November bugling bulls.....?

[HIGHLANDER HUNTING]

Hey, has anyone else experienced bulls bugling this late in the year? I had one bugling like crazy at last light the other night.
No it wasn't a hunter, this bull was surrounded by cows.

Cheers
John
www.highlanderhunting.podbean.com

[35 whelen]

Yes and moose grunts in november-december also

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[HIGHLANDER HUNTING]

Originally Posted by 35 whelen

Yes and moose grunts in november-december also

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You lean something new every day.....

[rem338win]

The idea/fact of a second rut is spoken about and debated often.

I dont have experience with elk or moose, but have seen a mulie buck mounting a doe after Christmas. Odd as hell in my mind, but if a doe doesnt take the first go round....

It would explain the "runt" fawns we see often on hunting season.

[Kurt505]

This past weekend I experienced both hearing an elk bugling twice in the mid morning, and seeing a bull moose mounting a cow.

Elk moose and deer all have a second estrus, any of the cows or does that don't get bred during the first rut go into a second estrus 1 to 2 months later, it's natures way of making sure everybody gets bred.

[JD848]

One of the biggest bulls I shot I called out on nov 28 one year and more than one bull was in that area that also came out with them with 2 cows.,plus I have had bulls come in to a call in late December when they group up in herds or yarding up as I call it.

[greywolf]

I'm thinking it would be third estrus for elk at this time.
I shot a bull elk on the evening of November 10th in 2006, he did bugle a couple of times early in the evening and that was his fatal mistake. Never knew he was there until he opened his mouth!!

[alpineguy]

My experience with bugling bulls in November has little to do with rutting activity and more to do with communication. Keeping the herd together and locating other elk when they become pressured. Have heard bugling in Dec as well while hunting late season cow elk.

[Salavee]

We took two Bulls this week-end, right in the bush using Cow talk and had responses from three Bulls in the same area. Soft Cow chirps while steadily closing in on the Bulls did the job in both instances. A hot Cow or two obviously held them in place during the approach. Any aggressive return bugling would have sent them all on their way. I learned that the hard way years ago. November is a great time to pursue Elk in their own backyard and away from the crowds doing field laps in their pick-ups.

[reddeerhunter]

I think late bugling is communication.
Normally big bulls are solo and quiet at this time.


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[Salavee]

Originally Posted by reddeerhunter

I think late bugling is communication.
Normally big bulls are solo and quiet at this time.


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I agree. The vocals were normal communication .. not aggressive or challenging at all. Both Bulls were smaller 5x5's .

[BigJon]

Have heard/seen young bulls bugling late in November before. Also listened to a cow moose call a grunting bull to her late in November.

[Stinky Buffalo]

It's interesting, for sure... I have to admit I was a bit surprised when my son told me that he had heard elk bugling on his overnight outdoor ed trip last week.

[creeky]

Elk bugle to attract cows and challenge (assert dominance) competing bulls during the rut.

[wildwoods]

Originally Posted by alpineguy

My experience with bugling bulls in November has little to do with rutting activity and more to do with communication. Keeping the herd together and locating other elk when they become pressured. Have heard bugling in Dec as well while hunting late season cow elk.

This^^^^ Just had it happen at bedding time about 100 yards in the bush from us (Nov 4th). There's a distinct difference in that bugle vs a rutted up Bull looking for a fight.

[HIGHLANDER HUNTING]

Originally Posted by creeky

Elk bugle to attract cows and challenge (assert dominance) competing bulls during the rut.

That may be true. But about 6 years ago I heard bugling in July. So who knows eh?

[The moose]

Watched a large 6 x busted bull bugle multiple times while actively chasing several cows. Herd was over 180 head and he was targeting specific cows. He mounted one while I watched.

This was Saturday in 212. I had seen this bull several times in the rut with a very large harem. He was very aggressive to competitors even with a busted main beam at his g3. I have a suspicion he chased all others off and never mated all available cows in first cycle.

He is a large strong bull. Hope we meet next year.

[gman1978]

Its common for bulls to be bugling this time of year, especially in the large herds. Not going crazy like September but its sure not rare.

[Bub]

Originally Posted by The moose

He mounted one while I watched.

Now this does sound funny.