What Sept archery dates and why

[Osprey]

I know this question gets tossed around generally asked what weeks to hunt BUT I want to know what weeks you prefer and why you prefer those weeks. Reason I ask is I'm planning an Idaho OTC archery hunt as a back up if I don't draw my CO 3rd rifle Mule Deer tag next season (2017). Having only experienced Elk hunting in rifle season I'm new to the elk woods in Sept. Specifically I will be in South central Idaho. I understand many factors can influence an areas prime archery hunt dates and through my research I have talked to a couple guys killing big bulls that prefer early around 10-17th of sept but they also hunt WY. However the vast majority of guys seem to go in the last 2 weeks. I would be taking 2 weeks off and from day one will shoot pretty much any branch antlered bull that makes the mistake of getting in bow range so I was thinking they would be talking more end of sept making locating them easier. So with that said do you also prefer to avoid full moon?

[Indian Summer]

Forget the moon, just hunt. 2 weeks is a long time.

I'd center the hunt around the 20th so a week before that and a week after. This year if you want to go by weekdays I'd go with the 10th to 25th.

Why? Because over the years those dates kick butt.

[twinkieman]

If you're starting your 2 weeks on weekends, I'd also go the 10th to the 25th, likely somewhere in between you will likely catch the peak of the rut, although depending on the age of the cows in the area you intend to hunt, the peak could fall a little later. You should have good bugling in those dates. As far as the moon goes, the full moon is September 16th, and I'd agree with IS, forget it and just hunt!

[Fridaythe13th]

Our group only hunts for 7 full days and drives for 2. This year we would leave around 3:30 PM on the 8th and start hunting on the 10th and pack up the following Sunday. The biggest reason is the crowds go way up from the the time we get there to when we leave.
2 out of the 3 years in Idaho have been awesome, last year was though, it was hard to locate bugle's but it was hot and dry. The other group from are town said they went 3 for 4. Last week of Sept was the best last year????
If I had 2 weeks I would leave after work on Friday the 9th 2016 and pack up camp on the 24th and drive the 20 hours home be to work on the 26th. Less crowds the 1st week and still good hunting. The road well be busier 2nd week with 4 wheeler and truck traffic.

[Osprey]

Thanks for the responses so far. A lot of guys seem to really like that 20th-23rd dates. Since this is in Idaho my focus would be on Elk but I was thinking maybe adding a Mulie OTC archery tag as a if I came across a nice 140"+ I may make a stalk however I know they generally use different areas. Do you think this would be a decent Idea or save the few hundred and just buy the Elk tag?

[WapitiTalk1]

Many prefer that third week in SEP for elk because it's generally considered the peak of the rut. The peak meaning that the majority of the cows are coming into their first estrus cycle around that time frame and it's all about the cows during the rut. The elk are pretty much herded up and normally very vocal during the third/fourth week of SEP. Hunting the early part of SEP has it's positives also as the bulls are moving around trying to gather their harems which can make for an exciting time. This first week in SEP is generally not as vocal in the elk world as later in the month but is a great time for cold calling setups/advertising sequences. Mule Deer? Remember that their rut doesn't occur till later in NOV so they'll be much more wary in SEP. Not saying you wouldn't have a chance at a spot and stalk buck but in SEP, they are in full control of their faculties and are on full alert. That diminishes a bit when the MD rut occurs. Just a few thoughts. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Swede]

In Oregon, the most bow hunters are in the field the first week of the season. The second most popular time is the last week of season, except most hunters leave the last Saturday so they can get home and be ready to work Monday morning. I have killed more elk the first week than all the remainder of the season. Since it has taken an average of ten days hunting over many years to fill my tag, it stands to reason that the first week would be my most successful time. I also had the advantage of hot weather, and the elk were more scattered out that first week. I mostly tree stand hunt, and I prefer the elk to not be herded up and in their summer routine. It is good that the water holes are getting used frequently.
If avoiding other hunters is part of your objective, you may do well to go the second and third week of the season. Your tactics are a little different, and the bulls are not as vocal, but your odds for success can be just as good.

[CurlyTail]

It is great that you have two weeks to hunt. The stars should align for at least a few days in that span.

I agree center your hunt around Sept. 20 your will be able to find Elk that time frame

[cohunter]

I might consider having Sep 20th nearer the end of the 2 weeks... not the end, but nearer. That pre-rut time might be good for a lot of action.

[Indian Summer]

I might consider having Sep 20th nearer the end of the 2 weeks... not the end, but nearer. That pre-rut time might be good for a lot of action.

I'd have to agree with that.

As far as deer go.... if you have the money to burn go for it. But unless a buck falls into your lap obviously you should stay focused on elk if you want to kill one. While it's true that the mulies aren't rutting yet they are very patternable and pretty relaxed. I love stalking them then. I have a really unique method. I don't hide. I will if I can but lots of times you'll run out of cover in mule deer country. So act like a deer! Make 2 steps toward the deer.... paw at the ground with your feet like you're feeding, and if they shoot their heads up on alert "feed" away from them a step or 2. Avoid direct eye contact. Don't be in a hurry. This would never work with a whitetail but I've walked into 30 yards on mulies. A REALLY good plan is to have a partner (or yourself) get on the opposite side of the deer. Then the stalker starts moving toward them. If they start to shy away, but not actually bolt, the other guy gets the shot while they are looking back focused on hunter 1. Deadly tactic for sure.

Most mule deer seasons in Wyoming are Sept 15 to 30 on the west side.

[CurlyTail]

Hey Joe - when deer season opens Sept. 15 in Wyoming, how does that affect the archery Elk hunters? That has got to double the number of guys in the woods, and makes me nervous stalking around the woods with a guy in blaze orange and a high power rifle scope on every high spot.