Elk Bugling Chronology using Acoustic Monitoring Techniques

Elk (Cervus canadensis) populations generate substantial interest from wildlife viewers and hunters alike. The Eastern elk subspecies (C. c. canadensis) once roamed the eastern U.S. including Tennessee until their extirpation in the mid-1800’s. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reintroduced Manitoban elk (C. c. manitobensis) onto the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in Tennessee from 2000–2008. During the fall rut, bull elk vocalize using bugles to indicate both aggression and mating intention. Determining elk bugle chronology and patterns could provide an efficient way to determine peak rut and enhance elk viewing and hunting. We used acoustic monitoring during 2021 to determine peak rut activity via bugle recordings at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area across seven sites to provide information on breeding chronology and peak elk viewing. We found overall peak bugling occurred from 23 September to 10 October with an additional peak from 17 to 19 October. Bugling peaked during 7:00–9:00 and 18:00–20:00 for all recorders combined. Based on calving dates recorded in 2024 and backdating to conception in fall 2023, this bugling timing was consistent with a typical peak rut. Acoustically monitoring elk populations during the rut may help managers to assess breeding season chronology and estimate calving dates. Acoustic recorders can also record detection of other vocal animals in the area which may influence elk behaviors and movements.