Our group was discussing what appears to be a change in the peak rut in this province(well at least the area we hunt). Previously the first week of rifle (middle sept) was peak rut, however the the past 2 years it has happened a week or two prior(1st of sept). My question first of all is - has anybody noticed a similar trend? Secondly a theory we have discussed is warmer winter/springs, less snow in the spring to melt off & warmer summers with less moisture may possibly be forcing or allowing if you will the first peak rut to pushed up a few weeks. Could this have any relevance?

Pressure is the same for hunting, food sources and habitat is similar.

The pop. numbers for elk has exloded in this part of the province though and I think this may have an effect as well (the rest all think I should stick to deer and my rut theories). Is this a possibilty?

So I come to those with more knowledge than I, any merit to these theories or anybody noticed similar things happening? Any input?

BTW the biologist or elk know alls in this province flat out deny any changes and still peg the peak mid sept. but the hunter and CO's all agree it just ain't the same as a few years ago.

Thanks