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  #1  
Old 07-04-2011, 01:32 PM
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Default Is this a big Elk Rub?

I was picking Oyster mushrooms yesterday and came across a dozen pine trees rubbed completely bare of their bark. I don't recall ever seeing an Elk rub this large. My nephew is 5' 8''. This rub reaches a height of 8 feet, the tree is over a foot in diameter.

A small herd of cows live year round in this little hidey hole that no one ever goes in to. If this bull is still alive, he'll be back, hopefully coming into my call. I'll be back!

Has anyone seen a comparable elk rub? Do you think this might be a big bull?

I should clean the bug spray off the camera lens.That didn't help the pics. Damn those mosquitos were thick in there.








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Old 07-04-2011, 01:40 PM
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Looks like Sasquatch backscratch or a porcupine lunch.
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Old 07-04-2011, 01:45 PM
ram crazy ram crazy is offline
 
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It could be a moose rub as well.
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Old 07-04-2011, 01:56 PM
Elkaholic523 Elkaholic523 is offline
 
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It's neither the tree looks like it's been killed by pine bettles not elk
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Old 07-04-2011, 02:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elkoholic523 View Post
It's neither the tree looks like it's been killed by pine bettles not elk
I didn't know they rubbed the bark off poplars.
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Old 07-04-2011, 02:36 PM
Skybuster Skybuster is offline
 
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It's a little difficult to tell from the pictures, but your comments says "Pine Trees". If the "rubs" are all on Pine trees and not on any Poplars as Red has suggested then I say Pine Beetle. The Pine Tree looks like the bark has been blasted off from the inside when these critters have their fun, the inner layer virtually untouched.

On the other hand it still may be worthwhile staking that spot out come September.
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Old 07-04-2011, 02:42 PM
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I don't thinbk I've been much help here and I really feel bad as I'd like to help. If you pm me the long/lat, I'll check it out on my own time. I love a mystery.
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Old 07-04-2011, 03:36 PM
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one of them looks like a bear scratch....

in the background of the second picture, you can see a popular that was chewed on this past winter.

Last edited by Nait Hadya; 07-04-2011 at 03:43 PM.
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Old 07-04-2011, 04:52 PM
Justin.C Justin.C is offline
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Dale I would say that for sure is a elk rub. I have seen a few trees that looked the same as that.The elk were present.
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Old 07-04-2011, 05:38 PM
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yup where we hunt those little pines are always getting beat up by moose and elk. could be in a log block with 1000's of 6ft spruce and 1 6ft pine and the pine is always beat to snot. must like how it smells.
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  #11  
Old 07-04-2011, 05:40 PM
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Hard to say from the pics but it does look a long way up the tree. From the pics it looks like pine beetle to me too but it may look very different in person.
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Old 07-04-2011, 05:49 PM
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I'm not a real "elkspert" but from what I know there are trees called "sent posts" that are a little different from your run of the mill "rub trees". They are usually bigger diameter and visited year after year by various elk in the area.

The first picture may be a regular "rub tree" and if so is a big one.

If there are some cows living in the area as you say, you can bet there will be a few bulls about. If it is really an out of the way spot where "no one goes" then some of those bulls will grow big and old.

Good luck to ya and be sure to post some pics of him in Sept.
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Old 07-04-2011, 07:22 PM
albertadeer albertadeer is offline
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This is what i have been telling people in other posts to look for....congrats on your successful elk hunt

Looks like a smasher bull to! Sneek into this area during the rut in the early AM and watch the fireworks!
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Old 07-04-2011, 09:21 PM
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This area is mostly Poplar and Aspen, with some spruce and a few Pine. Only the Pine trees were rubbed. The big tree was completely ringed and is dying.

There are no cattle here. A small creek down the west, north, and east side of the hill, a meadow on the south. After confirming the rubs were from an elk, my next thought was that this area is perfect for accessing morning or evening regardless of the wind. Most of the best sign always seems to be located with little traps when it comes to getting into the home ground. This spot is protected by the creek. No one crosses the willow swamp moat.

Duffy, I thought about these being a multi-year scent post. All of the tress were rubbed just last year, all were alive at the time. Maybe they will get used again. I expect he'll pick on some new live trees this fall.

Redfrog, It took me several years of being a "white slave" to get access into this spot. I could sign you up, just say "Yes Massa".

Albertadeer, Yup! I can't get in here until Mid Sept due to other hunts, but I'll be back. I just want to see the guy.... for now.


Elk hair was embedded in the sap throughout the rubs. Camp will be over in those trees.



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Old 07-05-2011, 12:28 AM
32-40win 32-40win is offline
 
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I'd start looking for possible wallows around there while you are at it.
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  #16  
Old 07-05-2011, 12:31 AM
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its a sasquwatch rub for sure
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  #17  
Old 07-05-2011, 07:10 AM
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walk softly and carry a big stick.
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  #18  
Old 07-05-2011, 09:09 AM
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I would say elk. I know of a tree that is the same way and I also have trail cam pictures of elk rubbing on it. When I first found it it was still alive and now it's dead but the elk still rub it. The deer stop and check it out also. Good place for a stand.
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  #19  
Old 07-05-2011, 09:29 PM
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moose rub. its more spread out and dosent dig in as deep.
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