What's the best week?

[Freebird134]

The question has been asked a million times before (many times by me!), but what's the best week for archery elk? We usually get about 10 days to hunt Idaho, and have previously focused on the middle (like Sept 13-20 or so). But it's often seemed like we miss the peak bugling. For example, in 2012 we heard very little and the following week Elknut mentioned that the bugling really picked up.

With out schedules this year, it looks like we'll have the option of either the weeks of September 13-19 or Sept 20-26 (give or take... probably 10 days total) in central Idaho (around McCall). Which week would you pick? Like everyone, we'd love to hit the peak of bugling and rutting activity, but really the goal is to fill our tags on any elk (sex/size doesn't really matter to us).

[ElkNut1]

As for bugling action, it's at its best when there's peak cows in estrus, this is where the main Advertising & competition amongst the bulls takes place. This can happen about anytime in Sept. Peak Bugling though generally is at its best from Sept 15 thru the 28th especially if you are after the bigger guys. (grin) I like those times!

ElkNut1

[msd1228]

Personally, if I had 10 days to hunt elk I would always choose Sept 15-24 - just seems that the majority of the great action I've had has fallen within this general time frame. The earliest I've ever had great action was Sept 10 and the latest I've ever had great action would be around the 26th-ish. I certainly get some action outside of that time frame, but I'm talking about the full on, heavy action that we all hope for.