When is the Elk rut in South Easter BC?

I believe that Elk come into season around the same time Deer/Moose in the area do. That usually coincides with minutes of daylight at the time.

Cold weather does encourage them to move around more, which happens at the same time as daylight minutes are diminishing.

Got that out of "The Deer of North America" appx 35 years ago and it's proven pretty much true.
 
I also live in the koots and agree that the third week of sept is the peak rut BUT pre rut, rut and post rut are all fun to hunt just your tactics change.

Only thing I can absolutely guarantee you is that you won’t get a bull if you don’t go hunting.

SCG
 
Things really changed here in Sask, last year the 2nd week of Sept and earlier were great..bulls were getting killed by stick and string guys...3rd and 4th week were slow (rifle). Year prior it was the opposite...at least where I hunt. Like other have mentioned...there is no bad time to hunt just adjust accordingly have fun. Nothing beats having screaming bulls come in though in peak rut.

Cheers!!
 
scott_r said:
Things really changed here in Sask, last year the 2nd week of Sept and earlier were great..bulls were getting killed by stick and string guys...3rd and 4th week were slow (rifle). Year prior it was the opposite...at least where I hunt. Like other have mentioned...there is no bad time to hunt just adjust accordingly have fun. Nothing beats having screaming bulls come in though in peak rut.

Cheers!!
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Agreed, I had more action late Aug and early Sep, than I did in mid-Sep... Still had action mid-Sep though but it's hard hunting public when the orange army shows up!
 
I’d rather miss the rut early than late where I hunt (Saskatchewan). Bulls are ready and searching way before the cows are. Easier to call before the harems are gathered, first week of sept here. It can be hot in October too and if he’s done and not interested your beat.
All that said I’d trust the outfitter if you feel he’s giving honest answers.
 
Late hunts can have an advantage when it comes to access, weather change can push elk down lower
Just off the peak can still be productive hunting, may even make for less competition in the hills, less pressure maybe
Ask either G/O lots of questions, check out sites like Huntinfool
 
riversrest said:
They rut in the fall.
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No they don't, they primarily rut in the summer, the last three weeks or even the last 24 days of summer. They will start as early as August 28th and finish the latter part of September. The rut varies from year to year, it all depends on "temperature".........colder the better!
 
The Elk rut starts after the cows go into estrus.

Within five days or so after the fall equinox, (sept 21-23) (when there is less than 12 hours of daylight) most cows go into estrus,
which in turn triggers the rut.
The ratio of light and dark causes hormones in cow elk to flow which results in the estrus cycle.

Some cows go into estrus earlier, young cows maybe later.
Some do not get bred during their first estrus cycle, and may have a second estrus period in October.
But the peak period of the elk rut occurs within five to ten days after September 22 to 23 (the autumn equinox)

Ask a wildlife biologist.
 
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freddyfour said:
Evening gentlemen

I'm in the process of researching and booking an Elk hunt in the Kootenay's. I've been offered Oct 1st as a possible hunt. Is this during or post rut for the region?
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Which outfitters are you looking at, this could also save you some money there is a few areas out there to steer clear of.
 
freddyfour said:
Looking at Ram Creek, between Fernie and Cranbrook
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They have a nice area. If you need a few more options for this area let me know I can probably at least point you in the right direction.

I wouldn’t hesitate to take a hunt anytime during our season. The latter part tends to not be so stinken hot and more pleasurable to walk around. If it helps any I have more successful on days that end with the letter “y”

SCG
 
Southcountryguy said:
They have a nice area. If you need a few more options for this area let me know I can probably at least point you in the right direction.

I wouldn’t hesitate to take a hunt anytime during our season. The latter part tends to not be so stinken hot and more pleasurable to walk around. If it helps any I have more successful on days that end with the letter “y”

SCG
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I appreciate it, but I just booked and put my deposit down today. I'm pumped for my first Elk hunt. Things are a bit messed up for the outfitters right now with the boarder closed. If it opens I might get bumped to 2023
 
freddyfour said:
I appreciate it, but I just booked and put my deposit down today. I'm pumped for my first Elk hunt. Things are a bit messed up for the outfitters right now with the boarder closed. If it opens I might get bumped to 2023
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Good luck on your adventure.
 
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