Archery blacktail hunters act now!!!

[dreamingbig]

Just to clarify, and I am not expecting it to change, but the elk rut is not limited to the period of the 8th to the 21st of September.  In fact, some would argue that the peak is from the 20th to the first week in October.  State game biologists have told me before that they believe the peak rut falls after early archery season and this is the main reason for not changing the season to the 15th to 30th of Sep.

Archery season is mostly pre and early/to mid rut.  In some years, muzzleloaders are the ones hunting the peak rut.  Just my 2 cents.

[BlackTail]

One thing I haven't heard you address is "greed".  I mean I don't want to start a war between different methods of hunting, but I also don't see how this can come off as anthing less than greed.  You said blacktails so I'll stick with the west side.  Rifle hunters get a combined (deer and elk) 34 days to hunt, muzzleloaders get 61-68 days and archers get 91-114 days depending on what GMU you hunt the late seasons in.  Archers and muzzleloaders already get to hunt the rut for elk.  Archers also have the option to buy a muzzleloader or rifle tag, if they like that season better, and hunt it with their archery equipment.  Rifle hunters have no such option.  Now, you want rifle hunters to combine their deer and elk season, shortening their days in the field and increasing the number of hunters at the same time, to get out of the way so you can hunt deer during the rut too?  Tell me how that's not being greedy and how you're thinking about all different hunting methods here.  Did I miss anything??

I haven't checked your numbers so I will take it that you are mostly right (minus accounting for 14 days for modern rifle bull permit hunters) but you failed to take into account that some bowhunters would be willing to reduce the total number of days in the field (last 10 days of Dec and first 10 days of Sep for example for deer) in exchange for 7-10 good days at beginning of November.

Also, modern firearm guys can buy an archery permit and hunt with a bow, nothing is stopping them.  Except for perhaps the increased difficulty...

You're last statement is exactly what I'm saying.  If you want to hunt during a certain season, then find out what weapon you can use and go, not pick your weapon first and get the season changed!!

And to your last post, some would argue that the pre and early/to mid rut is the best time to hunt bulls.  Not after they have rounded up a harem of cows that they don't want to leave.  Just my 

[M_ray]

Archery season is mostly pre and early/to mid rut.  In some years, muzzleloaders are the ones hunting the peak rut.  Just my 2 cents.

dreamingbig I never said the PEAK i just said rut!  And I agree with you note the muzzleloader below! 

[TheKid#10]

M_Ray,

After tonight there should be some billboard space available if you would like to post that pic there too.  LOFL

[M_ray]

 

[dreamingbig]

Still a very nice bull, over a year later.  I agree that pre/mid rut is a good time to kill bulls.  Witness my dad's bull this year pictured below.  However, we don't hunt the whole rut and definitely not the peak and possibly not the best...  As I said before every other western state gives bowhunters the whole month of September vs. our 2 weeks so it is not like we are experiencing a hunter's paradise.  I was trying to point out to others that October, especially 2 weeks can be very productive.

Happy hunting to all.  Still waiting on a branch antlered bull permit...