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montana elk rut?

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grizbacker View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/26/2011 at 13:00
Just wondering if anyone knows the status of the elk rut in montana?  Specificaly around missoula or in the little belts.  I hunted around butte last weekend and they were not in full swing.  Either going into or coming out of it (probably coming out of it).  It has been real hot so it could be pushed back a little this year, but just wondering if anyone has specifics?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/26/2011 at 13:21
Hasn't really gone full blown yet.  I am thinking this coming weekend should be good.  I will be out there.
-Matt
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Thundey View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thundey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/26/2011 at 18:58
Last year they didn't rut until real late around here.(central Idaho)  In fact opening morning of rifle season when I was packing in (2am) there were elk bugling like crazy up the mountain.  About 10 minutes after it got light, I called in and shot a 6x6 bull.  I'm thinking this hot weather will be pushing the rut back a week or two.  The first week of October will probably be about the best time. 

I will be taking an expedition into the wild this coming weekend thoughYippee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2011 at 07:15
good luck
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helo18 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2011 at 22:01
Starting to cool down, so it should get going.  It was late last year a little bit.  And remember, they tend to go through a small second rut about a month after the big one in some areas.  I have seen it happen in the Little Belts while guiding.  Interesting anyway.
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2011 at 23:17
I head out for a few days on Thursday.  I will post an update upon return.
-Matt
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Optics Master Extraordinaire
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2011 at 21:39
Uhhh...

Back a day early.  It was like a graveyard out there.  I should have sat on a wallow.  I'm ready for antelope hunting.
-Matt
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grizbacker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote grizbacker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2011 at 20:19
Bitterroot,
 
Do you think it was so dead because of the heat?  Or do you think the rut is over for the year?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2011 at 21:23
I don't know if the rut is over or not.  It likely isn't.  The second cycle cows are probably starting about now.  It is over for me.  That's alright though, I love rifle hunting elk during the migration!
 
Pray for snow!
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thundey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2011 at 23:21
The Elk here aren't even in full rut yet.  Spent all weekend out and about.  Actually just got home like 10 minutes ago.  Saw some nice specimens but not one to fill a tag over, although I did see a nice black bear that I was very tempted to take.  He came waltzing in to about 35 yds.  Makes me wonder if he didn't have elk steak on the mind. Also saw a couple of nice whitetails that would push the size of the one I took a few years back. I can't wait until the later part of november nowBig Grin

overall it was a very satisfying weekend!


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grizbacker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote grizbacker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2011 at 20:56
I'll be headed out this weekend so I'm hoping they will still be talking.  Will let you guys know.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote grizbacker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/11/2011 at 21:20
Got out this past weekend.   Elk were talking a little more but still hardly any activity more than thirty mins after light.  Is there anywhere in the state that the wolves/hunters have not made the elk bugle shy?  I am hearing that now even in the highwoods (usually a very talkative herd) they are getting shy?  Can anyone confirm this?
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