Elk can be broken down into five time periods. During each of these periods, Elk have distinct needs: food, water, security and breeding. As the hunting season progresses, these needs will change in priority, and these needs will dictate where you find the elk.
Here are the Five Periods of Elk;
3. Peak rut (Mid-September and into Early October)
4. Post-rut (Mid to late October)
5. Late Season (November and Beyond)
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Elk have 4 primary needs, food, water, sanctuary, and breeding. These needs fluctuate with every season.
You probably already understand what is meant by food, water and breeding as a primary need. But here’s a quick explanation of sanctuaries. These are places, due to topography, distance, and/or blowdown, hunters just don’t want to go. BUT, that’s where the elk are going to be because they know you’re not going to go there. Sanctuaries are places far away from open roads. At the same time, a sanctuary can be a ranch that doesn’t allow hunting. And once rifle season starts, these are likely places elk are going to run.
Peak Rut
The Peak Rut calendar period is that magical period we all hope to hunt, running from the end of the Pre-Rut and going until around October 10, plus or minus a couple of days.
We, as hunters, know this period means bulls are distracted and focused on mating, and you’ll get to hear bugles and other calls. Cows are going to be on the best forage, waiting for their lover boys to arrive. Bulls will often skip the food, but take plenty of water breaks. Look for bulls chasing cows near the best forage with close proximity to water sources and their bedding areas.
Remember this simple Pre-Rut and Peak Rut equation: Food = Cows = Bulls
If you find the cows, you will find the bulls. To find the cows, find the best food, and you’re set up for success.
Needs, in order of importance;
When the rut is winding down, you’ll find that the older bulls are leaving their cows and heading to solitary sanctuaries to lick their wounds and recover. If you see this happening, the Post-Rut calendar period is upon and you’ll want to adjust your hunting tactics. Read up on the Post-Rut Calendar Period below.
