Which week would you choose & why??

[Hoythunter]

September 13 - 20th?

or

September 20 - 27th?

Hello, all.  I'm archery hunting ID elk this year and in the past I've always taken my valuable hunting vacation week the on the second full week of September.  I'm torn this year between the two weeks as presented above.  Based on your elk hunting experience which week do you feel is the premier elk killing week and why?  For the first time ever I'm leaning towards the 20th - 27th which is a bit later but feel this years moon phase and perhaps cooler temps could be advantageous.  What do you guys think?

[WapitiTalk1]

Third week would be my choice between the two (as a matter of fact, when I'm heading to the Gem State).  The rut is in full swing by then, probably the peak estrus time for the cows occurs around that time (you know what that means), and the elk are max vocal.  Yes sir, third and fourth week for me.  Best of luck to you!       

[vandeman17]

When is the full moon? That would factor into my decision as well... 

[Hoythunter]

When is the full moon? That would factor into my decision as well... 

Hardly any moon Sept 20 - 27th. 

[vandeman17]

When is the full moon? That would factor into my decision as well... 

Hardly any moon Sept 20 - 27th.

That is always good. I never used to be a big believer in how the moon effects critters but over the fast five years or so, I have become a firm believer and try to avoid full moon phases and especially during the rut.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Another vote for 20-27

[WapitiTalk1]

The full moon topic always comes up several times each year and there is usually some degree of disagreement among hunters about how the moon affects rutting elk and if it’s worth hunting that period of time.  The moon phase will not affect the rut in any way.  Photoperiod or the amount of daylight let into their big brown eyes is what triggers the rut and it remains relatively constant (occurring around the same time every year); cows start coming into one of up to three estrus cycles and the bull’s testosterone levels soar.  The moon phase does to a degree, affect the time(s) of day when the elk are “most” active.  During a big old moon, the wapiti will be more active at night and less active during the day (as a general rule).  They are still rutting but after being up much of the night feeding and doing their rutting elk thing (BTW, night time location bugling is a great way to locate bulls during full moon phases), they will perhaps head to bed earlier in the morning and start their descent to feeding areas later in the day.  Same can be said during warm or hot weather, yes?  The elk will still be hunt able in the early morning, late evening, and will still sing out lazy bugles from their bedding areas giving away their locations, and, stand up to stretch a leg and head for a quick drink or roll in a wallow during the day.  I guess it’s somewhat of a trade off in a way.  Hunt during the peak of the rut (although it may be during a full moon phase) when the elk are most vocal and certainly interested in all the cows coming into estrus, or, hunt an earlier part of the month when the afore mentioned activities are not so prevalent.  I’ll take peak rut and a shiny moon any day.   Just my .02.   

[vandeman17]

I agree phantom that I would take prime rut vs. moon phase. Why I don't like the full moon, especially for early archery is that it is generally warm and clear so having the full moon seems to make them more active all night long and less during daylight hours. Been on multiple hunts where it was clear out with a full moon at one point and it was those few days that we had the least amount of daylight activity.

[HornHoarder]

I am in the same situation, although I have already made up my mind. I'll be elk hunting Idaho Sept. 18-27. Should be cooler weather, and peak rut. Good luck!

[coachcw]

let me see sept 1 - dec 31st really 20-27th moon phase

[Grizman]

Most years in North ID, Sept 26 is pretty much the peak of the rut.  Most locals tend to agree with the date and high level of activity. 

[ridgefire]

What are you looking for in your hunt? Bulls spread out throughout the drainages with perhaps many encounters a day any time of the day or bulls in herds with the chance at a herd bull mainly in the morning or evening? Mid sept you will have more chances at bulls but late sept you may have a better chance at a herd bull. Im heading for Idaho the 16th and will be hunting till the 27th, hoping for a big guy this year. Im not a huge believer in the moon phases. Good luck.

[kodiak06]

I would take the first week when the elk haven't been pressured personally. I would also take part of the other week you mentioned  . As far as the full moon, last year during the full moon cycle, I consistently saw elk late morning through mid-day. I've always seen deer mid-day as well during the full moons.

[boneaddict]

20-27th, no brainer