Hunting Styles/Tactics During Archery Elk Season

[WapitiTalk1]

As the days gets shorter towards the end of August each year, the testosterone level starts to rise in bull elk. The last of the rubbed off antler velvets hangs in mostly dry sinews on the rub trees and slowly but surely, the wapiti feel something is in the air! The bulls have all but kicked their summertime bachelor buddies to the curb and begin to seek out cow elk to form harems. Wallowing occurs mostly during late August through early September as daytime temps soar and slows down considerably as September rolls on. It seems to me that the younger, less mature bulls jump on the bandwagon first and establish small groups they can call their own (although minimal breeding is occurring during the early part of September). Those young bulls will be dejected as the rut increases in intensity (more cows coming into estrus) by more mature herd bulls. This mid September phenomenon truly differentiates the class of bulls between the “have and have not’s”, herd bulls vs. satellite bulls. Location/advertising bugles rings off the ridge tops and deep down in timbered draws as the rut begins in earnest and the bulls are trying to see who is around their neck of the woods. There seems to be a lull in the action/vocalization in most areas I’ve hunted somewhere between the second and third week of September. I have no explanation for this (could be an increase in hunting pressure, the eventual mature herd bulls are taking over and making satellites out of former herd bulls, elk are taking a knee/breather before the peak of the rut, my poor calling, who knows). Once we roll into the third week of September, the kettle boils over. The majority of the cows are coming into estrus. Cows coming into estrus create some of the most exciting times to hunt elk. Competition for the affection of the ladies is at a yearly high between the bulls which equates to lots of displaying/advertising, warning/challenging, and a frantic level of urgency for the boys trying to get girls to date them. This major phase of the rut is absolutely my favorite time to be in the elk woods for many reasons.

Long way around the barn, I know. All this said, do you feel there are some better/best bang for the buck hunting styles/tactics to use during “specific/various” phases of the September archery season? Run and gun (locating and go get em); active wallow sitting (tree stand/ground blind); still hunting during a lull in rut activity; advertising sequences; cold calling setups; spot and stalk; sitting clear cut edges; smearing yourself with elk juice and standing in a meadow; etc. So, what are your thoughts? Are their tactics/styles that are better suited for a particular phase of the September elk rut to maximize opportunities; whaddya you cats thing?

[twinkieman]

For me , RJ, it's simple, I want to hunt in the weeks you described, where calling is my most effective weapon. I am very adept at stalking, but I choose not to hunt elk in this manner. I've nothing against it, I just want to call in elk. So I try to time my time in the elk woods to coincide with the peak of the rut at some point. I've called in elk early in the season as well, and arrowed a few of these bulls, for me being (usually in Idaho) from the 12th to the 30th, is what I plan my trip around.

[easeup]

I wished I hunted where you do.

This mid September phenomenon truly differentiates the class of bulls between the “have and have not’s”, herd bulls vs. satellite bulls. Location/advertising bugles rings off the ridge tops and deep down in timbered draws as the rut begins in earnest and the bulls are trying to see who is around their neck of the woods. ................................Once we roll into the third week of September, the kettle boils over. The majority of the cows are coming into estrus. Cows coming into estrus create some of the most exciting times to hunt elk..................... Competition for the affection of the ladies is at a yearly high between the bulls which equates to lots of displaying/advertising, warning/challenging, and a frantic level of urgency for the boys trying to get girls to date them. This major phase of the rut is absolutely my favorite time to be in the elk woods for many reasons.

[WapitiTalk1]

You're welcome to travel north and join me anytime easeup, seriously.

[msd1228]

Like mentioned above, I hunt elk for the thrill of the run and gun calling action, so that is what I do regardless of whether or not its the most effective means. I hunt mule deer to get my spot and stalk groove on, and I hunt bears and whiteys to sit in 1 spot for 15 hours a day (ugh). Elk and predator hunting are like crack to me - non stop run and gun action!

[ElkNut1]

Yes sir, I love hunting Sept. My strategies will vary from early season to peak rut. Of course that being said I've had bulls screaming with cows in estrus Sept 1st, problem is that cannot be counted on, it's generally pretty quiet but this doesn't mean a guy shouldn't call because you can still hunt with calling very effectively!

Sept 1st thru the 10th
Blind/cold calling with a good setup where elk must come within your bowrange to see where source of sounds is coming from is vital for those close encounters thus avoiding hangups! At this time I like cow/calf chatter mostly just to test the waters, this includes low volume estrus buzz in the mix, no bull sounds are needed early on with this calling style to induce interest! I also enjoy employing a lower keyed Advertising Sequence, one not as intense as one I'd use after the 15th. These methods have worked very well for those silent elk slipping in to check out these other elk!

Sept 11th thru end of month!
As Shane mentions this is when things get interesting! Certainly my favorite time to be in the elkwoods! Run & Gun is the name of the game here with the Breeding Sequence being our # 1 method! We use this mainly when we locate a herd bull being harassed by satellites. We setup within 150 yards or so & go right into it, this pulls those satellites over like flies on a fresh cow pie! (grin) We use this method over & over as we come across these like encounters. We know we are not generally going to pull in the herd bull because satellites are the first to show & we are setup to far to pull the herd bull over! For the herd bull we have to take the action to him as long as there are hot cows in the group, you'll know by the excessive bugling. Get within 75 yards of the herd & simply call his cows to your position! You will have his immediate attention! Sometimes we have to get a bit more creative & use pants & some cow calling but all depends on the situation & his stubbornness to come, push the right buttons & he's coming though! There are those herd bulls where it's cow calling only that gets his excitement up, when this is the case stay with them when in tight!(grin) Man you gotta love Sept!

In a nutshell this is a simple recipe to our consistent success! Is it Sept yet?????

ElkNut1