Hunt the first or second week?

[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!