It is hard for me to believe that all the September hunting is not affecting the rut. I live in Unit 18, known for high elk numbers, low hunter success, and lots and lots of hunters coming from the Front Range. I’ve only lived here for 11 years, but that is long enough to see dramatic changes, for example lots more archery hunters, all bugling their hearts out. When I moved here we frequently heard elk bugling around home. No more. The elk are still here but mostly silent. Every little drainage will have 5 or 10 cars at the pull out. We frequently see bulls maintaining harems late into November. My part of the unit has few hiking trails, and these are lightly used except during hunting seasons. There are many many bowhunters that backpack in and camp. Makes me wonder if we might have the same thing as they are seeing around Durango in a few more years.
