Could someone tell me when the Rut starts for elk in SW Colorado? Also Is that at about the same time on MUlies?


Thanks

Jim

There are certainly hunters probably better qualified to answer this question, but I will take a stab at it. With elk there is some breeding activity the last few days in August and the first 10 days or so in September, but if by rutting you mean the peak of bugling (so you can find bulls easier) I would have to say the last 10 days of September and the first 4-6 days of October. Therefore the end of muzzleloading season or the last week of bow season usually correlates well to some bugling/rutting activity.

As far as Mule deer: There rut normally starts in Mid November and runs into the first week or so of December. This is after most hunting seasons have closed, but in some areas, they are offering a 4th rifle season which should correlate better to the mule deer rut.

Where are you going to hunt in southwest Colorado?

Check out

Uncompahgre Wildneress area 40 miles west then 25 miles south of Gunnison in the combined season starting Oct 18.

Jim

Depends. Generally late August to late September, but many of us in this area have seen the rut go into late October for some bulls. Mulies don' t fire up until November for the most part.

For that rifle season (Oct. 18th) neither species will be in rut.