| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 15/12/16 12:48 AM |
Re: Elk enjoying the winter after hunting season...
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Quote:
What a sight to see while just driving around and looking out to the fields.
So are they easier to find AFTER the hunting season closes? Like wild ducks here, who become much tamer and less wary after the season closes, as if they know it has ended.
Depends on the area..
I make a weekly drive from Bozeman MT to West Yellowstone, MT--about 90 miles one way... I have a satellite office there...during that drive I go through about 28 miles of Yellowstone National Park...since the wolves were re-introduced there are NO cows or calves in there anymore..but bulls hang out in there..I assume they feel safer with their antlers used to fend them off somewhat..anyway, it is not uncommon to see 40-60 bull elk in that area..have counted as many as 82...
On my way back I come back up through mostly private land..and its much flatter..during January through April it is not uncommon to see herds of elk numbering 500 to 1500 in a herd ..amazing sight to see..
This time of year, just south of town about 2 miles is a herd hanging out on a private ranch..about 150 or so...
YES, if there is no more hunting going on they do settle down and realize they are no longer in danger...in the area I bow hunt in they are using shoulder seasons as there are too many elk..so huting with rifle is allowed from August 15th to Feb 15th...Long time to chase the animals--I don't like it as it has a lot of peripheral damage to the herd as well as those being shot...
Ripp