Rutting Bulls

[Hawkeye]

I was hunting mule deer with my bow yesterday and came across quite a few elk. In total, I saw over 40 elk, including two 6 points, two 5 points, one 4 point and three spikes. This was in an Utah extended archery unit. To my surprise I saw two different sets of bulls locked up fighting. I also saw another bull sniffing and chasing a cow. None of these bulls were monsters, but they would certainly be respectable, especially with a bow.

My question is whether some bull elk are still rutting this late? Would it be possible to call in one of these bulls this late in the year?

Thanks.

Hawkeye

 

[Ralf8]

Absolutely. LAte September/early Oct. is what would be considered the "peak" of the rut. Later the rutting activity continues and then the cows will come into a second cycle to ensure that they drop a few in the spring. Same with deer.

 

[sjhgraysage]

IMHO,
if there were cows that did not get bred in the first rut they will usually cycle again about a month later, so it is possible for a late rut activity.
bulls will spar about any time they have hard antlers.
you might be able to call in elk in any month of the year if you can get one/some interested in your calling, it probably won't be predictable though.

 

[TylerT]

Do you have a limited entry deer tag? Just courios on what hunt was going on?

 

[dryflyelk]

Hawk, Check your PMs.

Thanks

 

[Ralf8]

>Do you have a limited entry
>deer tag? Just courios on
>what hunt was going on?
>

I would guess the extended archery units.

 

[gilamonster8]

Yep had a buddy in N> az. said thier going pretty good this week