I have been hearing the Bulls have just started talking this week in CO. How long does the ELk rut typically last? 10 days? 2 weeks? Is there a second rut?
I will be out there Oct 15th and hoping to catch the tail end of the rut with Rifle.
Also, looks like there is snow above 10,000ft and another 6-12" expected this weeked. Anyone thing that may be enough to push the elk down a little?
Elk rut is about a month long as a general rule and it was late this year. You might get in on the tail end of it but don't expect to call one in. You will have much better luck using a cow call than bugle. As for snow, yes there is some depending where you are going but 6-12 inches will not move the elk down the hill much if at all. Good luck on the hunt and let us know how you do.
Hey SGM, out of curiosity, at what point will the elk move down range due to snow? How much does it take to get them going? I am planning a 2nd season rifle hunt next fall, and I have heard that it could be 80 degrees, or I could expect a foot of snow. Just wondering what to expect for the elevation that I may be hunting at.
I have seen elk just playing around and enjoying a couple feet of snow during the hunts. What drives them to move down the hill is food. If they can't find it they will go to where they can. I used to work in the Vail Valley here in Colorado and there is a large herd of elk that winter on a hill side just south of I-70 and HWY 6 and there is anywhere from 1 to 3 foot of snow in that area during the winter
As far as how long the rut last it all depends on the cows. Also don't figure that just because they are not bugling that the rut isn't on. I have seen it where you never will hear one bugle or you only hear a few but the bulls are taking care of their ladies. Also I have herd bugles all the way into the latter part of October. Now they may just be doing it to hear themselves bugle but they are doing it.
Critter said it well about the food. If they can get thru the snow for food they will stay. Elk also will chew and strip bark off of aspens all winter long for food. If I had to give a number I would say 24-36 inches would get them moving down or into another valley. Remember just because one valley got 24 inches of snow does not mean the one 5 miles south did. What I have seen move them is when we get snow, it melts, re-freezes and more snow. Then they cannot get the food and the are gone.
As for 2nd season weather you could easily see mid 70's or a foot of snow all in the week you will be hunting. Heck you could see it in a two day span. Be prepared for both which means bringing more gear but better safe than sorry. Another factor is your elevation and location in the mountains. Are you hunting the SW, NW, 7000 feet, 10000 feet etc. Weather changes greatly in different parts of the state. Also do not rule out rain. You may set up camp at 7000 feet and it is raining but you're hunting at 8500 and it is snowing. You can also bet the snow is going to be heavy and wet. What unit are you looking at hunting? I think you have said in other posts but do not recall for sure. Send me a PM if you want and we can talk more about this. Hope that helps you some.
SGM - I haven't bought a bugle call... and after reading your response I guess I won't waste my money. 10 days and counting. I am eager to get out there!
I still have 29 to go so getting very excited myself. Unless you hunt archery or muzzle loader season I agree save the money on a bulge but if you do not have a cow call I suggest getting one. I like to make low calls especially if I step on that hidden twig that cracks lounder than a 300 win mag going off. I think it helps calm elk nevers if they hear it. If nothing else it give me peace of mind and for $25 it is worth it. Good luck and let us know how you do.
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