Lunar affects on Elk

[Constitutionalist]

General question:

The last week of the early Elk season in New Mexico this year happens to coincide with the full moon.

I know from experience that during normal periods, unless you are hunting with a million watter' at 2 a.m., you aren't going to see anything.

I am pondering this years hunt (I know, the draw hasn't happened yet; but can't a guy dream?) and trying to decide what impact the full moon will have, if any, on the rutting bulls.

Anyone have any first hand experience with this that they'd like to share?

 

[younghunter]

Here in Wyo I've seen elk rutting really hard under moonlight.  The last couple years bugling was more frequent as the stars appeared.

 

[nextrodeo]

I prefer no moon but I sure wouldnt let it keep me from planning a trip. If there up all night then sneak the dark steep timber at daylight , if they are there youll findem .

 

[Constitutionalist]

Thanks for the info, and no, I wouldn't cancel a trip because of it.  

I remember a few years ago (not really into the heavy rut, yet), when I DIDN'T check the lunar cycle and I was out during the full moon cycle, I didn't see a thing.  Yeah, I heard a bunch of bugling all night long, but their movement was done before shooting hours.  This left a lasting impression regarding the "lunar cycle"...

Again, thanks for the info.