ELK calling and the rut

[campb]

More newby questions. I have heard and read a lot about only elk calling durring the rut but have also gotten mixed information on whether or not the Utah general season is during the rut. I have also been told that the reason there aren't really any rifle ELK hunting video's is that the rut happens during archery season. So which is it. Is the rut in Utah during the archery season or is it later during the general hunt?

 

[AWHOLELOTTABULL]

Camp - as far as there not being any videos out there with rifle elk kills on them, you need to put the Primos videos down and look at some of the others. I would say that the archery elk videos are the minority. The majority of the elk hunting videos I have, have kill shots using rifles. To your first question...yes, the rut is still going on during the Utah general season. In fact, elk are callable from the end of August until the end of October. The calls you use depends on what stage of the rut they are in. I called a bull to 40 yards opening day of bow season (August 24th). He came in silent but he was definately coming to the calls. You just have to remember that the rut doesn't mean bulls screwing cows. There are several different phases.

It's always an adventure!!!

 

[campb]

I know Primos has mostly if not all non rifle hunting videos. I have looked around for rifle elk hunting video's, mostly at sportman's warehouse, and have found nothing. My wife also looked for them for me for christmas and was told by the stores she went to that they don't exist. I have seen them with muzzle loaders. Where did you find them? I also have some elk hunting books that talk a lot about the rut, but they all suggest that it is basicly over by october and that calling during october will drive them away more than bring them in. My books are from the north american hunting foundation. Also, as far as I have been able to tell, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also seems fairly vague about the stages of the rut, what is going on in each stage, and generally when each stage is. Your info is helpful though. Anything more light you or anyone else can shed on this would be helpful and appreciated.

 

[AWHOLELOTTABULL]

camp - the rut consists of basically 3 phases with a sub phase in the middle. These phases consist of pre-rut, rut, post-rut and what I call the re-rut. Bulls are obviously the most vocal during the rut but not necesarrily the most callable. Yes, they will answer you but usually the bigger bulls are cowed up and difficult to pull away from the cows. Trying to position yourself between the herd bull and his cows will almost asuredly get you within bow range. This is obviously easier said than done but that's what I use to get the herd bulls. The satelite bulls will come around but will generally be a little more cautious during this time because they don't want to get their butt kicked by the herd bull. The pre-rut is that time period when the bulls start to migrate to their breeding ground. They may or may not be vocal but are definately looking. This is the time when you want to be very carefull with movement. Just when you think your calls are not working and you stand up to move....you got, your're busted. We refer to these guys as the silent stalkers. Finding cows during this time and staying with the herd will generally render success at finding the bull. He will eventually show up. The re-rut is the time when the cows that didn't get bred the first go around come back into estrus and start the process over again. I have experience the re-rut when it has been as intense with bugles and fighting as the regular rut. I call just as I have done during the regular rut. It is generally towards the end of October. This time of year is just being in the right place at the time when those cows decide to go back into estrus. Remember that a cow will be in heat for approximately 24-48 hours and then it's over. The post rut is probably the most unfriendly calling time of all of the rut but you can still reap rewards if you are smart. Locator calls and being willing to chase a bugle for miles is the key to success here. I hope this anwers some of your questions. There are a lot of savy elk hunters on this site. Keep this up towards the top and somebody will jump in here and help. Good luck. Contact me anytime for help.


It's always an adventure!!!

 

[campb]

So where'd you find your rifle video's? I have seen a couple on this site with some rifle hunts but the archery seems to be everywhere! Don't get me wrong. Archery is not a bad thing. I've got a bow, but I'm far from using it for hunting, don't feel like I have the experience I need yet. Anyway, thanks for the info.

 

[AWHOLELOTTABULL]

Try Never Enough Big Game 1 & 2 and also Mossback's Bulls Gone Wild are good rifle videos. I think you can get them on this site. There are several others out there but those are the ones that are the most popular around here.

It's always an adventure!!!

 

[elknut1]

http:www.elknut.com

Jim, gave good info!!

But to break it down as far as dates a little clearer for you I thought I'd share a little more insight to help you with your hunting decisions.

There are 3 phases of the Rut, many years a 4th. The 1st Aug. 20th to Sept.10th, this is when the first cows usually will show signs, it's the older cows only that do, therefore it can be sporatic at best as this is not peak rut, nonetheless bulls can get aggressive at this time, a lot to a little bugling is possible if you're in the right spot/area.

The 2nd phase is "peakrut" this happens from the 17th-25th of Sept. This is when Most Cows come into estrus, it's also peak bugling time! Cows are in heat for 6-12 hours.

The 3rd phase is generally around the 15th of Oct. & occurs everyear, this rut takes part for cows that haven't been covered or didn't take the first time around. It's not nearly as intense as peak rut, but still a great time to be in the woods. These times of estrus are generally 21 days apart.

A 4th can take place in early Nov. but is a crap shoot & not to be relied on. Once again for cows that haven't took! This is why you'll hear some years where bulls were going bonkers over calls in selected areas not everywhere.

You can expect bugling during & between the first 3 phases. THe further from the roads/trails you are after peak rut & hunting pressure the better your chances of catching responsive to calls elk.

Hope this helps out to pick the right time for what you expect out of your hunt. Good Luck!

ElkNut1

 

[no_draws]

The reason a lot of the Primos (and other call manufacturers) videos show archery and muzzy hunts is because they are selling calls. You don't really need to call an elk in to 30 yards if your armed with a .300 WinMag. You could use a call to locate the heard or something. It makes for better marketing if you watch a guy drop a nice bull at 15 yards... Makes you think the call is all you need.



JG >>-------->

 

[campb]

Thanks for all the info guys. VERY helpful! My next question with this is what call(s) do you recommend for the rifle hunt if any. I was wondering if it would help with locating herds/bulls. Recommendations? I have also heard some rumors about cougars coming in to and sneaking up on hunters calling elk. Does this happen? What do you recommend with this?