As a result, Lamb thinks things are pointing in a great direction for rifle season. CPW’s post-season classification flights, which occurred during the winter months, were the first glimpse towards a good fall hunting season. “Hunters should expect much better deer hunting, much better opportunity and probably some better quality bucks than they’ve seen in the last two years,” he said. Regarding the timing of this year’s elk rut, Lamb thinks a second peak is possible for hunters during the early rifle seasons. The first rifle season for deer and elk runs Oct. 15-19, followed by second season Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, third season Nov. 8-16 and fourth season Nov. 19-23.