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Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: N7XW on September 11, 2018, 09:40:28 AM


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Title: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 11, 2018, 09:40:28 AM
Is it just me or does it seem like the rut isn't in full swing yet?  I've spent some time in the woods lately, seen some elk and yet heard no bugles.  A few cows and calves being vocal but not much else.  I'm a newbie when it comes to elk, so I may be way off on this.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: 7mmfan on September 11, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
It's a little early yet. Another week.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Little Fish on September 11, 2018, 10:05:37 AM
Same for me. Very quiet in the woods. Hunted last weekend....heard nothing despite being in some good areas. I will be headed back out this Friday and going to hunt through the end of archery season.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on September 11, 2018, 10:09:06 AM
just because its quite doesnt mean things are not happening...
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Jonathan_S on September 11, 2018, 10:11:47 AM
Bulls bugle from August through October.  Weather, predators, hunting pressure and individual bull personality dictate frequency, volume, time of day etc. of vocalizations.

"The Rut" refers nebulously to cows coming into heat and they aren't synchronized.  I've seen screaming bulls mounting cows well into the "post-rut"

Especially as a newbie just spend time in the woods and don't over credit any forum advice for when you should expect "Rut Activity".
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: ASienkiewich on September 11, 2018, 12:09:11 PM
I always think peak time would be right when archery closes and before muzzy season. But like others said it can be at anytime now, stay at it!


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Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 11, 2018, 12:25:04 PM
They are vocal in my area.  They answer my.locater bugles but not real aggressive yet because there isn't any estrus cows in the group yet.  As the next 10 days or so things should pick up.  Called one bull in so far and have had a few others going but no shot opportunities.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: WSU on September 11, 2018, 12:34:09 PM
It varies day to day and bull to bull.  One day elk may be silent and the next vocal.  On the same day, bulls may silent in one area and the next ridge over vocal.  There's always a bull somewhere that's callable.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 11, 2018, 12:58:23 PM
Good info guys, thanks.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: justyhntr on September 11, 2018, 01:16:28 PM
We've been hunting the White River and it's been very quite on the tree farm. Saturday evening we had a good bull going but ran out of day light before we could get it done. Last night we got into a bunch of fresh rubs but the wife shot a bear before we really got going . Heading back in this evening.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 11, 2018, 02:17:25 PM
I've had 5 bulls fire off since Saturday and none were to aggressive....one 5x5 herd bull chased off a rag horn and was horning cows but his bugles were not aggressive enough and didn't care enough about my calls to come in closer than 120yds
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 11, 2018, 02:24:53 PM
I've had 5 bulls fire off since Saturday and none were to aggressive....one 5x5 herd bull chased off a rag horn and was horning cows but his bugles were not aggressive enough and didn't care enough about my calls to come in closer than 120yds

Good info, thanks.  I suspect you and I are hunting the same areas.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: tritt007 on September 11, 2018, 03:52:33 PM
Heard three call back opening weekend . We chased one down a drainage and saw him and his cows but he was not aggressive at all . The other one was just kind of locating not aggressive . And the third one was a little 3x4 I could not get to come close . Hung up with his cows and wasn't interested in fighting . Mostly just chuckled not really bugling .
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: trophyhunt on September 11, 2018, 04:22:36 PM
Was out all weekend, heard no bugles or cow talk, the bull a guy took by us did't say a word.  I had a spike come in while I was cow calling and he never made a sound.  I'm thinking by this weekend we will be hearing sweet music.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Elkpiss on September 11, 2018, 04:28:46 PM
There bugling and hot right now.. find the right bull and game on.. :tup:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 11, 2018, 04:59:21 PM
What's the general consensus on modern season?  Can you still call them in?  Is the rut still going at that time?
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: headshot5 on September 11, 2018, 05:49:10 PM
Quote
What's the general consensus on modern season?  Can you still call them in?  Is the rut still going at that time?

Bigger bulls are generally off by themselves... Raghorns are sometimes still with the herd.  bugles don't get you much, but cow calling can be productive when you get in close, or jump them. 
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: trophyhunt on September 11, 2018, 07:03:45 PM
I always cow call during rifle season, it helps.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 11, 2018, 07:26:13 PM
I've had 5 bulls fire off since Saturday and none were to aggressive....one 5x5 herd bull chased off a rag horn and was horning cows but his bugles were not aggressive enough and didn't care enough about my calls to come in closer than 120yds

Good info, thanks.  I suspect you and I are hunting the same areas.

Probably  :tup:

 got into 2 herds today no herd bulls, the first group of cows would only start talking if I threw out locator bugles and the second group I thought might have a bull in the timber and they didn't but ended up getting one Responce about 500 yds off and never said another peep after that ...they are either answering to locator bugles or cow calls but still not aggressive today
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: fishnfur on September 11, 2018, 07:47:57 PM
Lots of fresh rubs in 506 two days ago but otherwise very quiet.  Looked liked the bull/s had moved on a couple days ahead of me.  Private timberlands were still closed around me although it was pouring rain all morning.  That should change soon.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 12, 2018, 08:31:08 AM
I've had 5 bulls fire off since Saturday and none were to aggressive....one 5x5 herd bull chased off a rag horn and was horning cows but his bugles were not aggressive enough and didn't care enough about my calls to come in closer than 120yds

Good info, thanks.  I suspect you and I are hunting the same areas.

Probably  :tup:

 got into 2 herds today no herd bulls, the first group of cows would only start talking if I threw out locator bugles and the second group I thought might have a bull in the timber and they didn't but ended up getting one Responce about 500 yds off and never said another peep after that ...they are either answering to locator bugles or cow calls but still not aggressive today

That's pretty much what I've noticed too.  Found one herd of 26 last weekend with a spike and small 4 pt.  Watched them in a clearcut for 45 minutes and there wasn't any sign of the rut at all.  Just business as usual.  A few cow/calf calls but I think they were only from the stragglers back in the timber catching up with the main herd.  Guess its still a little early for our area.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Matth on September 12, 2018, 08:44:42 AM
I found several bulls last weekend that are pretty rutty, they should be ready any ol day now
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Little Fish on September 12, 2018, 09:22:01 AM
I've called a herd in during rifle season acting like a lost calf. It was late in the afternoon and I knew the elk were nearby. When I called the lead cow led the whole herd too me. Unfortunately no bulls with the group.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 12, 2018, 11:29:30 AM
I've had 5 bulls fire off since Saturday and none were to aggressive....one 5x5 herd bull chased off a rag horn and was horning cows but his bugles were not aggressive enough and didn't care enough about my calls to come in closer than 120yds

Good info, thanks.  I suspect you and I are hunting the same areas.

Probably  :tup:

 got into 2 herds today no herd bulls, the first group of cows would only start talking if I threw out locator bugles and the second group I thought might have a bull in the timber and they didn't but ended up getting one Responce about 500 yds off and never said another peep after that ...they are either answering to locator bugles or cow calls but still not aggressive today

That's pretty much what I've noticed too.  Found one herd of 26 last weekend with a spike and small 4 pt.  Watched them in a clearcut for 45 minutes and there wasn't any sign of the rut at all.  Just business as usual.  A few cow/calf calls but I think they were only from the stragglers back in the timber catching up with the main herd.  Guess its still a little early for our area.

I hope the switch flips here in the next day or 2....would make it a little easier  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 12, 2018, 11:37:00 AM
I haven't bought an elk tag yet.  Really debating on whether to get an archery tag for the last weekend of the early season or wait until muzzleloader, or all the way until rifle  :dunno:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 13, 2018, 08:48:35 AM
Found another herd this morning....no bulls and no talking at all
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Viking360 on September 13, 2018, 09:49:54 AM
Damn, you guys are getting me excited, I'm almost off work. Got the truck loaded, ready to head to elk camp for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 13, 2018, 10:39:20 AM
We worked two separate groups of 10-25 last weekend, bulls were calling and the cows were active in both groups.  Pre dawn and last light were the most active times obviously but this bull was taken at 10:30 in the morning.  He answered up to a challenge and stomped around in a thicket for twenty minutes.

Damn nice bull. 
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 13, 2018, 10:39:55 AM
Found another herd this morning....no bulls and no talking at all

Thanks for the update, appreciate it  :tup:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: 2MANY on September 13, 2018, 10:43:26 AM
That background doesn't look like western WA.

Just kidding!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 13, 2018, 10:55:53 AM
 :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 13, 2018, 11:34:19 AM
 :lol4:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 13, 2018, 12:37:16 PM
Elk tip # 27

Remind your hunting partner to quietly close the truck door when parked at an area your going to hunt. The elk don't like that sound very much and tent to run off  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: trophyhunt on September 13, 2018, 12:39:51 PM
Saw a 5 point,spike and a cow last night.  They were quiet, no talking or bugling. Miss judged the yardage on the 5 point, he’s still breathing!  :bash:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 13, 2018, 12:55:01 PM
Ugh that sucks...go get him today !
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Igottanewknee on September 13, 2018, 02:47:12 PM
My buddy called in and took a 5 point on Tuesday. I would say he's lucky, but he manages to get a decent bull every year.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Rubenation1981 on September 13, 2018, 04:09:38 PM
Been out pretty much since the opener. Had one bull chuckle at me from and absolute hole. Backed out, he didn't seem to keen on playing.

Had another lip bawl immediately to a locater and it sounded like he got the hell out of Dodge. No bugling and all the elk are still in pretty small bands.

Giving out tomorrow nice and early. We'll see. Sure would like them to get to getting good and fired up.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: 7mmBuckley on September 13, 2018, 08:03:41 PM
Talking off and on, some herd bulls but it hasn't kicked in 100% in WR unit
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: trophyhunt on September 13, 2018, 08:39:04 PM
Real quite today, not a sound. 
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 08:41:08 AM
Wish I had a crystal ball to tell me if the rut was going to happen before the end of early archery or as late as muzzleloader  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: lewy on September 14, 2018, 09:16:58 AM
I played with a bull this morning, he was goin pretty good
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: JimmyHoffa on September 14, 2018, 10:00:08 AM
Wish I had a crystal ball to tell me if the rut was going to happen before the end of early archery or as late as muzzleloader  :chuckle:
Or in between, when the quality bull special permits are scheduled.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 10:05:14 AM
Wish I had a crystal ball to tell me if the rut was going to happen before the end of early archery or as late as muzzleloader  :chuckle:
Or in between, when the quality bull special permits are scheduled.

Bingo!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 14, 2018, 10:47:48 AM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 10:53:00 AM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area

Thanks for the updates, really appreciate it.  I'm going to head out after work and do some bugling and see what happens.

Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 14, 2018, 11:15:09 AM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area

Thanks for the updates, really appreciate it.  I'm going to head out after work and do some bugling and see what happens.

Pm inbound
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 11:36:50 AM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area

Thanks for the updates, really appreciate it.  I'm going to head out after work and do some bugling and see what happens.

Pm inbound

Replied
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: dominknows on September 14, 2018, 02:05:18 PM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area

Thanks for the updates, really appreciate it.  I'm going to head out after work and do some bugling and see what happens.
I'm sure the guys actually hunting really appreciate that! :bash:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: GodLovesUgly on September 14, 2018, 03:52:51 PM
We hunted this past week/weekend and did get 1 bugle response, and also had a bull respond to a cow call. 

Pretty quiet but they are starting down that path.....

We were in the Willipa Hills general area.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 04:14:22 PM
Not a peep today...been reeeaal slow...may have to try another area

Thanks for the updates, really appreciate it.  I'm going to head out after work and do some bugling and see what happens.
I'm sure the guys actually hunting really appreciate that! :bash:
Guess I failed to mention I am going to be actually hunting also!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 14, 2018, 04:14:51 PM
We hunted this past week/weekend and did get 1 bugle response, and also had a bull respond to a cow call. 

Pretty quiet but they are starting down that path.....

We were in the Willipa Hills general area.
Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: trophyhunt on September 14, 2018, 04:33:59 PM
Had a nice bull sneak in down wind today, not a peep. Smart azz is still breathing. Very quiet today, did have a bear walk in front of us at less than 20 yards but no shot.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 15, 2018, 10:13:17 AM
Saw 12 cows and not any bulls or lonely spikes. Not a bugle 1 was heard yesterday
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: N7XW on September 15, 2018, 10:36:19 AM
Caught the tail end of a small herd diving off the road last night at dark.  No one was talking.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 15, 2018, 10:59:21 AM
 I've heard about 20 bugles this morning.....terminator, elknut,Phelps, Carlton...probably a few more I'm not thinking of either....man they were everywhere....a branch would break and the whole woods opened up with bugles, most insane experience I've ever had
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: funkster on September 15, 2018, 11:01:48 AM
I've heard about 20 bugles this morning.....terminator, elknut,Phelps, Carlton...probably a few more I'm not thinking of either....man they were everywhere....a branch would break and the whole woods opened up with bugles, most insane experience I've ever had

 :chuckle:  :chuckle: Sounds like you might be to close to others hunters and not close enough to the elk? Good luck, keep at it, it will happen.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 15, 2018, 11:10:04 AM
I did call one hunter in...it sounded like he was choking on his tube when he chuckled  :chuckle:..I bugled back once and I could tell he was pretty excited...he kept running up and down the road in the reprod patch he was in bugling and cow calling :chuckle: Welp my break is over time to dive on down in the brush again...good luck all
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: funkster on September 15, 2018, 11:44:18 AM
I did call one hunter in...it sounded like he was choking on his tube when he chuckled  :chuckle:..I bugled back once and I could tell he was pretty excited...he kept running up and down the road in the reprod patch he was in bugling and cow calling :chuckle: Welp my break is over time to dive on down in the brush again...good luck all

Go get em’ man!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Bwilliams1286 on September 17, 2018, 09:31:37 PM
I’ve been hunting in the Bear River unit since last Tuesday. I played around with a big 6x6 the first day who didn’t want to come any closer than 100 yards and another bull the next day that hung up at 60 yards. Since then I haven’t heard a single bull elk make a peep. I’ve barely even seen any cows despite the fact that I’ve covered many miles every day. I think it’s time to move north and try somewhere else for the last few days. The elk just don’t seem to be in the areas I usually find them and without them talking it’s been tough hunting. Hope you guys have some success the last few days!
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: swisski on September 18, 2018, 12:11:16 PM
It was like a flip was switched yesterday for me.

Been hitting the same general area, only heard one measly bugle opening morning.. He was just bedded with his cows. We blew that one.

Fast forward to yesterday and I had multiple responses instantly. Unfortunately I was unable to connect on 2 different absolute dandy bulls.  :bash: Had them each within 50 yards in the timber, but I couldn't close that distance... they knew right where my sound was coming from but weren't seeing the actual threat and wouldn't come closer. Both spots were thick enough that I could roughly see out to about 50-60 yards, but probably only would have had about a 20 yard shot max with all the limbs and brush in-between. 

Would have really benefitted from another person behind me calling or raking yesterday. Definitely super frustrating, but also what we live for! Lets hope it keeps up the next couple days. Good luck to everyone
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Russ McDonald on September 18, 2018, 12:43:54 PM
Taking the next couple days off for the last hoorah for the early season.  My son in law went out Sunday and said they were singing everywhere.

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Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: 2MANY on September 18, 2018, 01:33:13 PM
You should hit it perfectly.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: TomT on September 18, 2018, 03:11:01 PM
I’ve got the same story as swisski.  First 2 hours of light today, multiple bulls screaming.  Only got one in to 60 yards with no shot.  Maybe tonight...
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: crowinghen on September 18, 2018, 04:23:28 PM
still quiet... saw one lone cow last night. :dunno:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: cougforester on September 18, 2018, 05:14:20 PM
Find the right bull and they’ll be talking. Called in a Rosie for my buddy who talked to us for a couple hours while we worked over to him.
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: brew on September 18, 2018, 05:52:19 PM
its like someone flipped the switch yesterday...let the dogs out yesterday before i put them in the kennel when i went to work at 4 a.m. and my little pup was barking like crazy...went out to find out why he was barking and heard 2 bulls screaming at each other about 200 yards away...last night while watching the Hawks get throttled the wife came out of the bedroom at 8 pm and said she couldn't sleep cuz the window was open and a bull was screaming...went out and he was going nuts.  Heard one again this morning around the house and the neighbor came down around noon and told the wife that he saw 10 elk in the meadow between our houses.  he also said he has a bear running around in his backyard that he wants gone...gonna be real interesting around here the next few days  :tup:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Russ McDonald on September 18, 2018, 06:45:36 PM
Taking the next couple days off for the last hoorah for the early season.  My son in law went out Sunday and said they were singing everywhere.

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Well not so quick.   Work had gotten in the way.  Have to go out in the field.   The life of being the supervisor.

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Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 18, 2018, 07:23:37 PM
Taking the next couple days off for the last hoorah for the early season.  My son in law went out Sunday and said they were singing everywhere.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Well not so quick.   Eork had gotten in the way.  Have to go out in the field.   The life of being the supervisor.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Can't you just tell someone else to do it then  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: Russ McDonald on September 18, 2018, 07:34:27 PM
Taking the next couple days off for the last hoorah for the early season.  My son in law went out Sunday and said they were singing everywhere.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Well not so quick.   Eork had gotten in the way.  Have to go out in the field.   The life of being the supervisor.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Can't you just tell someone else to do it then  :chuckle:
I wish only one tech and me.  He is a rookie and we have a big issue that needs taken care of.  Training time :chuckle:

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Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on September 18, 2018, 08:08:52 PM
Didnt hear a peep tonight. 
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 18, 2018, 08:20:48 PM
Taking the next couple days off for the last hoorah for the early season.  My son in law went out Sunday and said they were singing everywhere.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Well not so quick.   Eork had gotten in the way.  Have to go out in the field.   The life of being the supervisor.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Can't you just tell someone else to do it then  :chuckle:
I wish only one tech and me.  He is a rookie and we have a big issue that needs taken care of.  Training time :chuckle:

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Freaking rookies  :chuckle: hope you get it handled fast and can get out  :tup:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: brew on September 20, 2018, 05:00:08 PM
fortunate enough (?) to work right next to an area that is permit only for elk hunting...since this past friday bulls have been bugling..heating up every day.  got to work this morning at 530 and in the field right across the road had multiple bulls screaming.  co-worker picked me up at 0600 and we drove across the road towards the herd.  stopped by the end of the field and listened to the chaos in the dark for about 15 minutes.  we drove up the road past the field about 2 miles and saw a big 6 pt standing in the road.  got up into a couple clear cuts just before good light where he has seen them before and nothing going on.  we drove back down to the edge of the field and parked and walked a couple hundred yards along the edge to where the elk were.  at first light we walked to within a couple hundred yards of the elk in the field.  There were three 6 pt bulls, two spikes and about 15 cows/calves.  Cool to stand there and watch them in action.  The spikes just walked around the perimeter of the field not interested in anything but finding an area to leave the field.  The largest of the bulls (yes he was big)  kept the cows running back and forth while the other 6 pts just kinda hung around walking back and forth bugling.  I was surprised that the largest bull wasn't trying to run the "smaller" bulls off but just kept trying to wrangle the cows up.  The biggest bull finally got the cows going in one direction and followed them out of the field leaving the two other 6 pts standing there bugling.  Talking to my co-worker he said the bigger bull just showed up in the last couple days after the "smaller" bulls wrangled up the cows then he came in and took over...by "smaller" i mean really nice 6 pt bulls that anyone would shoot if they had the chance.  cool morning at work  :tup:
Title: Re: Wetside rut
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 20, 2018, 08:07:34 PM
Sounds awesome! To bad u didn't get video of it
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