Elk hunting in September: A week by week breakdown
Elk Behavior & Hunting Tactics: Week-by-Week Breakdown for September
The month of September marks the peak of the elk rut, making it one of the most exciting and effective times to hunt bull elk. But elk behavior changes rapidly during this month, and successful hunters adapt their tactics accordingly. Below is a week-by-week breakdown of elk behavior and hunting strategies to match their patterns.
Week 1 (Sept 1–7): Early Rut – Bachelor Bulls & Subtle Signs
Elk Behavior:
Bulls are separating from summer bachelor groups and beginning to scout cows.
Bugling is minimal or non-existent.
Bulls are rubbing velvet off antlers and becoming more territorial.
Cows are still in large, relaxed herds feeding in open meadows at dawn and dusk.
Hunting Tactics:
Spot and stalk is highly effective during this time, especially for solo bulls or smaller groups.
Use ambush setups near waterholes, wallows, or transition corridors.
Soft cow calls or light raking can spark curiosity, but avoid aggressive bugling—it may push bulls away.
Trail cameras can help pattern early movement before vocalizations increase.
Week 2 (Sept 8–14): Pre-Rut – The Tension Builds
Elk Behavior:
Bull activity increases as they begin to shadow cow groups.
Some satellite bulls start to bugle, spar, and posture.
Larger herd bulls begin to emerge and stake out territory.
More frequent wallowing, scent marking, and scraping behavior.
Hunting Tactics:
Start using location bugles to locate bulls at first and last light.
Cow calling sequences with estrus whines and light mews can bring in satellites or curious herd bulls.
Consider challenging raking sounds near bedding zones.
Set up mid-mountain near bedding and feeding transition zones, as elk may still be fairly patternable.
Week 3 (Sept 15–21): Peak Rut – Controlled Chaos
Elk Behavior:
Breeding begins. Cows come into estrus and bulls are actively fighting for breeding rights.
Herd bulls are highly vocal, defensive, and often distracted managing harems.
Satellite bulls hang near herds, trying to sneak in cows or challenge the dominant bull.
Hunting Tactics:
Aggressive bugling tactics shine—use challenge bugles, lip bawls, and glunking.
Call-ins near bedding areas or water can pull dominant bulls or fired-up satellites.
Target areas downwind of herds to catch bulls scent-checking.
Bulls are less cautious—move quickly and capitalize on opportunities.
Pro Tip: Carry multiple calls like the RCC “Lawdy Mamma” and “Killer B” for tonal variation. Bulls hear different cows and bulls and may respond more aggressively.
Week 4 (Sept 22–30): Post-Peak Rut – Regression & Caution
Elk Behavior:
The frenzy dies down as many cows have been bred.
Bulls are worn down, with broken antlers and less energy.
Bugling decreases, and bulls become reclusive—retreating to timber and bedding zones to recover.
Hunting Tactics:
Go back to stealth-based hunting: still-hunting in timber and bedding areas.
Use estrus cow calls sparingly—some late-cycling cows may draw interest.
Focus on wallows and water as bulls recover and feed near safety.
This is a good time to intercept bulls in thick cover or higher elevation sanctuaries.
Final Thoughts:
Success in elk hunting during September hinges on timing and adaptability. Knowing how elk behavior shifts each week helps you fine-tune your approach—from soft cow calls and stealth early on, to aggressive bugling mid-month, and back to quiet timber hunting later.
At Rock Creek Calls, we design our calls for every phase of the rut. Whether you need to sweet-talk a satellite or go head-to-head with a herd bull, our handmade elk calls give you the edge.
🏹 Gear Up for Success
Check out our elk call lineup:
🔹 Lawdy Mamma – Cow Call
🔹 Killer B – Cow Reed
