Gila Elk question

PAhunter58

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
166
Location
PA
Guys, I have a muzzy tag in the Gila in several weeks. My outfitter says we should probably hear a few bulls sounding off in the mornings.
The hunt is Oct 12-16th. I'm finding that hard to believe. I'm just guessing that's the Outfitter sales pitch to keep your hopes up.
Anybody who has been in the Gila ever experience what he's saying. I'm planning on this to be a tough post rut hunt and nothing more.
 

RdRdrFan

WKR
Joined
Nov 19, 2015
Messages
528
There will still be some bugling.

I’d be more concerned with the full moon.

That said, I would kill for a 12, 15 or 16’s muzzle tag. Best of luck. Should be awesome.
 
OP
PAhunter58

PAhunter58

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
166
Location
PA
Good to hear we might be able to locate something if they do sound off. The moon concerns me a little. But I have seen it before during that phase, a few bulls may get up to maybe stretch their legs and possibly hit the tanks.
 

chops24

WKR
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
310
You will hear bugling just dont expect aggressive rutting action. October Muzzy hunts are GREAT in the Gila. I wouldnt worry about the moon. Good luck.
 

Pacific_Fork

Well Known Rokslider
Joined
May 26, 2019
Messages
1,101
Location
North Idaho
You will for sure here bugling in the Gila all throughout Oct. I was there last year hunting the second rifle tag after your dates. Heard bugles everyday. I also saw mature bulls pushing cows 2 separate locations. Now will the giants be the ones still bugling? Maybe not but still possible. Count on your glass to still do a lot of the work! With that said, be prepared to shit your pants daily at all the bulls you’re going to see. I wouldn’t shoot the first one unless it’s “the one”...
 

Moe81

FNG
Joined
Jul 20, 2019
Messages
3
My son had the youth hunt in the gila the first week of October in 2017. They were still hearded up and the bulls were screaming! More so then at the end of September in previous years.. He took a smaller 6x6 after some missed shots at some monsters. He has the same hunt this year. I cant wait. Also I just got back from down there because I had the 1st archery hunt Sep 1-14th. I heard more bulls talking in early September this year then I have ever before. So I'm hoping that doesn't mean that they will shut up earlier then previous years.. Alot of it has to do with the weather.. Here is a picture of his bull and the one I took last week on my archery hunt for motivation!! Good luck!20180122_194255.jpg20190912_073531.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 20180122_194255.jpg
    20180122_194255.jpg
    420.2 KB · Views: 26
  • 20190911_211228.jpg
    20190911_211228.jpg
    178 KB · Views: 23
Top