Elk Rut Question

ricknolan · #1 08-08-2009, 07:26 PM

I am considering changing my 3rd season elk rifle hunt to an archery hunt this year. Considering going back to Colorado unit 74. I have been looking at the season dates and when the peak rut is likely to occur based on moon phase.

I have heard that the peak of the rut generally falls 25 weeks after Easter (6 months and 1 week). If this is true the 2009 elk rut will peak between September 28 and October 9th. The Colorado archery season runs from August 29 through September 27th, thereby missing the presumed peak of the rut.

Assuming the rutting period generally lasts a full month; if a fellow hunted the last 10 days of the season (Sept 18 to 27) he would likely be hunting the beginning of the rut or during the “pre” rut. There is a new moon on Sept 19th which some consider being the best moon for day time activity.

My question then becomes, (not withstanding the archery vs. rifle debate) am I better off bow hunting, every though I will miss the peak rut or staying with the 3rd season rifle hunt.

Good news for 2010, the peak rut hits between September 20 and October 1st.

Your thoughts please

Long Time Long Ranger · #2 08-09-2009, 12:40 AM

Plan your hunt 5 days each way of September 23 and you will hit the peak of the rut every year.

peppy1hunting · #3 08-09-2009, 08:44 AM

If you can predict accurately the peak of the rut every year you could make a fortune!-My experience is there are many variables and you make the best "guess" you can come up with.

AJ Peacock · #4 08-09-2009, 08:57 AM

If I were you, I'd hunt the last 2 weeks of the archery season. The moon is minimal, which will force more daylight activity. In my experience, the last 2 weeks of archery season have always been pretty good.

Here is a great moon phase calendar Moon Phases Calendar / Moon Schedule

AJ

dogdinger · #5 08-09-2009, 09:27 AM

i have found through many yrs experience that weather has an awful lot to do with rut activity...IE, hot dry weather = not much bugling. when a cold snap occurs during that time there will be lots of bugling. hunting pressure is also a big factor. that said however the best time is always around the last 2 wks of sept. i have called bulls in as late as the end of october though. AJ

ricknolan · #6 08-09-2009, 11:02 AM

Thanks guys for the feed back. Here is another good moon phase web site.

Moon Phases Calendar October 2009

FEENIX · #7 08-17-2009, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogdinger

i have found through many yrs experience that weather has an awful lot to do with rut activity...IE, hot dry weather = not much bugling. when a cold snap occurs during that time there will be lots of bugling. hunting pressure is also a big factor. that said however the best time is always around the last 2 wks of sept. i have called bulls in as late as the end of october though. AJ

+1. The bottom-line is being out there and enjoying it, regardless!

Good luck and happy safe hunting.