Quick question about eastside Elk

[Buschingc]

So me and a couple friends were drawn for archery quality bull tags in the Cowiche Unit. The season is from Sept 4th through the 16th.  We've done our research, including scouting, looking at maps, topos, talked with people who hunt the unit ect. During our scouting we have have located a small amount of elk and I know there are a lot of elk in the unti. Im not worried about that at all. My question is, Im worried that the rut may not happen during my hunt. What are your guys thoughts? Does it depend on weather?

[vandeman17]

My personal opinion is that you will be hunting during the pre rut at that time. I feel like the prime of the rut in Eastern Wa is in late September and even early October depending on the year. If you get a few chilly evenings/mornings I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't hear some bugles when the bulls start getting that burning in their loins. 

[brianb231]

Stick to cow calls and you will be fine. Do not over Bugle. My 2 Cents.


Good Luck

[Bean Counter]

Get Elknut's Playbook. It is awesome.

[400out]

Stick to cow calls and you will be fine. Do not over Bugle. My 2 Cents.


Good Luck

[Buschingc]

Get Elknut's Playbook. It is awesome.

We have it and have been listening to it.. We actually listened to it the entire drive down to scout and on the way back..

[Bean Counter]

read the wirebound book, too?

[Button Nubbs]

Some of our elk on the wetside are already cowin up. The bull I shot last year had 3 with him on opening day. Call the cows in the bulls will be right behind.

[Buschingc]

read the wirebound book, too?

No, I have not read it. My hunting partner owns it and brought the cd to listen on our scouting trip.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Sounds like your avid hunters.  So Elknut 1-4 DVD us a must!  The equinox is on the 20th I think.  So depending on weather and a few other factors the rut should be within ten days of the equinox.  Either direction so any day from the 10th untill the thirtieth of sept.  good luck w that tag I'm jealous!

[bucklucky]

Pre rut is an awesome time to hunt .... 

[buglebuster]

You have a killer tag! I live in this unit and am quite familiar with it. I think it is one of the best tags over here because there is no general season going on, just the bull tag holders. I hunt westside but when i draw multiseason this will be my number 1 choice.

Last year during deer season, we called in 6 bulls from the 1st of september clear till the 19th. Bulls werent that vocal, but they did come in to cow calls and high pitched bugles Good luck, im jealous!!!

[Buschingc]

I want to thank everyone for their help. I feel very fortunate to have this tag and it took me 8 years to draw it. I am trying to do everything possible to make the best out of this hunt. Thanks again to everyone.

[huntnnw]

to me there is no better time to call a bull to u with a cow call than early Sept..looking for cows

[Recurve-Elk]

Ive seen them rutting pretty good that time of year.  Usually not though.  I use a lot of cow/calf talk.  I also do a fair share of cow/spike/small bull bugles.  They are more of a locator bugle and much less offensive. 

I have done some seriously aggressive bugling too, but I don't usually do that unless a bull starts it.