Bull Migration ?

[Maddie'sDaddy]

Ok this goes out to all you expert Bull hunters, This time of the year just after the rutt do the bigger Bulls migrate near or with the herds like the spikes or do they tend to not go so far ? , maybe into some thicker stuff to rest ? So what Im getting at is if you seen one during deer season how far would you plan to search for him opening day of first season? Scouting this area is not an option out of season so its hard to keep tabs on him. Not that I seen one or anything Just wondering out loud.





MD

[ehunter]

First I am no bull expert::

If it is in the area your deer hunting REPROD IS THE ANSWER. Now if you figure out how to get them out please PM me and let me know

Please be sure to let people know when you go in so they can get dibs on your gear if in case you don't come out Take extra batteries for your head lamp and make sure your boots laces are tied good because you won't be able to retie them in there..

If its on the west side they won't go far from where you saw them.

I really believe that some of those bulls live reprod for years and only come out at night to feed or breed. I know places you could probably bugle right now still get answer but they won't budge...nor will you get close.

Originally Posted by Maddie'sDaddy

Ok this goes out to all you expert Bull hunters, This time of the year just after the rutt do the bigger Bulls migrate near or with the herds like the spikes or do they tend to not go so far ? , maybe into some thicker stuff to rest ? So what Im getting at is if you seen one during deer season how far would you plan to search for him opening day of first season? Scouting this area is not an option out of season so its hard to keep tabs on him. Not that I seen one or anything Just wondering out loud.





MD

[The Overfishin Condition]

This time of year I too find the biggest bull sign in thick cover, such as reprod and vine maples. I ran into many herds of elk during the Western WA modern season, but none had big bulls in them. Two possible three points (two and an half year old bulls) and several spikes. It was clear the big boys were off hiding somewhere alone. Most of the bulls that I heard were shot were singled out. Slightly bigger, but still not the toads, which must be in some hidy-hole somewhere. TOC.

[3fletch]

I have never heard of a bull migration, we have found that after the rut most go to a "bull Hole" and become very dormant. If you find a bull hole you will know it, they usually have some water, lots of feed and very thick cover is not far away. The ones I have found will have bull crap everywhere and you can tell they are not traveling far. This is based on the southwest Oregon area. I'm sure it may be different over East where the weather is more severe.

[traks44]

Originally Posted by 3fletch

I have never heard of a bull migration, we have found that after the rut most go to a "bull Hole" and become very dormant. If you find a bull hole you will know it, they usually have some water, lots of feed and very thick cover is not far away. The ones I have found will have bull crap everywhere and you can tell they are not traveling far. This is based on the southwest Oregon area. I'm sure it may be different over East where the weather is more severe.

This holds true for these parts as well, those bigger bulls will either stick with bulls their same age class or stay alone. Your snow level will determine their migration but those bigger bulls tend to hunker down on north slopes in the big timber where the snow wont accumulate as bad. In your case during deer season I would imagine if he isnt pressured and have food water and cover that he wont be far come rifle season. Even if he isnt there right away there is a good chance and you should know if they are using the area periodically or daily. The bigger bulls with little pressure will return to same areas year after year and those places get handed down. knowing what a "big bull area" durng rifle season looks like is very important IMO. Find a place the big bulls like and you should have years of good hunting as long as it stays somewhat unpressured.

There is nothing sneakier than a mature bull after the rut! Just about the time you think there is nothing in the area they show up. Just because you are in an area and you dont see elk and you cant figure out why doesnt mean there isnt a bruiser bull hid somwhere. In some cases you are in a big bull haunt and you better be ready to shoot fast cause he wont give you much of a shot opportunity if any.

Hope this helps