Early Season Archery Elk

[ELKBURGER]

third week , way less preasure .

[iRem]

First week! Even though the early hunt starts on a Tuesday you get out on a Sunday to set up! Do a little scouting  through Monday night, put the elk to bed and give them a wake up call....

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

First week! Even though the early hunt starts on a Tuesday you get out on a Sunday to set up! Do a little scouting  through Monday night, put the elk to bed and give them a wake up call....

I am setting up during Labor Day weekend, and Tuesday is "game on !!" really surprised how many "weekend warriors" come out for the second week.
But really, in the last few years, weather has been more of a factor than other hunters 
But then, I still see few (hunters) more than a mile from their vehicles.

[iRem]

First week! Even though the early hunt starts on a Tuesday you get out on a Sunday to set up! Do a little scouting  through Monday night, put the elk to bed and give them a wake up call....

I am setting up during Labor Day weekend, and Tuesday is "game on !!" really surprised how many "weekend warriors" come out for the second week.
But really, in the last few years, weather has been more of a factor than other hunters 
But then, I still see few (hunters) more than a mile from their vehicles.

Isn't that the truth, weekend warriors and hunters that just don't want to put in the time. Every time I go out in the morning, I alway anticipate that I will not make I back to the rig before dark! Why? Because i am on the hunt, that means walking in, up and deep into the timber to chase the elk and not hunters!  I AM SO READY!

[D-Rock425]

third week , way less preasure .

[MIKEXRAY]

First week for sure in my opinion.  The first couple of days the elk are more relaxed and in their routine.  By the third or fourth day of the season they are much skidish.   I hike up the ridge about a mile in the dark and the first couple of days they come from the meadows below & pass by me between 7:30 & 8 am each morning.  By the third or fourth day they are coming by at daybreak, the second week they are headed up in the dark.  I would never chose to miss opening day. Mike

[Button Nubbs]

Killed my wetside bull last year 3 hrs into opening day

[colockumelk]

First week definately. They Havnt been pressured yet. They are way easier to call in or pattern the first week.

[D-Rock425]

I've done some thought about this and the right answer really depends on where and how you hunt.  Elk will act total different from season to season and hunting areas will effect what week I would choose.

[dreamingbig]

If vacation allows I would definitely take the whole season as we only get a pitiful 13 days.  However my vacation time is limited so I look to maximize my days afield.  I have shot elk both weeks.

[CavemantheHunter]

If work permits, I am definitely going to take the first week off and hopefully the first day or so of the second week. Already getting the itch and it's only May...It's going to be a long 5 months!

[D-Rock425]

Its only 4 months until sept.  Ill start scouting next month and hanging treestands depending on draw results.  Then I get to focus on bear hunting come August 1st kinda takes the mind of elk hunting a little.

[billdo5]

2nd week... the bulls will be in the rut a little bit more than the first week... got a better chance... what unit do u plan on hunting in?

[billdo5]

called a bull in for my dad in 2010.. 6x6 scores like 315 to 320 in GMU 652 like 15minutes from my house   On the second week

[huntnnw]

I think early sept is prime for calling in bulls.. they are just starting to look for cows and come in..once they herd up with cows its very difficult to call them away.. sure it will give you that classic rut hunting with lots of bugling and such..but I have called bulls in alot easier in early Sept