Rusty Myers' Tip # 3
Now you’re going to hear a lot of bs about how the “rut was off” because it was too hot, too cold, or too something or other. If you listen to one thing, listen to this – moose have to rut at the same time every year: two late and the calves are born too late and they are not big enough to survive the winter – if they rut too early, calves are thrown too early in the spring and they freeze or starve to death.
Sure, if it is hot and sunny the moose are not going to be moving about like they usually do, but that means you’ve got to hunt closer to dawn and sunset. Or, you’ve got to go into the deep dark timber where the moose are more comfortable.
Most studies have shown moose to rut in around Sept. 28th, regardless of locale. The week before that there is a lot of activity as bulls and cows are getting together. After that for a week or so, the bulls that have mated will break off from their harem and go looking for more cows.
Cows that don’t get bred in that first go around will come into estrus a couple of weeks later and there will be another peak of activity.
Plan my moose hunting in around that date of Sept. 30th. You won’t go wrong if you take a week either side and know how to shift up your routine in response to the weather.
Sure, if it is hot and sunny the moose are not going to be moving about like they usually do, but that means you’ve got to hunt closer to dawn and sunset. Or, you’ve got to go into the deep dark timber where the moose are more comfortable.
Most studies have shown moose to rut in around Sept. 28th, regardless of locale. The week before that there is a lot of activity as bulls and cows are getting together. After that for a week or so, the bulls that have mated will break off from their harem and go looking for more cows.
Cows that don’t get bred in that first go around will come into estrus a couple of weeks later and there will be another peak of activity.
Plan my moose hunting in around that date of Sept. 30th. You won’t go wrong if you take a week either side and know how to shift up your routine in response to the weather.
