Moonphase

[awbmab]

The 2010 Utah LE early elk is right during the peak of the full moon. Should I consider this in whether I put in for BP only or try for the hunt and just deal with the full moon. I have 14 NR points.
Also what are any thought on the late hunts, which I should be guaranteed for most any of the units.
Thanks

 

[jims]

You obviously have an advantage hunting rutting elk w/rifle during the rut! If it happens to be hot and full moon the elk may head into the cool secluded canyons at first light and may not come out until just before dark. I hunted the muzzy season a couple years ago w/full moon. I spent most of my time on the hot days twiddling my thumbs. The following muzzy season was 0 moon and my buddy had lots of action all day long in the same unit. There was 0 moon with afternoon rainshowers on his hunt and I heard bulls bugling all day long. It's pretty much a coin flip trying to predict what this coming year will bring.

If I had the choice of hunting the same unit during the rut w/rifle (full moon) or late rifle...it would be an easy decision!