Colorado Third Rifle Update - Bulls Still Bugling

[rw79]

I got it done on opening day in SW Colorado mostly due to luck and playing the hunting pressure. The bulls were still bugling and the cows were mewing, making them easy to locate. Prior to sunrise on opening morning, the woods were so loud I couldn’t believe it. I am not an experienced elk hunter, and this is only my second elk I’ve ever taken, but I have never heard so much activity in November. One of the bulls was still running cows and the one I shot smelled like it was still in the rut. Is anyone else seeing this? Good luck out there.

 

[Mtndawger]

I’m up in NW CO and saw that in my area last year and the year before during second season going into third season. I have a unique little pocket of the mountains I hunt and it doesn’t take much to upset the elk activity there. The word must have got out because this year not a peep. And the elk were there. They pretty much were moving only at night and silent. Way more hunting pressure through the first two seasons this year than the past two is why imo.

 

[Upwolf]

As recent as last weekend I was watching/listening to bulls bugling at cows. A lot of activity and noises in the herd., but wouldn't say it was anywhere close to rut activity. No bulls really chasing. Most of the bulls were back in bachelor groups and minding their own business. The herd bull was the main one making most of the fuss, I think mostly just letting all the other bulls nearby know he'd still throw down.