Elk Poop

[Nate_Beres]

When out this weekend I found some that still had flies and looked like it was still slimy, in partial shade bit it was 80° out.
This got me thinking. I'll preface this idea with acknowledging that humidity, temperature, sun/shade all play a significant role.
Could someone bring an under the tounge thermometer and check the temperature to add this data point to everything that's already been mentioned to get a more complete idea of how fresh it is?



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[Poser]

I poke it with my trekking pole and check for moisture, but, after 3.5 years living in the Southwest, I can’t tell if it’s a week old or a year old. I can tell a “couple of days” but it’s so dry here that it’s really difficult to accurately age.

 

[SIontheHunt]

look for that shine.

 

[HighUintas]

I glass it with my swarovski bino's and look to see how much of the intestinal slime coat is left. Light visible older than 24 hours, half visible 12 hour mark. Anything more visible i'm grabbing my rifle and running up the trail like rambo.

This one ^^^ when that slime coat is there, it's very fresh

 

[HighUintas]

7 min scat VS approx 2 weeks scat. Can you tell the difference?

I would say that second photo is moose scat.

 

[jlaner0408]

I would say that second photo is moose scat.

This is correct.

 

[406unltd]

All great ideas but actually you gotta take your boots off and squish it between your toes.

 

[Next Ridge]

I put my hand close and check for warmth, if it isn’t warm then I don’t worry too much about age. I have a few reliable camera spots that catch groups but never much sign left behind at that spot. What I do look for is general overall quantity of sign in an area. I prefer an area with a lot of sign, even if older, to an area with minimal sign no matter how fresh it is. I want to hunt dozens of elk, not two.

 

[DrHogfan]

Watch it come out of their poop chute, then check your watch to see if it’s today. If it is, you know it’s fresh.


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[TIREBUSTER]

I would say that second photo is moose scat.

I know this is a little older post but is the way you tell the difference cuz the moose scat is more egg/oval shaped?

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[Wapiti1]

I know this is a little older post but is the way you tell the difference cuz the moose scat is more egg/oval shaped?

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Yes. Size is usually larger as well for scat that is the same age.

Jeremy

 

[TIREBUSTER]

Yes. Size is usually larger as well for scat that is the same age.

Jeremy

Thanks. Good to know!

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[fmyth]

This book will tell you everything you need to know. How shape, size, constitution....EVERYTHING is connected to elk. It's basically the bible of elk....and a steal at this price.
North American Elk: Ecology and Management – Wildlife Management Institute

Unfortunately no longer in print and used copies are going for insane prices.

 

[TIREBUSTER]

Unfortunately no longer in print and used copies are going for insane prices.

Ya I looked into that too when I read this and found the same thing unfortunately

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[BeastOfTheTrees]

Could you elaborate further on the different flavor profiles you've experienced?

A pallet if you will lol

 

[Marble]

Could you elaborate further on the different flavor profiles you've experienced?

Tastes like Budussy.

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[FLATHEAD]

Fresh ones look like Milk Duds.