Hunt the first or second week?

[Tbob]

Hey everyone,
   Just wonder for all you archery guys, with the new early season dates this year, will you be hunting the first week or the second week of early archery this year. If you don't mind, why are you picking the week you are? Thanks.

[LeviD1]

I picked the entire season because I love it.

[vandeman17]

west side or east? I will be in Oregon hunting at will be going for the same week as the opener here.

[Tbob]

Westside. Sorry

[Big6bull]

Both weeks! More time the better

[notellumcreek]

If you had to choose just 1 then definitely the second week for (hopefully) better chance at cooler weather and closer to the rut.

note: I am a rookie and have never killed an elk so my opinion means close to nothing 

[bobcat]

I would hunt the second week, not necessarily because I think it would be better, but just because we haven't had the opportunity to hunt that late in September before.

Having said that, I just made the decision last night to apply for a muzzleloader permit, so I'm now stuck with the muzzleloader tag .

Hoping for multi-season tag next year.

[Little Fish]

I am interested in hearing some opinions as well.

I am going to hunt the first 9 days of the season. My logic is this....I have never hunted the opening day of the season. With the later start this year I think the elk will be talking and I would like first crack at animals that (ideally) have not been educated by other hunters. If I had my way I would show up at camp early, hunt the entire season and leave a day or two after the season closes, but that won't be a reality until I get a little closer to retirement.

[WapitiTalk1]

If I had to choose/pick first or second week, I would probably hunt the second.  As it is, I'll hunt WA from 12-17, back one day to re-load, and off to ID thru the 30th.  I'll be very interested in hearing how folks do in WA that second week though with the later season. 

[pianoman9701]

We'll be up there for both weekends and the week in between.

[_TONY_]

If I had to choose/pick first or second week, I would probably hunt the second.  As it is, I'll hunt WA from 12-17, back one day to re-load, and off to ID thru the 30th.  I'll be very interested in hearing how folks do in WA that second week though with the later season.

 

This is almost my exact schedule, too... Though, I'll be hunting till the 19th, here, then heading straight to Idaho to hunt the 20th-30th

I may even head to ID, to try and get in on a little pre-rut action on the 30th of august for a couple days very excited for this season!

[MIKEXRAY]

My answer will always be first week.   I hunt a mile and a half up from feeding area (meadows in valley ) to beds higher on the ridge then me. First couple of days of season they come by at 9 am, next couple first light. Second week they are well up to safety before first light. Second week in my area is much tougher.  I love all opening days and don't miss them.

[Torrent50]

Will this affect anyone's plans?

http://astronomy.org/StarWatch/September/index-9-15.html

[vandeman17]

It played a factor in our decision on when to hunt. We are going the earlier week for a few reasons but missing the full moon is a big bonus!

[hogslayer]

How much of a factor is the moon cycle for elk rutting?

[vandeman17]

How much of a factor is the moon cycle for elk rutting?

I was never a big believer in the full moon phenomenon but after a few hunts that overlapped a full moon, my thoughts have changed. On each of the hunts, I saw the activity move to almost exclusively in the night the day(s) leading up to the full moon. It is not a deal breaker but I now try to avoid it if possible.

[LeviD1]

I feel like I see more animals in the morning if its dark at night. When there is a bright moon I dont see as much movement in the morning.

[nw_bowhunter]

I'll be out the first week and possibly some of the second week depending on work/family obligations. Full moon is a factor but since season starts on Saturday there will be more hunters out opening weekend which will also be a contributing factor.

[Drake7]

Hunting the 1st week and then off to Colorado for the last week of their season.  Kind of bummed I am unable to hunt the entire season in Washington.  Never dreamed the Wash season would be so late when we made our Colorado plans.   Either way you slice it, this later season should make for a much more exciting year!


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[HighCountryHunter88]

How much of a factor is the moon cycle for elk rutting?

if its a full moon i tend to hear more activity going on at night and they usually end up shutting up earlier in the AM

[Roosevelt]

If I had to choose one I would hunt the second week.    The bulls should be full on out of their mind by that point.  It will definitely be different though.  The bigger bulls should have their harems by that time and it can get hard to get close.  But I think locating should be easier.  I am crazy excited for the new dates!

[Tbob]

Interesting responses. I'm torn! First week and chase less pressured elk or second week, hopefully cooler temps, closer to the rut, but a big bright moon! Tough choices!

[bobcat]

I would probably try to hunt both. Maybe the first four days and then the last five days. Might as well try to experience both the beginning and the end of the new season.

[Nice Racks]

I'm lucky; I have both weeks off and will hunt from sun up to sun down.   

[Tbob]

I wish I could break up my hunt that way, but I just moved down to San Diego and I've only got one week to come up and hunt with my brother so I'm having to pick first or second week.. Better than the choice down here of no elk hunting at all though!