Post by: smartazz171 on July 27, 2010, 04:06:28 PM
Do elk (assuming nothing dramatically changes) have a specific area they choose to rut in every year? For instance, If you went scouting before the rut and you were to come upon a new area with last years scrapes and torn up saplings, could that be a productive spot come this year? I have heard stories of times before and after the rut where hunters have found groups of bulls, but once the rut hit nothing was there.
Also do the cows seem to stay in the same area's and if the cows are there, once the rut hits, will bulls end up there as well?
Hope that question made since Just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on what to look for while scouting before the rut!
Thanks
Post by: vandeman17 on July 27, 2010, 04:17:01 PM
Post by: br8kitoff on July 28, 2010, 05:04:19 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 28, 2010, 05:37:54 PM
Post by: smartazz171 on August 10, 2010, 10:44:03 AM
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on August 10, 2010, 03:46:57 PM
In my observations of Elk I have seen that the Bull works at getting and keeping his small (or large) herd of cows together, and the herd follows the lead cow.
Rutting behavior occurs wherever he happens to be,
if he is "hanging with the boys" , as in previous to the rut when they are still in bachelor groups, they are usually just starting to rub the velvet off, and you will see smaller rubs and as they start to get more fired up you will see the rubs become more pronounced.
Once they get separated, and pick up cows, the rubs become more of a destroyed tree type thing, where they will demolish an area arround the tree, and stab there antlers into the ground, bend trees over, etc...
where these spots are is due to the lead cow liking the area, not the bull chosing it.
A lead cow will sometimes be the oldest elk in the herd, and she knows where it is safe (or at least WAS safe)
and will return to her favorite spots year after year.
Post by: bonkellekter on August 10, 2010, 05:08:22 PM
Post by: cle elum bowhunter on August 10, 2010, 09:55:46 PM
Post by: smartazz171 on August 11, 2010, 11:43:41 AM
Post by: buglebrush on August 13, 2010, 05:09:11 PM
Out of curiosity what tag did you draw? I also hunt up near Ione/Metaline Falls and been hoping to draw a "good" tag. There is a good chance that there will be rut activity in the same area but you won't know for sure til september, I definately would not discount the area. If they are not "right" there they're probably not too far away!I just moved to this area from Idaho. Do you bow or gun hunt?
Post by: bonkellekter on August 13, 2010, 07:17:09 PM
Out of curiosity what tag did you draw? I also hunt up near Ione/Metaline Falls and been hoping to draw a "good" tag. There is a good chance that there will be rut activity in the same area but you won't know for sure til september, I definately would not discount the area. If they are not "right" there they're probably not too far away!I just moved to this area from Idaho. Do you bow or gun hunt?
Archery for me... I just can't get enough of them bugling bulls
Post by: Elknut1 on August 14, 2010, 06:15:40 AM
Yep, bulls come to the cows! Elk have general breeding areas that they have a tendency to use every year!
Staying put in the area you're finding them now all depends on the hunting pressure, feed, cover & water supply? It's possible but just as possible they'll look for greener pastures so to speak! Keep tabs on them & their movements if you can & try to be the first hunter in there once season opens, that will give you good odds if others haven't put in the scouting time like you have!
If you feel others are hunting it then look for those escape routes & sit & wait the elk out. I prefer calling & getting in the way of the elk in the direction they want to be going, elk have a tendency not to go back towards calling where they just came from but are much more apt to check out elk sounds if they are on the way they are already heading, sorta like turkey hunting!
ElkNut1
Post by: buglebrush on August 16, 2010, 09:14:27 AM
Out of curiosity what tag did you draw? I also hunt up near Ione/Metaline Falls and been hoping to draw a "good" tag. There is a good chance that there will be rut activity in the same area but you won't know for sure til september, I definately would not discount the area. If they are not "right" there they're probably not too far away!I just moved to this area from Idaho. Do you bow or gun hunt?
Archery for me... I just can't get enough of them bugling bulls
Ya, me too. I wish everyone else would gun hunt though. Less pressure in bow season :) especially since washington's season's are so stupidly short and miss the peak of the rut.