Tule Elk

March 24, 2022

Question: When is breeding season for tule elk in California?

Answer: The breeding season, or rut, for California’s tule elk typically occurs from through February with peak rut being October through November. Scientists can estimate breeding season for tule elk because they know firsthand that tule elk calving runs from mid-March through October with a peak of around June and July, and a gestation period of about 250 days. California’s other two sub-species of elk – Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt – typically rut rom September through October.