THe start of the Rut in WY must start earlier than here in Idaho. Our peak rut starts around the 17th and goes hot and heavy to the end of the month and then some into Oct. The higher elevations in a given area regardless of the state, the cows come into estrus earlier therfore they bugle sooner.
You got that right about the elk keeping one guessing from day to day. But you can figure them out many times by becoming familiar with the reasons why they do such things as run one day and not the next, just become familiar with your quarry and what makes him tick. I know easier said than done, but it' s possible, a weekend warrior just isn' t able to put in the necessary time it takes to figure out these critters. But as you mentioned, once you get them talking, that' s all you need to figure out their next move, I think you know what I mean.
Great job on your bull! elknut1