Does the full moon effect elk activity? Of course it does! But the elk don't dissapear! But if the days of the full moon are heavy overcast or rainy, well there goes the full moon! Elk will behave normally for the time of the year! Pre-rut--peak rut--post rut.

The difference with elk at the full moon cycle that many notice is their activity level during early morning hours. Elk have been very active all night long at this time, they hit their beds usually no more than an hour after light! Thus, their lack of activity, unless you're in very close!

But, elk at this time become very active from 11:00 am--3:00pm if you're in camp or where the elk aren't, tough luck! As Elkcrazy8 says you must look for them near or in the dark timber, especially if the conditions are hot! Waterholes/wallows are a great bet at this time, if the full moon hits closer to pre-rut, then bulls aren't nearly as vocal as if the cycle was during peak-rut time where bulls can become very vocal during midday & evening.

So be near those water sources midday & late evening, the ones closest to bedding areas are the ones you want, not the water sources nearest feeding areas. Those won't get hit by elk till after dark! I will say when elk are active all night & they do get out of their beds to feed & water midday & late evening this is a huge time they seek out the wallow areas!

Bring your treestand, do some splashing, it will payoff better than running & gunning at this time!

ElkNut1