In this 23-minute podcast, Mark Vieira, Colorado Parks and Wildlife terrestrial biologist, discusses some of the physiology and biology behind the elk rut and explains how the rut affects elk behavior. Vieira, an experienced big-game hunter, also shares some personal tips and strategies to make hunting this time of year more successful. Hunters will learn more about how rutting behavior changes throughout the early hunting seasons, how hunting pressure affects elk behavior, the advantages/disadvantages of hunting wallows, advice on when and when not to use an elk call and suggestions on how to plan an archery or muzzleloader hunt.
How to Hunt The Rut – Podcast Index
2:10 – What is the elk rut?
3:20 – Second phase of rutting activity in October
4:35 – What triggers the start of the rut?
5:30 – External factors that affect rutting activity
7:50 – Do moon phases affect the rut?
8:34 – How does hunting pressure affect the rut?
11:30 – How hunting pressure can actually improve your hunt
12:35 – Advantages and disadvantages of hunting wallows
15:23 – When and when not to use an elk call
18:21 – Understanding wind direction when hunting
21:11 – The real work begins after you’ve pulled the trigger
