Best Time for Elk Bugling

[SIO]

What is the best time to find the rut in this area. Went 5 years ago on the first week of bow season and never heard an elk. Just wondering if any body is familar with this area. This will be my 2nd elk hunt and would love just to hear elk bugling. Pagosa Springs, Hinsdale County area. Thanks.

 

[COHunter]

The first week of October in-between archery and 1st rifle unless your lucky enough to draw a tag in 1,2,10,76 or 201. Then you get a full on rut hunt

Or book a RFW hunt like Eastmans & Primos guys

Another thing is if your hunting an OTC area, everybody that watched the latest Eastmans or Primos show is on the Mtn bugling. They even do it in the later rifle seasons LOL!!!

Elk arent stupid and shut down during the day when their BS flag is raised, then they scream at night

 

[goindeep]

I don't know that particular area but it seems to me that about the third week of the archery season they really get going in the areas I hunt. The weather, moon, hunting pressure and other things can really have an impact on the amount of bugling you hear and its different every year.

 

[DLS]

Keep in mind that the best time for bugling is often NOT the best time for killing bulls. I prefer to hunt earlier, when the bugling tends to be sparse, but finding bulls without large harems is much better. I'd rather work with a lone bull than one that has cows, anytime.

 

[warren nelson]

We will sometime go out in the late night to hear where they are bugling so we will have a starting spot the next day if they aren't bugling much after sunup like they do after gettting call shy. It works for us.

 

[jls456]

Like Warren said, listen late at night. Nothing better then laying in the tent and being woke up by those screams!!
It makes your next days hunt more exciting..........not to mention that you will never get back to sleep.

 

[SIO]

Thanks

Thanks guys for all the suggestions, looks like I'll be going Sept.18-25. We are going to rent a cabin next to the San Juan Ntn. Forest for a DIY hunt. I'm going to hunt with a long bow a friend of mine made. Last hunt I made in there I called in a young 6x6 that came head on to me at 30yrds and starred me down till he winded me. I saw him about a 100yrds away and called to him but he ignored me then slipped up from behind me. I'm learning as I go. I'll be ready next time. That was exciting but never heard him make a sound till a branch snaped at 40yrds.

 

[rodngun]

The rut varies due to all conditions other have already listed...The same areas will peak at different times each year.....If you do time it right, it will be easier to find the bulls, but may not be that easy to get one to come in...I agree with DLS that when Bulls are starting to gather cows they can be a little more careless...Be versatile and don't be afraid to look for water and just sit on it if you find active sign....Ambush is a great way to fill a tag.

 

[BitterrootBob]

Also, keep in mind that some heavily hunted areas, bulls run the other direction from bugles and cow calls. These animals have learned that these calls mean danger. It is cool to hear them bugle but in my area calling is useless as a archery hunting tool.