Hey, I’m giving you pearls here.

[Igor]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

From what I understand, when the moon is full and bright, the elk tend to stay up during the night longer.  Then they bed more during the day, less active.  But, when the moon is gone, the elk tend to be less active at night, normal daytime activities.  So if you only have a certain time to take off for hunting, look at the moon phase and pick the week when the moon is gone.

I always check the moon phases for choosing the most dark nights during my trip, if possible. This year will be tough with the FM on the 20th of Sept.

Sat   Sep 11      Waxing Crescent   Scorpio   
Sun   Sep 12      Waxing Crescent   
Mon   Sep 13      First Quarter   Sagittarius   
Tue   Sep 14      Waxing Gibbous   
Wed   Sep 15      Waxing Gibbous   Capricorn   
Thu   Sep 16
Fri   Sep 17      Waxing Gibbous   Aquarius   
Sat   Sep 18      Waxing Gibbous   Aquarius
Sun   Sep 19      Waxing Gibbous   Pisces   
Mon   Sep 20      FULL MOON
Tue   Sep 21      Waning Gibbous   
Wed   Sep 22      Waning Gibbous   Aries   
Thu   Sep 23      Waning Gibbous   Aries

I read a very interesting article a while back about how well deer and elk can see at night.  Different studies have shown that they see 20 to 50 times better at night then humans, due to they way their eyes are constructed.   So, what humans see as total darkness appears to them as something akin to twilight.  The article did not discuss in detail how this affects their nocturnal feeding habits, but it was an interesting read anyway.

[vandeman17]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.

[hike2hunt]

Respect the animal, nature, and your fellow hunter..Try to make everyday...a long day. You may not get the next day.

[Alchase]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.

I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.

[vandeman17]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.

I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.

Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours

[7mmfan]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.

I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.

Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours

However on clear nights with big moons, deer and elk will often get up midday to water or browse. Staying in the woods ALL DAY can lead to a lot of kills in those conditions. My biggest buck to date was killed at 12:30 on a full moon.

[2MANY]

Never wear a cow elk costume during the rut.

[hunter399]

Don't take advise from the Elk hunter that buys tag every year but never harvest an Elk.
That's me so don't be taking my advise.
 

[WapitiTalk1]

Never wear a cow elk costume during the rut.

 

[vandeman17]

Don't underestimate the moon phase

Please elaborate... I'm listening.

As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.

I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.

Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours

However on clear nights with big moons, deer and elk will often get up midday to water or browse. Staying in the woods ALL DAY can lead to a lot of kills in those conditions. My biggest buck to date was killed at 12:30 on a full moon.

For sure.

[b0bbyg]

Don't take advise from the Elk hunter that buys tag every year but never harvest an Elk.
That's me so don't be taking my advise.
 

This is actually a really good point    How many of us want to ignore/criticize what other camps do because it is us against them mentality.  Took me several years to start opening up to the fact if another camp kills more elk than you do, they could probably teach you something.
Last 3-4 years I have been trying to be more friendly and learn & share what I can, without giving away honey holes of course.

Just because "that is the way our friends and family have always done it" does not make it the best way.  Unless you are knocking over big bulls every year, in that case carry on and invite me along for a lesson!

[scoutdog346]

Always think its going to happen. In other words always be ready as if the elk could present itself at any time.  Hold ur bow or gun as if it's going to happen at any moment.

[branches]

scoutdog346 is spot on

[hillbillyplumber]

Nock another arrow immediately be ready for a follow up shot. I arrowed a nice bull last year (my third year hunting). Felt and looked like a good shot after going over it in my head again and again I believe I only got 1 lung due to shooting up hill. Anyhow I watched him buck once and stop for a few seconds before walking off to die. I should/could have shot him again when he stopped had I nocked another arrow. Unfortunately he went a long way into some really tall thick salal. I spent the last 2 days of the season looking for him never found him. I'll never make that mistake again.

[hunter399]

Get off the couch,and GO!!!!!!!