How long is the rut lasting?

[yakimanoob]

This is my first year ever attempting an elk hunt, and I have a general eastern modern rifle tag.  From my reading online I figured I'd be hunting post-rut elk, but I was out yesterday and heard bugling like crazy, one from about 50 yards to my right (and I was walking trails with two rowdy dogs). 

So my question is, how long does the rut last for the Yakima elk herd?  Are we in the last of it now and it will for sure be over by season opening?

And how does that affect location?  Will the elk move out of the area they were in (a 3500-ish elevation watershed in deep timber, central/south cascades), or is it worth going back there on the 29th?  Yes, I will scout and keep an eye on it; just curious about the strategy since I'm new at this.

[rtspring]

I have seen bulls rut into the second week of November.   Just has to be a hot cow around. 

[Scottystyle]

I have seen bulls rut into the second week of November.   Just has to be a hot cow around.

True stories, Ive also seen bull fighting well before theyre hard-antlered.  They just chase the booty till theres no chasin left lol


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[cryder]

even the elk don't know anymore they just do what they can till a wolf comes and sets them off running again. And don't bother trying any calling they dont care.unless like Wayne charilton says the only call that works these days is the lost calf call all the rest is just scary to them.read it its all sad but true.  ....get out there ?

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Seen bulls fighting and mounting cows at Oak Creek Feed Lot in March.  Maybe it's because they are well fare elk.....   They get free eats and we'll I won't say it.....

[JLS]

The rut peaks within 5-10 days either before or after the fall equinox.  Typically, cows will come into their first estrus in the early part of September.  The cows that don't get bred during that cycle will come into estrus again in late September.  Any cow that is still open will come into a third estrus in October.

I have seen/heard bull bugling in November, but it's highly unlikely that there was actually a cow in heat around.  Bugling is not a behavior strictly reserved for the rut.  I've heard elk bugle in May, June, July, etc.  It's part of their social behavior and not just a breeding activity.

As to going back to where you heard them?  I would, barring any major weather event that would trigger large scale migratory movements.

[PA BEN]

even the elk don't know anymore they just do what they can till a wolf comes and sets them off running again. And don't bother trying any calling they dont care.unless like Wayne charilton says the only call that works these days is the lost calf call all the rest is just scary to them.read it its all sad but true.  ....get out there ?

Cows talk year round. I cow call while I hunt, elk are not the quietest animals. so if a elk hears you but doesn't see or smell you a cow call once in awhile will calm them down and allow you to get close.