One thing no one has mentioned is that the bucks tend to drop into the trees once they shed their velvet. This generally happens pretty eaerly in Sept. Bucks also tend to hit the trees after the first snowstorm. Similar to other posts above I'd recommend the earlier the better. Once bucks drop into the trees they can be nearly impossible to find. If you are hunting an OTC elk unit there will likely be a lot more hunting pressure closer to the elk rut.
There is also an incredible amount of country in those early season hunts with relatively low number of animals. It usually takes a lot of boot leather to locate the few pockets of bucks available. Most of it is steep, remote, nasty country at 9,000+ elevation so it's pretty tough to breath...especially if you are coming from sea level! There is generally a lot more logistic and other stuff involved with those early hunts than people realize. With that said, it's some of the prettiest country on our planet and there are some nice bucks if you can find them. Like everything else, if you are willing to put in the time you will likely be rewarded.
There is also an incredible amount of country in those early season hunts with relatively low number of animals. It usually takes a lot of boot leather to locate the few pockets of bucks available. Most of it is steep, remote, nasty country at 9,000+ elevation so it's pretty tough to breath...especially if you are coming from sea level! There is generally a lot more logistic and other stuff involved with those early hunts than people realize. With that said, it's some of the prettiest country on our planet and there are some nice bucks if you can find them. Like everything else, if you are willing to put in the time you will likely be rewarded.
