bugling

[jigger]

went out bugling lastnight from
10:00pm to 12:30pm didn't hear
a thing. you guys think it's still
to early? and do you think it would
chase out the elk from the area?

 

[elkslayer54]

I got this form another fourm. (This is in WYO)
Last week--the week of August 13th, I heard from some hunters near Cody that they were already seeing bulls completely rubbed off and beginning to wallow. I was a bit skeptical as I had just returned from Banff ( on the 12th)and Jasper, Canada, and the bulls there are showing no signs of even beginning to shed their velvet. Also, last year I watched a big 350+ class bull rub off on August 30th and collected his velvet the next day.

I now believe them completely and will add my own observations. Tuesday night of this week, I watched three different bunches of elk in the Big Horns, all of 25 or fewer animals and each with one mature bull--completely rubbed off and with dark antlers, which tells me they have already been wallowing. I was also surprised to see them in small bunches already. The nursury herds are often still intact even when the season starts around here.

Then, last night--Thursday, August 19th--I watched a very large bull herd 25 cows in a large park. He was bugling furiously and working to cut out another raggy bull. He even went after what I perceived to be a male calf, trying to drive him away from the cows. He was much more agressive than any pre-rut behavior I have seen in the past. If I hadn't kown the date, I would have sworn it was September 15th. Then, to conclude my evening, I watched a 330-350 class bull work a wallow over. He thrashed the grass, throwing large clumps in all directions before rolling around in the mud and then bolting in circles like a fawn playing games. Then he'd dart back into the wallow and work it some more, only to buck away like a stung horse and then return and thrash the ground and wallow some more. I'l tell you, it sure got my pulse rate up and put a smile on my face.

I have watched 1000's of elk over the years in the exact same location I was last night and have never seen such early rutting behavior. We have had a cool summer here in Wyoming and it appears that may be effecting the timing of the rut this year.

I thought I'd offer my observations for what they're worth. Is anyone else seeing such behavior yet?


FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU! Walk soft and carry a 300 RUM,

 

[cocinaelktaco]

Here in New Mexico Gila Area, I called in a 280 Class bull yesterday from 1/2 mile away called him to ten yards@ 2:30 P.M. We where on A.T.V. s planting winter wheat on a ranch. the bull just stood and stared at us never bugled on his approach. scared the crap out of the guy that was with me. I told him to stay still or he would have his way with you!!!I was shooting him over and over at that range with my air Bow!!!! He wanted a cow real BAD!!!!!Hope he is that way on the opener! have spoke to a few guides from here and they are seeing some early signs as well. Some bugling from smaller bulls I do think that this is going to be a great start because of the colder weather and rain. Last year it didn't make any differance who you knew, they did not care!!

Just for your record: Hoochie Mama and Bite me cow calls did it.

 

[elk_horn]

Why are you bugling before the hunt??? Are we trying to make the elk bugle shy? I dont undertstand why all these guys go out and cow talk and bugle before the hunt evenstarts ... It doesn't make sense!

 

[D13er]

Yeah, sounds like calling coyotes in and then missing. They go from dropout to Phd in one simple lesson.

JB

 

[Bugler]

I was out this weekend in N AZ. The Bigger bulls have rubbed the antlers clean from what I saw. The smaller bulls are working on it, I picked up alot of velvet off of trees. I watched a bull bugle in the spotting scope from a long ways off but didnt hear him, he was in a group of cows. They talk all the time but here the bugles wont really ring in till September sometime.
Bugler. Anyone got a 5bs Early tag?

 

[WIDOW_MAKER]

Elk are going nuts for about 3-4 hours Satuday evening by strawberry res.

WIDOW_MAKER

 

[cocinaelktaco]

I was bugling in the small bull I had no interest in him. We do not consider a bull unless it is 300 or better. But it was fun and on a private ranch. I would not even consider playing with them off the ranch, it would mess the other hunters up. I agree with the coyote Statement, that is very true! But on the other side maybe he will forget me when he turns 400"!!!!!