So..... Elk bow hunt planning and was wondering if yous guys would rather go when the moon was dark (Sep 9th), or right about the peak of the rut (Full moon: Sep 24th)?
They never seem to co-inside!

why not call the local game department biologist and ask a few questions then the local game warden, for his input,
about the area that you intend to hunt before making a decision, I found that generally helps improve your success rate a bit.
i generally hunt the area north or south, of gypsum meeker, or eagle Colorado the officers are generally willing to talk with you if your polite, brief and have specific detailed questions

ive usually hunted areas I marked with green dots

This isn't about being successful necessarily, (I've harvested 5 elk in the past 7 years, bow and rifle), but more about "which week should I take off from work". In recent years I have been up there the week of Labor Day. But this year I need to select another week in September.
More a dark of the moon vs. peak of rut question. Thanks

Here in Montana, I would go around the 24th, I have a group of friends come from Nebraska each fall to bow hunt at the time in late September you are talking about, very good results, elk are always numerous and vocal.

Thanks! That's where I'm leaning . . . any excuse to talk Elk.

what state are you hunting?

S.E. Wyoming . . . sorry.

The ranch we hunt is from 5000' to 6000' in elevation....if I was hunting above 7500' I would lean more to middle or second week of September, I believe elevation does play a role in when rut activity is at its peak, my observations.

We average 9000 ft

My one friend from Nebraska has hunted that area, puts in for tags still.....he likes going early in Sept down there, he hunts outside of Laramie, not sure exactly where, but I will ask him