1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd elk rifle

[DonVathome]

1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd elk rifle

How much better are the early rifle hunts? In NM (and here in Ohio for deer) after a few days of gun hunting game is scarce. I would think that after the first rifle hunt elk are very spooky and more nocturnal. Also what are the chances weather will make getting into good area impossible? By getting in I mean driving roads to remote areas and hiking or packing away from roads.

I know this is a broad questions but give me your insights for if the first hunt is a lot better. This goes for OTC and LE areas.

Thanks

 

[sremim]

I hunted first rifle for elk last year and this year. Didn't see a single elk either time. Last year hunted the second season for deer in the same unit, saw elk. This year hunted 3rd season for deer in the same unit, saw elk.












It's Bush's fault!!!

 

[Flatlandr]

I think sremin nailed it, location will determine which season.

 

[BeanMan]

More likely weather will determine which season. And unfortunately you can't determine weather. I prefere 4th season because usually weather will have moved some animals down most years. Otherwise it would be first season.

beanMan

 

[mntman]

combination of all previously stated, weather, location(what type of elevation/habitat, and hunt presure which can not only move animals but obviously can thin them out.
The area I hunt is definately a 1st season area but other places in my zone are 4th season only... So you just have to learn the zone you want to hunt, determine where the elk will be at the different times of the fall. You can do a tremoundous amount of learning the zone just on maps, that is if you know the elk habits?


Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

 

[Bowtecher]

I like the 3rd season in the area I hunt with family.
this year we saw 3 other hunters the whole season.
Makes it nice when your the only one in the woods.We know the area well and know where the elk bed and feed so we will get into elk before the season ends.
And the deer travel more during the day instead of getting into a night time routine.