Utah Elk Rut

[reese_2288]

I just wanted everyones opinion on when the rut starts in Utah, when the peak of the rut is and when it starts to die down?

 

[UT1031]

If this year is anythign like last, then it will begin around 9/11 and peak the first week of Oct. If you have a LE Muzzy tag, then life is good!

 

[Blanding_Boy]

The rut in Utah and any other state for that matter is really determined by the condition of the cows--which typically occurs in September (for the most part).

What causes the peak to occur depends on the condition of the cows are in. If they are in good condition it could be early September, if poor condition it could be mid to late October.

Last year 2007 similar to 2002, it was hot dry all summer long and the peak in my opinion didn't occur until mid October. This year I would expect things to be at least normal (in my opinion a few days either way of the 20th of September) from what I would gather from the vegetation and precip we have been getting that it ought to peak sometime around the 20th give or take, it might be earlier in Norther Utah and a few days later in Southern Utah but a few days either way.

It was a cool wet spring which made for great groceries my guess baring any real hot prolonged temperatures and
a bit of rain over the next few days, it will be a 'normal' rut this year.

Todd

 

[huntin100]

I would have to agree with Todd. Good comments. In most years in Utah peak is around Sept 20th. When most cows are in their first cycle. They really start warming up around 11-13th.

The first week in Sept half of the herd bulls seem to still be in bachelor groups and half seem to be gather cows. Bulls will come into calls, sometimes silient. It's a fun time of the year. Good luck.

 

[MBM]

I have a question about the late rut last year. With it happening in October did it affect when the calves were born this year? Is there more younger claves than when the rut normally happens in September. Most elk calves are normaly born the end of May though June. Are there calves being born in July this year?

Mark