Bull Behavior Early Spring--Shed Hunting Tips!

[leprechaun]

So I have been shed hunting like crazy and so far have only found two old ones. However, I have spotted a lot of animals and have some questions regarding how Bulls behave this time of year.

So in the area I have been looking, there is sign everywhere. Fresh droppings, trails, and rubs all over. I spotted two (smaller) bulls earlier in the week at around 5000 feet. I found my first (old) shed at 4800 feet.

Yesterday I saw a herd of around 100 calves and mommas at what I estimate to be 3700 feet, further down the same drainage where I saw my bulls and found the shed. I had previous picked out a different slope to look for sheds on next, but I am curious if these bulls might come down the drainage and feed in the same areas as the cows, before heading back to timber to bed down.

Any tips? I have been trying to avoid walking up to the higher elevations as I don't want to push the bull elk at all.

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

If the best food is there and there is no pressure then I'm sure the bulls will go into the same place. The only way to know what their behavior truly will be is to watch them and find out. If the bulls have antlers still then just make notes of where they're at and watch them. Eventually you'll see them without them and you can just go walk the area you had viewed them from. Hard to say exactly what they'll do because each herd can be very different. And as soon as you think you've got them figured out they'll make you a liar.

 

[Ross]

Bulls will tend to be off by themselves and in bachelor groups. Every shed area is different and predators can be an influence as well. Part of the fun or non fun is putting together where the bulls may drop. Ultimately walking a lot of miles will help to find them and like hunting help you learn where they may be. Good luck

 

[Brianb3]

They still will roam in a pattern on a schedule and may only graze an area every 4-5-7 days. And this time of year seems like that pattern gets adjusted every 600 yard by shed hunting pressure.


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[leprechaun]

I think I'm the only one pressuring these guys and I have a pretty good idea where I am moving them too. Came up on a big herd today and there were some bulls in the mix that still had antlers. I have been walking trails with fresh droppings/tracks and rubs on every other tree!

Thanks for the tips guys. I will keep after it. Already I am learning how important good glass is in this game.