Co. Elk bowhunters? Veterns only please.
07-29-2006, 08:24 AM
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Iowa
Posts: 674
Co. Elk bowhunters? Veterns only please.
[align=left]Hey guys just wanted to no if its been dry in the norhtern 1/2 the state ?[/align][align=left]This year we are going during blackpowder season till end of bow season hopefully this is right move just trying to get into the rut a little more.[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]We usaly go from the start of bow season till the start of black powder the last two years not much screaming going on been hot and wet elk scatered every where not in the key pockets .[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Been hunting the same area for 11 years last two have been bad (Flat Tops)[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]If its been dry It seems we do beter. Any info would be great [/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Thx in advance.[/align]
07-30-2006, 10:08 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,072
RE: Co. Elk bowhunters? Veterns only please.
I can't tell you about Colorados weather, but I can tell you that the rut happens the same every year. The peak activity times of the day may vary from year to year, depending on the weather conditions. Elk rut is determined by the amount of daylight decreasing. The change in sunlight will increase testosterone levels and cause the velvet to harden and the bulls to start feeling their oats so to speak. The same goes for the cows and estrogen levels.
In areas with older populations of cows, you will find that the activity level will pick up earlier in the season, as the older cows will cycle earlier than the younger cows. Where i hunt at, it is not uncommon to hear a bunch of bugling in August as there are a couple of hot cows running amuck already.
The most activity in the rut is usually around the 3rd week of september, that is when most like to be out there, however I have seen years where this was the quietest week during the daylight hours because of ungodly temperatures making the elk do their work at the coolest times of the day, which would be at night. Even though things may be quiet during the day, does not mean that the rut isn't happening. The key to success in other than normal circumstances, is knowing what adjustments to make when mother nature throws you a curve ball. Good luck
In areas with older populations of cows, you will find that the activity level will pick up earlier in the season, as the older cows will cycle earlier than the younger cows. Where i hunt at, it is not uncommon to hear a bunch of bugling in August as there are a couple of hot cows running amuck already.
The most activity in the rut is usually around the 3rd week of september, that is when most like to be out there, however I have seen years where this was the quietest week during the daylight hours because of ungodly temperatures making the elk do their work at the coolest times of the day, which would be at night. Even though things may be quiet during the day, does not mean that the rut isn't happening. The key to success in other than normal circumstances, is knowing what adjustments to make when mother nature throws you a curve ball. Good luck
07-30-2006, 03:57 PM
#3
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Niwot,Colo USA
Posts: 267
RE: Co. Elk bowhunters? Veterns only please.
I can tell you that the mountains had a good winter snowpack. But like much of the nation it has been hot and dry and my scouting trips have shown the same.I would suspect the trend to continue.
We will go opening week and I plan on being at some isolated watering holes that I know of.
Best of luck,
Bill
We will go opening week and I plan on being at some isolated watering holes that I know of.
Best of luck,
Bill
