Elk Bugles

[lightfoot]

I was out this past weekend hiking near limestone mountain and we here a couple of elk bugling at each other across a drainage?? isn't this a bit early

[swamper]

It does seem a little early but maybe some of the younger bulls getting wound up a little early. Many years ago, more than I care to remember I was working for Fish & Wildlife out of Peace River. We were dropped into a lake just south of Grande Prairie and it was about this time of year. That was the first time I had ever heard and elk bugle. I guess its time to drag out the calls and start practicing.

[BlueNorther]

Six years ago while camping down in 400 the bulls were bugling,it would have been right about now.We saw one nice 6x6 with 20 cows.I actually bugled in a 5x5 to within 20 yards the next day.All told we saw over 15 bulls that weekend.When the season opened two weeks later you couldn't buy an elk in there. :?

[Jack19]

Haven't heard any elk bugle yet but I was out scouting yesterday and noticed that they have been using the wallow's pretty heavily.

Only 2 more sleeps :-) :-) :-)

[swampdonkey]

I HAVE AN ACERAGE IN 522 AND THE ELK WERE KEEPING ME AWAKE DURING THE NIGHT WHEN I WAS THERE A WEEK AGO.......i THINK ITS TIME TO ARROW ME AN ELK ON THE 1ST OF SEPT.
SWAMPDONKEY:P :P :P

[Top Dawg]

Man that is the wildest sound when you are rite close too them.... Two seasons ago I was rite In the middle of a hudge herd for like 3hours in mid rut... They were screamin like crazy and the hair on the back of my neck was on end the whole time... They are the best critter too hunt.... OK I want too go Huting NOW!!!!!!!

[trmichels]

After researching 600-1000 head of elk for the last 4 years I've found that it is the older bulls (3+ years) the generally begin bugling first, as early as mid-August, often before they have shed velvett, but while the velvet is dry. They do this so they can gather herds.

In 4 years I've only heard two yearling bulls bugle, and they usually don't start until mid to late September, and they only use a high pitched bugle, that sounds like a drawn out mew. 2 year old bulls often start bugling by the last week of August or first week of September, but they rarely roar before the bugle, and they don't often chuckle after the bugle.

If you need more info on elk activity and calling log on to the Elk Activity and Elk Communication pages on my site at www.TRMichels.com. There is info on Peak Elk Bugling dates for the US states there too.

I could use some input on when peak bugling occurs in CA though.

God bless and good hunting,

T..R Michels