catclaw Report post Posted July 19, 2009 To rub the velvet and polish those antlers! While scouting yesterday, I walked past this tree early in the morning. When I came back past about noon- this is what I found! We had see three nice bulls early and were getting closer to photograph them when they decided to come to water in a different place than we guess and just missed them! This is the earliest that I have seen one rub out. This mountain mahogany was freshly worked over I found these scraps on the tree! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
308Nut Report post Posted July 19, 2009 This is the season! Thanks for sharing. I have found fresh rubs as well as velvet hanging from antlers as early as July 20th in 6A. Cant wait for my next elk tag. I should be due for an archery tag in the next 3 years or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catclaw Report post Posted July 19, 2009 I took those photos on July 17th- that is the earliest for me. I have seen 390 class bulls still in velvet on Aug 4th. I guess it's regional or up to each individual bull. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted July 19, 2009 Cool! I can't say I have ever found a rub that was as fresh as that! Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
308Nut Report post Posted July 19, 2009 I took those photos on July 17th- that is the earliest for me. I have seen 390 class bulls still in velvet on Aug 4th. I guess it's regional or up to each individual bull. My theory is that it doesnt always depend on how genetically big a buck or bull is rather his age, demeanor and temperment. Dominant bucks and bulls (typically older ones) seem to rub off and their necks swell much earlier than non-dominant bucks or bulls. Just like I have seen a very large bull (360ish) leave the area after a smaller 315ish herd bull showed up. Obviously the smaller bull was more dominant and or aggressive. Another example was during the September bow hunt. I used to hunt unit 21 just out of Phoenix. I had hunted there for quite a few years and observed that the bucks didnt rub off until mid October and many very young bucks wouldnt even into November. Yet one of the locals in early to mid September told me he had seen the local big buck and that he was already rubbing off. I laughed and thought yeah right. A couple of weeks later I was out scouting the area after the bow season and I jumped the local big buck. Guess what? Not only was he all stripped off, his horns were already darkened which means they had been stripped for a little bit already. Also his neck was freakishly huge. This was the first of October and the peak of the rut was near 3 and a half month away. My theory was that he had to be the "dominant" buck of the area. He was ready long before the other bucks were even dreaming of nookie. Just my thoughts and opinions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
synper100 Report post Posted July 19, 2009 those pics made my day!!! can't wait till I get drawn. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bustedknuckleinc Report post Posted July 20, 2009 early bull here i come. I am going bonkers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
