moon phase and the elk rut

[bingo]

LAST EDITED ON Dec-09-11 AT 08:39PM (MST)[p]Heres a question...what do you think are the advantages/disadvantages of hunting elk during the rut based off the moon phase?
IMO, advantages of a full moon:
You can scout and locate them in the dark better because they are more vocal and active during the night.

Disadvantages of a full moon:
They seem to quiet down and hit their bedding areas earlier in the morning and get going later in the afternoon. (I guess because they are more active during the night)

Other ideas??
Sept 2012 shows new moon around the 16th and full moon the 29th.
Just curious what you all think about how the moon phase effects the rut based off your experiences

 

[Darktimber]

I always seem to have better luck when the moon is gone. This could just be coincidence, but I don't think so. I think they hammer down during the full moon and do more activities at night, then bed up quicker.

 

[WapitiBob]

the moon phase was discussed at length prior to this years Elk hunt. It made ZERO difference on my hunt.

 

[mntman]

My best luck always occurs around the 15th-20th no matter what phase of moon. Granted, this timeframe is when I spend 60% of my time in the mountains so it is not exactly unbiased....

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

 

[nfh]

when were hunting and if we hunt the moon phase it gets really tough. the elk move long after legal shooting light and they move all night. makes for a tough hunt. at least where i hunt.

 

[TOPGUN]

Why is it that many people seem to think that animals move a lot more during the full moon than the new moon? It's a proven fact that they don't need any light to see at night as good as we do in the middle of the day, but with that said, I much prefer hunting the week before and after the new moon, LOL!!!

 

[hornkiller]

+100 topgun

They need no moon to see!

 

[nfh]

it seems they feed a lot more under that full moon. i do know when hunting tht full moon phase is the toughest week to hunt. i wonder if it has to do with seeing preadtors better.

its the same for hunting whitetails on our place, that full moon just kicks our butt.

 

[TOPGUN]

nfh---You trying to say you're night hunting them with that seeing predators better comment, LOL!!!

 

[nfh]

that may have not come out right, i assume they can see there enemys better in the dark

 

[nickman]

I have secret amulets, incense and ground up elk nuts, all for sale, to those of you who believe the moon phase chit.

You live in the 21st century, have every modern tech advancement, to aid in hunting and you still believe in some 12th century, Merlin the Magician, BS.

Amazing.....what is Santa bringin' you?

"Fathom the hypocracy of a Government that requires every citizen to prove that they are insured.....but not everyone must prove that they are a citizen"

 

[Darktimber]

The moon makes a difference. Santa is bringing me Guinevere in a thong.

 

[mmwb]

I've not observed that it makes a difference.

 

[Gator]

I find elk where I find them.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]