What do you guys think about burning your points during a full moon? We were planning on first rifle elk hunt in colorados 76 next year but the full moon falls on opening day, Oct 16. We bow hunt so thats an option too. What do you guys think?
Full Moon
- Thread starter cotim
- Start date
laxwyo
Very Active Member
I've said this on another thread but a guide turned me onto hunting noon on a full moon. I've called in several big bulls, one I killed near noon. I'm learning that herd Bulls will leave their cows after they lay down. Most satellite Bulls are laying down already too.
coloradoshedhead
Active Member
I'll second that. Three years ago I stuck the biggest bull I've ever had a chance at roughly 2 p.m., during the full moon, in the beginning of September. He was hitting up a wallow almost half a mile away from his cows and he was solo. The elk don't leave the country during the full moon. Honestly I think its a great time to hunt because of the hype built up around not wanting to hunt during the full moon and it seems to always fall a week or so after the opener so all of the first weekend warriors are back at the grind. A chance at a great tag like that shouldn't be hindered by a natural occurance that elk go through 12 times a year.
mntnguide
Very Active Member
As a guide I had to hunt no matter what because every new group of hunters is just as excited and ready to go as the last..full moon or no moon..ill easily agree with the above statements about killing bulls in mid day..other guides wondered why i wouldn't take afternoon "naps", until i started bringing bulls into camp because of it. ..the moon can play a role into the elk movement, but they still will get up, get water, and move around during the day. .I wouldn't decide to not hunt just because the moon cycle. .plenty of hype over it that i think gets blown out of proportion. But that's just my personal thoughts. I wouldn't let the moon stop me from chasing bulls
HiMtnHnter
Active Member
best part about hunting midday during full moon, is you will more than likely be the only one out hunting while everyone else is taking a nap. I personally enjoy hunting the full moon, you can locate bulls at night and if you know your area well enough you can easily get set up on calling elk well before sun up. I cant even get my closest hunting buddies to do this with me but its is a huge advantage.
HiMtnHnter
Active Member
Thanks for the responses. I'll be burning 7 points so it's a tough call. I wonder if there will be any rut activity then.
Hilltop
Veteran member
Several people are talking about calling bulls in - In my experience in Mid to Late October you won't have much calling or rutting activity. I think the full moon is something to consider but weather and hunting pressure have as much to do with elk day time activity during late fall as anything. IMO If you have the choice, hunt the new moon. That is one variable you can control unlike the weather and other hunters.
I always get a kick out of these discussions about hunting and the moon. Do you guys really think animals need the moonlight to be up and feeding at night. They aren't helpless in the dark like us humans.
The logic used assumes they are more active during daylight because they don't get up and feed on dark moonless nights, that is laughable.
The logic used assumes they are more active during daylight because they don't get up and feed on dark moonless nights, that is laughable.
I can't tell you why, but I can tell you I see much more game during a new moon coinciding with the rut than I do when full moon coincides with the rut. Furthermore, when i hunt new moon I see activities diurnally, when full moon mostly just mid day.
I don't think it has to do with food as much as light triggers.
If I was burning 7 points I would try to get myself the most opportunity.
I don't think it has to do with food as much as light triggers.
If I was burning 7 points I would try to get myself the most opportunity.
laxwyo
Very Active Member
No one is saying that they don't feed during the night during new moon. For some reason, they lay down fast in the morning during full moon. By your logic CC, rain would have no bearing on elk activity since they shouldn't be bothered by a little rain like us humans.
lostriverproductions
Active Member
I know in the midwest, if I hunt the full moon I go in about 2 hours late and sit all day. Mid day seems to be the best.
I can tell you this, during a full moon there will be a lot more rutting activity going on during the night hours. ive witnessed this every year for several years. and they tend to start singing again in afternoon hours. during new moon ive heard elk sing literally all day long in same area.
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
My favorite hunts have always revolved around a new moon in conjunction with the Autumnal Equinox. This year it is September 23rd and the new moon is September 13th. So I will be out during this time for sure!!
Slugz
Veteran member
Cotim,
Forget the moon and hunt. I personally wouldn't be using those points on a first rifle hunt. Id burn em archery and hunt the pre rut. Unless....you have been watching a big one down in 76 and you know he made it through the winter. Pm me if you like and we can talk more.
Forget the moon and hunt. I personally wouldn't be using those points on a first rifle hunt. Id burn em archery and hunt the pre rut. Unless....you have been watching a big one down in 76 and you know he made it through the winter. Pm me if you like and we can talk more.