How to Hunt Elk During the Rut Season: Strategies for Success

Elk rut season is one of the most exciting times for hunters. Bulls are actively bugling, challenging rivals, and seeking out cows, making them more vocal and responsive to calls. If you want to increase your chances of success during this high-energy time, understanding elk behavior, the timing of the rut, and the best hunting strategies is crucial.

When is Elk Rut Season?

Elk rut typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October, with peak rut activity around the last week of September and the first week of October. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on factors like location, weather conditions, and herd dynamics.

What Time of Day Do Elk Rut?

What time of day are elk are most active? They are most active during the early morning and late evening, but during the rut, bulls can be active throughout the day, especially when competing for cows. The best times to hunt during the rut are:

• Early Morning (Dawn to Mid-Morning): Bulls bugle frequently as they search for cows, making it easier to locate and call them in.

• Late Afternoon to Dusk: Elk become more vocal again as they prepare for nighttime activities.

• Midday: While not as active, bulls will still respond to calls, especially if they’re seeking cows or challenging rivals.

Key Strategies for Hunting Elk During the Rut

1. Use the Right Calls

During the rut, elk are highly vocal, making calling an effective tactic. Mastering the following calls can significantly increase your chances of drawing in a bull:

• Bugle Calls: Mimic a dominant bull’s bugle to challenge rivals and bring them in for a fight.

• Cow Calls: Mimic the sounds of a lone cow to attract bulls looking to grow their harem.

• Estrus Calls: These high-pitched calls imitate a cow in heat, which can entice aggressive bulls.

I would explain how to do this, but it probably won’t make sense as it can kind of a be a little confusing

2. Get Close and Stay Hidden

During the rut, bulls are often aggressive and less cautious, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. Elk can still be dangerous if you get too close. To increase your success:

• Close the distance to at least 100-200 yards before calling.

• Use natural cover like trees and brush to break up your silhouette.

• Stay downwind to avoid being detected by scent.

3. Use Decoys to Increase Realism

Elk depend heavily on their senses, and seeing another elk can make a hesitant bull more likely to approach. Setting up a cow decoy within shooting range adds realism to your calls and can be the final push needed to draw a bull into range.

4. Take Advantage of Thermals and Wind

Elk have an incredible sense of smell, so understanding wind and thermals is critical. How do Thermals Work? In the morning, thermals rise, meaning your scent moves uphill. In the evening, thermals fall, carrying your scent downhill. Plan your approach accordingly to stay undetected. An elk's sense of smell has been estimated to be up to 1000 times more acute than that of a human. If you take advantage of the wind, your scent will be carried away from the elk instead of toward them, reducing the chances of their detecting you. As an example, By positioning yourself downwind of the elk, you ensure that the wind carries your scent in the opposite direction, keeping you undetected and increasing your chances of a successful hunt.

5. Be Aggressive When Needed

Unlike other times of the year when patience is key, rut hunting often requires a more aggressive approach because bulls are highly territorial and focused on breeding. If a bull is responding to your calls but not closing in, it may be because he is expecting the cow to come to him or is distracted by other cows in his harem. In this case, moving toward him while continuing to call can trigger his competitive instincts, making him more likely to approach. Bulls can be especially aggressive if they believe another bull is trying to challenge their dominance, so incorporating bugles or raking trees to imitate another bull can push them to charge in to defend their harem. However, it's important to move carefully and stay downwind to avoid spooking the bull before he commits to closing the distance.

6. Hunt Water Sources and Travel Corridors

Bulls expend a lot of energy during the rut and need to drink frequently. Setting up near water holes, wallows, and known travel routes can put you in the right spot when a bull comes in for a drink.

7. Use the Silent Treatment

If a bull is wary or has been pressured by other hunters, going silent can work. Sometimes, bulls expect a cow or rival to approach them, and when they don't hear further calls, their curiosity will bring them closer to investigate.

8. Know When to Move and When to Wait

If a bull is actively bugling and moving toward you, stay put and prepare for a shot. If he is bugling but holding his ground, close the distance cautiously and re-engage with soft cow calls. 

9. Have the Right Gear for the Rut

Here’s what you would want:

• Optics: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope helps locate elk from a distance.

• Camouflage: Wear camouflage that matches your environment and use scent control to reduce detection.

• Boots: Elk hunting requires a lot of hiking. Sturdy, comfortable boots are essential.

• Bugle Tube and Cow Calls: Always carry multiple call options to adjust to different situations.

10. Have Fun

Hunting is very stressful at times, but it is still a sport and is a good way to get away from the noise of the cities. If you're going hunting with friends or family, enjoy each other’s company. Also if your looking to go on a guided hunt where you don’t have to worry about finding the elk Broadmouth Canyon Ranch is amazing and guide you to a guaranteed successful hunt

Final Thoughts

Hunting elk during the rut is one of the most thrilling experiences a hunter can have. By understanding the timing of the rut, using effective calling techniques, and adapting to elk behavior, you can increase your chances of success. Stay patient, be aggressive when needed, and always pay attention to wind direction and thermals. With the right strategy and persistence, you can make the most of the elk rut season and have an unforgettable hunt.