Interesting Elk movement

[idahoghost]

Two years ago I setup in an area that had lots of elk. Herd of 15 or more coming into a small water hole and a big mineral lick almost everyday. On August 17, they abruptly stopped coming in and disappeared from the trailcams. Some nice bulls with the herd as well.

Last year same area same elk, coming in to the same waterholes. The unit burned to the ground taking my three trailcams with it. Had photos of big bulls as well that year.

Fast forward to this year. USFS reopen the area. Put trailcams (new) in the same two areas that burned to the ground. Elk herd of 12-15 animals coming back in everyday. On August 16th they disappeared once again from all the cameras. Wonder what the know about August 16th that I don't?

Elk01.jpg (123.78 KiB) Viewed 2635 times

[Olydog09]

That is very strange indeed. I would be curious to hear theories as well. My best guess would be that since elk have different mineral needs at different times of the year whatever nutrient is being supplied by that lick is no longer needed in the diet and the elk stop visiting the lick as they no longer crave what is at that location.

[Mikeha33]

I assume the dates on your camera are incorrect, or did 2 swing by yesterday?

[idahoghost]

Dates are correct. These two bulls came through yesterday just before we checked the cameras. The herd with the cows, calves and rag horns disappeared on the 16th.

See the photos below:

Elk03.jpg (177.99 KiB) Viewed 2530 times

Wolf.jpg (177.45 KiB) Viewed 2530 times

[WYO_ELK]

Who cares about the cows and spikes, shoot that big bull!

[Drawnandpinned]

Very weird indeed they may be moving to the breeding ground breaking up into breeding cycle hang them back up after rifle I bet they come back good luck finding them hope us find that big guy he would look good on anyone's wall

[Drawnandpinned]

I meant you not us above ha I would like to find him though

[Trophyhill]

Most likely this coincides with that first estrus cycle and they have moved into or toward the early rutting grounds.

[foxvalley]

Is there any kind of human activity that happens around the 16th,ie, opening of some hunting season etc. Every year on the same day seems like more than a coincedence.