At the other extreme, elk can be found in pinyon-juniper and lower-elevation sagebrush habitats, particularly later in the season as elk move to lower elevations. By the time the sun replaces the moon, elk are exhausted and overindulged to the point they stay bedded down until night rolls around again. The Challenges of Late Season Elk Hunting. Late-Season Bulls – A Dying Art. After a long and exhausting rut, the bulls are looking to pack on precious fat as they prepare for the approaching winter. During the late season, elk are on a full-on food chompin’ mission. The behavior of an elk in Post-Rut and an elk during the winter season will are differ from the behaviors of an elk in than “Pre-Rut” behaviors. For example, if a unit’s public land is all above 9,000 feet and the valley floor is entirely private, this could be a concern.

Randy Newberg is arguably the most successful – and knowledgeable – late-season elk hunter that I know, and in the coming Chapters of this Module, Randy is going to share his knowledge and tactics to help you find and kill elk after the rut. I had scouted a specific elk habitat all summer and had seen lots of elk, but I had gotten sparse local advice. Understand them, and you'll be on your way to tagging your elk. Combined deer/elk (3rd season) Nov. 7–13 Combined limited deer/elk (4th season) Nov. 18–22 Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 24–Nov. The time frame that the late season Arizona elk hunts take place in is the winter months during late November or early December. Understanding Elk Bugling and Rutting Season. And there are a few differences between the Late-Season and the Post-Rut that are worth pointing out.
The Challenges of Late Season Elk Hunting. and are spot-and-stalk hunts. For me, the Late-Season is that time period from November 1st to however late your state allows you to hunt elk. Elk Migratory Behavior. First, what is “Rut”? This full moon confidence boost means that they stay out all night instead of foraging in just the early mornings and late evenings. Along with this, bulls will actively seek out the most rugged and reclusive country they can find and dig in for the winter.

Along with this, bulls will actively seek out the most rugged and reclusive country they can find and dig in for the winter. Most elk utilize different areas during summer and winter and spend variable amounts of time transitioning between the two areas during the spring and fall. I feel to be a consistent elk killer you have to take advantage of and be effective in every season. (Photo by Tony Martins) LATE SEASON STRATEGY . These late-season hunts are conducted mainly out of pickup trucks and Polaris Rangers (no horses here!) Many elk hunters rely on elk calls for the hunt, and this isn’t an effective tool post rut. Daytime elk habits will also include the three requirements of cover, food and water. 3 Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Dec. 1–14 Pronghorn (by draw only) Check hunt code tables in brochure for early and late rifle seasons for certain hunts. After a long and exhausting rut, the bulls are looking to pack on precious fat as they prepare for the approaching winter.

In the Post-Rut, most of the bulls are going to be hanging out by themselves. But fear not; there are still some areas that do offer up some very opportunistic late-season … But in the late season, the elk generally will be on their feet all day long, trying to find as much food as they can and eat as much as possible.