16. BUGLING, RUT AND BREEDING PERIOD. 



I would like to see an earlier opening and closing date to the 

 archery season. Specifically Sept. 1 - 31st. This would cause 

 less interference with the actual breeding in elk. 



I think that the first couple of weeks that bulls are mating they 

 should be left alone period. This only makes sense, as it is the 

 time they are most vulnerable and they should be allowed to 

 fertilize the cows . 



Elk season could be limited to 2 or 3 weeks at the peak of the 

 rut. 



I was not able to hunt like I wanted to do to heart surgery but I 

 did enjoy getting out and I did manage to bugle in a couple of 

 bulls. Glad I didn't get one this year as it was too warm. P.S. 

 I know the weather isn't your fait. 



Bow and arrow success is very low. To kill a bull elk is not an 

 easy task. Our hunting group covers alot of miles in a day just 

 to hear elk bugle. If you do anything move rifle season up one 

 more week. This year on opening morning of rifle season the elk 

 were still bugeling. Elk that are bugeling during rifle season 

 don't stand much of a chance, if a hunter knows how to call one 

 in. 



In the past few years I have noticed the bull elk have changed 

 some of their habits. It seems they bugle less and are more wary 

 during the day and more active at night . 



It is my opion that archery and rifle hunting sessions should not 

 intesect the breeding sessions of deers, elk, or antelope. This 

 one step would increase the quality of hunting by allow the more 

 genetically sound animals to breed. Also lesson open does and 

 cows and increase the quality of animal hunters . 



You cann't expect a crop of mature hoofed - horner - animals when 

 they are hunted during their most volernable period - the rut. 

 Elk season should not start till 2nd week of October. Mule deer 

 season should close middle of November. Most bucks killed after 

 this are found on the city dump anyway. 



It was great when I started bow hunting in 1953. you could hunt 

 any place. No body else was seen except those in the party and 

 we got some game. You could get an elk whistle from blowing on a 

 30-30 empty case. We never lost any cripples. Maybe we were 

 better woods-men, could follow a track and blood. One 

 professional camp here in Broadwater Co. lost 7 bull elk in one 

 season. With all the hazzel and land-owner complaint against bow 

 hunting - I've about gave it up. 



