Elk hunt dates? 20-28 vs 24-30

[elkaholic]

Normally I would say the more days in the "elk woods" the better. However this year I have a dilemma. My partner only has 5 days he can take off work and the area we hunt may not be quite in the rut by the 20th. Last year it didn't pick up until about the 25th.. With that would you rather have 9 days of hunting with roughly the last 4 being the best or 7 days of good rutting action? Also the temps will most likely be the coolest the very last of the month.

Which would you choose?

[ishy]

20-28 no question. Elk ecology says most cows will be bread between the 14-24,+ or - a day or two.

[under H2O hunter]

20-28 without question. Yes you will be seeing a few extra hunters due to the muzzleloading season. However, I think with the cool wet spring we are currently having plus summer is shaping up to be similar I don't think you'll see the same thing as far the the rut goes like we seen last season. My personal prediction is going to be that the peak of the rut will be the end of the second week going into the third week. Good luck and shoot a good one.

[elkaholic]

20-28 without question. Yes you will be seeing a few extra hunters due to the muzzleloading season. However, I think with the cool wet spring we are currently having plus summer is shaping up to be similar I don't think you'll see the same thing as far the the rut goes like we seen last season. My personal prediction is going to be that the peak of the rut will be the end of the second week going into the third week. Good luck and shoot a good one.

Note:
This area in Idaho is VERY dry and hot with few if any trees. Knowing that does the 20-28 still stand out?

[ElkNut1]

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with either dates, both are right during peak rut times, elk do not have calendars! (grin) Personally I'd lean towards the 20-28 dates! Being where there's elk is key! Good Luck!

ElkNut1

[Duck-Slayer]

you hunt west of where I do.... the 24-30 has been the best in my area the past 2 years....
Matt

[FemoralArchery]

You may need a new compass app on your phone Matt.

[Duck-Slayer]

You may need a new compass app on your phone Matt.

you need new archery equipment.... Adam....
Matt

[Swede]

I would rather have the 9 day hunt. In heavily hunted areas you will also benefit from fewer people in the woods by going a little early.

[Lefty]

I would take the 9 days
Hunting east of you the problem with later the last week Ive always been tring to make the move on 50 elk instead of 1 -or 5 or ten, And with the thick cover we hunt more eyes are a bad thing
I plan to take the 24 and 25th
I will consider the weather more than anything on which days at the end of the season Ill take off

[Indian Summer]

20-28 for me hands down. Weather could go either way those two weeks. It's not all about that. The 20th is plenty late enough anywhere in my opinion.

[elk.addict]

I've killed most of my elk on or around the 17th. So I vote for 20-28

[elkaholic]

Thanks for the input everyone. We are headed to "the woods" from the 20-28.
Roughly 60 days till it's game time for elk.

Matt: 2011 was the last year I hunted the area to the W. of you. Glad your seeing some action..