Elk in the Rut

[Kessler10]

I know there is no exact answer to this question. But I am unfamiliar with the elk in North West MT. Over the past few years has there been any sort of general pattern for when the peak rut for elk in NW MT ? Where I usually hunt elk the rut is late Sept. But I have heard in MT you can see the peak rut happen more in the middle of Sept. Planning to archery hunt the 2nd week in Sept in MT to try and get the most of the rut. Any feedback in regards to best week to archery hunt MT elk in Sept?

[Indian Summer]

It doesn't run notoriously late up there. I'd try to get in there from around the 15th to the 25th. If it was a 7 day hunt I'd probably be ready to hit it on the early end of that and end on the 21st or so. They'll be ready to go by then and less chance of a hunter there before you. When I think about booking with an outfitter like you are I'd lean toward getting there sooner than later to avoid that.

[WapitiTalk1]

The last time I hunted where you're speaking of is 3 years ago. We hunted the second and third week of SEP. I went back solo for a four day hunt the last week in SEPT. Yes, there were vocal bulls sounding off almost every day during the second/third week. Remember how the cycle normally works. Earlier in the rut the bulls seem to be running around a bit more during the herding up phenomenon. They are oftentimes not as vocal as they will be in the later part of the month but are certainly susceptible to calling, particularly cold calling setups (be cautious as many come in silent). Wallow sitting can be a good method in the earlier part of the month but effectiveness of this method diminishes as the month rolls on. I went back for a long weekend during the last week in SEPT and actually encountered less hunting pressure for some reason. I got into bulls daily (remember, I know the area) and came close but in the situations I was in, solo without a shooter for my calling, no arrows were released. So sir, to answer your question, I prefer later in SEPT in that area based on my most recent hunt. IS is certainly much wiser than I when talking outfitted hunts so if that's gonna be your method, I'd follow his tips Best of luck in our hunt this fall if you decide to venture up that way.

[Indian Summer]

Yep! If I wasn't going to be hunting where a guide may have had a client there the week before me as in DIY, I'd lean toward later. For one it's usually not as warm which is good. The 3rd week is never a bad choice. But the very last week of the month can be all or nothing. Especially if there has been pressure. Things may have quieted down a little for obvious reasons. But if not it can be really hot. Hard to predict that.

If you have a lot of time or can come back that's one thing. But if there are no outside factors and you only have one week there's no real reason to hold off on hunting any later than the 18th.

[ElkNut1]

Yep sure1 15th through 25th is when I'd schedule my time in the elkwoods regardless of the State! That's the magic time for running & gunning!

ElkNut1