Another Amazing Valle Vidal Weekend

Spent another 4 days in this amazing country. Rain every day. Grass that reaches above my gaiters. Incredible views......and lots of elk. Not sure what it takes make a large set of elk horns, but if water and feed are ingredients, it could be a special year

general question: is it possible for bulls / cows to miss a breeding cycle. Reason for asking is that last year it seemed like 7 out of 10 cows had calves with them. Last September was hot and dry. I did not witness any rutting activity when I was there mid September. This year the percentage is 2 out of 10 cows have calves from what I’ve seen. Just asking for general knowledge.

The Bears eat at least half the calves. And VV has way to many Bears now, maybe that's the reason. The cows will recycle until they are bred, some abort for whatever reason, but they all got bred. Every cow I've seen in my area has a calf this year, last year it was maybe half.

How’s the hunting overall in VV last few years ? Any big bulls taken or seen ? I’ve never drawn. Like Az on everything, never a draw !!! Darn it !
Jerry Gold-Windsor, Colorado ?