34 Muzzle Elk

[Riggo]

I was wondering if anyone had specific thoughts in regards to rut activity for the muzzle season? G/F has moved this season back farther into the month over the last few years {Oct 15-19} and of course I'm hopeful that my partner and i can enjoy some of that vocal trash and hopefully some non call shy bulls. Also, realistic expectations on size of bulls beings theres been quite a shortage on moisture and some fires--would that affect horn growth dramaticly? It sounds like the monsoons are happening and the tanks are becoming full again so thats great news. Is sitting water a key component that time of the year or the spot/stalk in those tough to get spots the key strategy?? Thanks in advance for any posts in advance. Good luck to all!
Riggo

 

[Riggo]

Bump, any news or thoughts? Thanks

 

[NMPaul]

This hunt is nothing like it used to be. It used to be the best in the unit IMO, but, now I do not even apply for it.
Unit 34 is not what it was 5 years ago either. It used to be a safe bet that if you hunted hard in any of the bull seasons you would get a opportunity at least a 300"+ bull and the potential for a 350"+ bull.

Also, it used to be that any "real" herd bull would be well over 300" Not the case. In the last few years I have seen several 270" bulls with 5-10 cows in the peak of the rut.

If you hunt hard you still should get into a decent bull. There will be some bugling that late, but, much less. By the time you hunt there will have been a lot of hunts that have already happened and lots of people in the field. There are still a few real good bulls in the unit, but, a lot less.

I do not think sitting water is a good option for a 5 day hunt unless you find a really good wallow that is getting pounded.

 

[elkmuzzleloader]

Spent last weekend looking for bulls in this unit. My cousin drew his first tag ever. He has the youth hunt in Oct. I spent all day in the mountains. Saw lots of cows 250+ 9 bulls that were all spikes, and four bigger bulls in the low country. The biggest bull I saw was a 5x6 barely. Here is the best pic I could get. Not looking like a good year down there this year