Elk Rut
#3

I was out the last two days in the Medicine Bow mountains (southern Wyoming) and no bugling yet. Still alittle early. The elk have or are just ridding their antlers of the velvet and they kind of shut down for a few days. This early in the season, I might suggest cow calling more than bugleing. And sit on wallows if you can find them. The elk take time to "get their voice back" and they haven't even started so if you go in sounding like the bull of the woods, they'll know who you are, and where you are, and they won't be there.
Good luck. They'll start heating up in the next 10 days so keep your head on a swivel cause they'll come in silent more times than not.
Good luck. They'll start heating up in the next 10 days so keep your head on a swivel cause they'll come in silent more times than not.
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Nicholasville, KY
Posts: 655

What is this season looking like in Idaho, a typical rut or early? I'm heading over to hunt the Panhandleon the 17th, so hopefully they will be talking and responding to calls. My partner was out scoutingover the weekend up around Clarkia, and he didn'thear any bugling.
#6

We called in 4 bulls last Sunday, all 4 were out of velvet, two of them were with cows. One bull was very vocal, but the others were not. This next weekend should be good, looks like it will be cool again, with a chance of more moisture. We hunted in the Frasier/Grandby area!
#8

Hey guys, headed to Idaho in 2 weeks myself. Can't wait, let me know if you local guys start seeing or hearing the rut starting. Went to a seminar a few weeks ago and the speaker said the elk rutpeaks around the 8th of Sept. and then there is a lull when most of the cows have been bread and are looking hard for cows around the 15th (our opening day). Should be fun to hunt the rut with a rifle!!