Oooyeeeeeeeyuuuuuuuuuu yuk yuk yuk yuk!

arlie · 08-10-2006, 03:01 PM

A little early but I heard a bugle today while scouting. So what does that mean, an early rut? I remember a season in the mid 80's like that, elk bugling every where. It sure got the blood going, hearing that bugle, c'mon the 26th!

MarlinMark · 08-10-2006, 03:17 PM

The animals rut is triggered by photo period (the amount of light an dark hours per day.) Environmental conditions affect the animals behavior during the rut. There can be a "late rut" when the cows that weren't bred during their first cycle come into "season" again. Some cows have a third cycle if they were not impregnated during the first two. This is what makes the difference in the size of calfs. Those that drop first get bigger sooner and have a better chance of surviving there first fall and winter. So, the rut always starts at the same time but can "last longer" depending on breeding success. Bulls bugle for all kinds of reasons.

Mark

p.s. There is a lot more enviromental biology that could be put here but that's good enough for most hunters. I'm sure we will get some replies with a lot of info/experience.

Mad Mikey · 08-10-2006, 03:19 PM

I've heard several in the Starkey area about a week ago and two days ago was on the FS road between Anthony Lakes/Ladd Canyon and had to stop the truck to see if I could find the one I heard. He was REALLY going at it, couldn't catch a looksee though.

I always hear em' in September(when Grouse season opens). So, not being an elk hunter myself would August be considered highly unusual to hear em'???

Do some of them bugle just for the heck of it in the off season?

Ni! · 08-10-2006, 04:04 PM

I heard one chuckling on Saturday. Never did see him but he was hanging out in the draw with a herd of cows already, and he was pretty vocal the whole time I was there. No bugles yet, just the chuckle.

The bulls at Deans Creek are starting to lose their velvet too, so it's about to start.

Ni!

ehunter · 08-11-2006, 06:48 AM

Elk talk all year long they don't have to be in the rut for a elk to bugle I have heard them in December and Jan. They will squeal in the spring. But it is still exciting...