Which week to hunt (archery – 2024)

[Crowmangler]

I may have the opportunity to choose between 2 different weeks to elk hunt. Central-ish Montana.

Option 1 is Sept 7 – 13. Option 2 is Sept 26-Oct 1

I’m leaning option 2 based on the moon phase & I assume there should be more rut activity?
Elevation will be around 5,000’ for reference.

I’m fine with either, but generally speaking, which would you guys choose?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Walthers]

There are many factors that go into picking the time. Moon phase is one. Another is when is muzzleloader season? How high is the elevation around the area, is 5000 feet the top? They will stay high until weather or pressure brings them down. I think as time goes on in the season pressure can be a big factor. I’m no expert but tend to lean towards earlier the better. For what it’s worth.

 

[JMundy84]

I'd choose the week between those 2 if possible but if those are your only choices I'd prefer the earlier one

 

[Crowmangler]

Thank you...
muzzleloader is not until mid-December.
I think 5k is around the upper limit of elevation

 

[kylem]

I’d say option 1 since you have an extra day available to hunt during that timeframe.

 

[rambo2345]

Something else to consider is the anticipated hunting pressure in the area. Id go late if there were going to be alot of other hunters early.

 

[Dos Perros]

I would go later. Good chance it's cooler, days not so long, less people. Moon phase doesn't matter.

 

[SuperDUECE22]

Exactly what he said

 

[Steven.Elmore]

You also need to consider your preferred hunting style... Those are two totally different hunts.

 

[Tman24]

A lot more non hunters will be out there in the earlier week

 

[mobohunter]

I would go later. Good chance it's cooler, days not so long, less people. Moon phase doesn't matter.

@hubbs77 lets go! 20 through 30.

 

[sf jakey]

My experienced is moon phase doesn’t really impact elk in the rut. They rut hardest leading up to and during the period when cows are in heat. I’d go earlier. Late you run the risk of missing the activity and most good bulls will be more difficult to call and to sneak on because they will have a herd of cows with them.

 

[LFC911]

I would go 3rd or 4th week

 

[elkguide]

3rd week is always the one that I want to be hunting, regardless of the moon.

 

[chandler_oneal]

I would go later. Good chance it's cooler, days not so long, less people. Moon phase doesn't matter.

Agreed

 

[Gapmaster]

Quit job, hunt the whole month. The Government will take care of you… get your priorities straight.

 

[suda0402]

I'll be hunting around 9/13-22. We have hunted that week for the for the last 5 years and the moon doesn't seem to change the elk activity very much.

 

[jtevanMT]

I would pick the later dates at that elevation. Early September in MT can be very warm at 5000 ft, limiting elk activity during the day.

 

[Deadfall]

Your second choice is usually the slowest week of entire season.

 

[BigLou]

no matter whether you pick option 1 or option 2, there is a 50/50 chance you will choose wrong 90% of the time...