen trees torn apart, wallows being used, then go up to spike camp and cant sleep from the hours of 1-3 am as it sounds like a fricken zoo. In the end.....I, and those in my camp.....LOVE September...you cant beat it, even if you are not hearing animals during the day does NOT mean your going to have a tough hunt.....we have killed a ton of silent bulls.

[billdo5]

  This year they were quiet then all of a sudden i got one to freak out.. Dont get it lol

[Broken Arrow]

Its not rocket science. Even when elk are quite, if you get in their kitchen and you sound like a challenge then they are going to sound off....all good hunters know this. I think that most folks are referring to, is not hearing any of the locator bugles in the am or pm. I have been astounded by folks who during September, will randomly call in a drainage, here nothing call back and assume the elk are not there.

[billdo5]

Its not rocket science. Even when elk are quite, if you get in their kitchen and you sound like a challenge then they are going to sound off....all good hunters know this. I think that most folks are referring to, is not hearing any of the locator bugles in the am or pm. I have been astounded by folks who during September, will randomly call in a drainage, here nothing call back and assume the elk are not there.

Then why do some bulls come in quiet and others freak out explain that are u an elk??? This year i got in ones kitchen and he was bugling back and racking $hit then with a different bull he didnt make a sound but was racking $hit... I believe it has to do with 1. Weather 2. Competition 3. Location/area

[Broken Arrow]

Actually depends if he has cows and what you consider his "kitchen".  With bulls who are silent and do have cows....i am referring to anything under 75 yards. when I know I am in close and I let out a young bull bugle, I have seen big boys melt down. Silent bulls we have shot do not have cows, they are just curious, and thus you need to be silent, patient and movement free.

[billdo5]

My kitchen is 150 yards and in because at 75 yards thats a dead bull lol.. The bull i shot this year had 7 cows with him and was bugling and actually left them and came to within range but couldnt get a shot and then he retreated back to his cows and was silent then i snuck in for the kill...

[Broken Arrow]

sounds like you got it all figured out billdo. wish you the best this year!

[JPhelps]

Its not rocket science. Even when elk are quite, if you get in their kitchen and you sound like a challenge then they are going to sound off....all good hunters know this. I think that most folks are referring to, is not hearing any of the locator bugles in the am or pm. I have been astounded by folks who during September, will randomly call in a drainage, here nothing call back and assume the elk are not there.

Then why do some bulls come in quiet and others freak out explain that are u an elk??? This year i got in ones kitchen and he was bugling back and racking $hit then with a different bull he didnt make a sound but was racking $hit... I believe it has to do with 1. Weather 2. Competition 3. Location/area

All bulls are different.  One drainage can be on fire and the next one over may be dead (elk in both).

* Is a cow in estrus in one herd and not the other
* Competition from satellite bulls (the larger and more comparable the sattelite bull the more action there seems to be)
*Did the bull just move Into the area and is rounding up cows
*How many Satellite bulls are around that talk a lot
*The elk are elk and we may not know the reasons they do what they do.

One of the most vocal and aggressive bulls I've ever seen was a heavier 4x4 herd bull running the show.  When all other elk seemed to be settled down his was letting the world know where he was. I think it Is kind of the same thing as a young guy beating his chest because of his accomplishment (sound familiar  )

[Jonathan_S]

When all other elk seemed to be settled down his was letting the world know where he was. I think it Is kind of the same thing as a young guy beating his chest because of his accomplishment (sound familiar  )

    good one.

[billdo5]

How does that have anything to do with what im saying mr phelps? Just saying my opinion on what i believe... sorry im a world class call maker like urself

[JPhelps]

I'm pretty sure my post addressed why some bulls could be bugling "freaking out" and others are "quiet".

A bull challenge bugling on his way in is usually in fight mode, a quiet bull is nervous or just interested in what the other elk are doing.  The calling sequence put out can alter the mood of the bull as well.

Straight cow callers very rarely get a bull slobbering mad and fired up like a calling sequence with a challenge bugle in it.  With that said honestly I dont know why elk do what they do 100% of the time.  I just keep it simple and use the same tactics 90% of the time and let the cards fall as they will.

[billdo5]

Makes sense im not trying to stir the pot just trying to voice what i believeand have a good conversation without getting a thread locked 

[sirmissalot]

Straight cow callers very rarely get a bull slobbering mad and fired up like a calling sequence with a challenge bugle in it. 

Stop it Jason, all this talk about fired up slobering bulls is going to really cut into my productivity today  September can't come soon enough!

[D-Rock425]

How does that have anything to do with what im saying mr phelps? Just saying my opinion on what i believe... sorry im a world class call maker like urself

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

When all other elk seemed to be settled down his was letting the world know where he was. I think it Is kind of the same thing as a young guy beating his chest because of his accomplishment (sound familiar  )

    good one.

Thought it might just be me...  My concerns have been affirmed.

The elk rut is the best time of year ever.  October 1st they'll start sounding off.
 

[Elkstuffer]

location,  weather, moon all have a factor in the rut.

They have an affect on observeable rut activity, but as far as the actual rut itself they have no bearing.  Cows come into estrus at the same time every year based on photoperiod.  If the timing of the rut varied, you would have calves dropping at different times each year.  That would be a bad thing for calf survival and cows coming back into estrus when they should.

The majority of the cows will be in estrus and be bred in the middle of September regardless of the weather, moon, etc.

When it's hot, dry, full moon in the middle of September you won't have much observeable rut activity because the bulk of it is going on at night.

Very well put JLS!

[Bullkllr]

Its not rocket science. Even when elk are quite, if you get in their kitchen and you sound like a challenge then they are going to sound off....all good hunters know this. I think that most folks are referring to, is not hearing any of the locator bugles in the am or pm. I have been astounded by folks who during September, will randomly call in a drainage, here nothing call back and assume the elk are not there.

Then why do some bulls come in quiet and others freak out explain that are u an elk??? This year i got in ones kitchen and he was bugling back and racking $hit then with a different bull he didnt make a sound but was racking $hit... I believe it has to do with 1. Weather 2. Competition 3. Location/area

All bulls are different.  One drainage can be on fire and the next one over may be dead (elk in both).

* Is a cow in estrus in one herd and not the other
* Competition from satellite bulls (the larger and more comparable the sattelite bull the more action there seems to be)
*Did the bull just move Into the area and is rounding up cows
*How many Satellite bulls are around that talk a lot
*The elk are elk and we may not know the reasons they do what they do.

One of the most vocal and aggressive bulls I've ever seen was a heavier 4x4 herd bull running the show.  When all other elk seemed to be settled down his was letting the world know where he was. I think it Is kind of the same thing as a young guy beating his chest because of his accomplishment (sound familiar  )

I recall a situation where I had (all in the same small corner of a drainage)
a smallish 5 point going off every few minutes and chasing everything that looked or sounded like an elk, a 4 point that did not respond to any calling- and was actually mounting a cow, a 6 point and another bull that came in slow and silent, and 2 spikes oblivious to the whole situation.

[janttihunter]

Thanks for the advice guys. I always fely like the moon effected animals I always keep track of moon phases while hunting and scouting and record everything. But wasnt sure about the rut. I found 4 shooter bulls bedded down while  scouting the other day so trying to get my game plan.