Different Types of Elk Rubs?

[kad11]

It seems (from what I've read and seen) that bulls will typically target small saplings to rub/ destroy during the rut. Do they also rub larger trees (6 - 12 in diameter lodge poles) during the rut, or are these size trees used to rub their velvet prior to the rut?

I ask because I have found several areas over the past few years where I can stand in one spot and count 20-30 or more 6-12 in diameter trees that have been rubbed. I thought these would be awesome spots for hunting the rut, but my experience last season proved otherwise... never heard a bugle, no fresh sign, etc.

I'm just wondering if anyone knows why/ when the bulls target these larger trees?

Thanks!

 

[ElkNut1]

It appears you have found a staging/displaying area where bulls will not only rub the velvet off their horns but still be around & display for one another hard horned as these bulls in the area size one another up & get their pecking order down as to who's who in prep of the oncoming rut, this is part of the pre-rut phase. In most cases this activity is over mid to late Aug. -- Bulls will definitely rub on 6"-12" trees as they get hard horned & display for one another & leave their scent behind, they do this because those trees are there! I've come across many areas as this & tree size will vary per area, they will rub whatever is available. As years go by trees grow & many of these have used them for years. At times bulls will return to these areas to check out the clientele by smell or by hearing another bull raking around there. -- Look around & take a good look you should notice many of the rubs are several years old, this shows these bulls that survive hunting seasons return there every Summer.

Once Sept. hits most these areas are void of these bulls as they've moved on in search of cows. -- p.s. bulls rake for many reasons, what you saw was two of them!

ElkNut1