West Texas Elk - Rut Behavior

[db3445]

I am curious about if elk act differently during the rut in West Texas than they would in states with cooler climates.

I wanted to start this thread to pick anybody's brain that understands elk during the rut in West Texas.

Due to the much hotter climate, are elk actively rutting during the day like they would in states with cooler climates? During September, it can be upwards of 90 degrees in West Texas, so I am curious if the heat affects how the elk act during this time period.

I am also curious if the prime elk rut is later in the fall, around mid October instead of in September due to the heat.

Any and all information is helpful. Thank you

 

[BigLou]

no idea about Texas specifically, but I hunt elk in high desert country every year. 90 degrees in September is not unusual. Have seen plenty of rut fests in the heat, middle of the day....in fact, one of our methods for finding herds is to glass for clouds of dust that are stirred up from all the commotion.

 

[guylaga]

AFAIK the rut is mainly tied to the fall equinox and the gradual reduction in daylight, which is going to happen irrespective of the daytime temperatures.

But I have actually wondered this also as my family property I hunt in west Texas as a few elk running around but they come and go with out rhyme or reason. I have thought about setting up and cold calling just so see if anything would show up.

 

[db3445]

no idea about Texas specifically, but I hunt elk in high desert country every year. 90 degrees in September is not unusual. Have seen plenty of rut fests in the heat, middle of the day....in fact, one of our methods for finding herds is to glass for clouds of dust that are stirred up from all the commotion.

Very interesting. Thank you for the tip

 

[wreckem6]

I've been elk hunting the last 3 Labor Day weekends in Texas. They are already rutting and gathering cows by then, regardless of the heat. On the 100 degree days, they just aren't as mobile and hit the watering holes hard.