Dark Timber

[sparelink]

I have heard this term thrown out a lot while trying to get a grasp on this whole elk hunting thing. My question is, what exactly is dark timber and how does one go about locating this over other timber land while e scouting? How do I know what i see on google earth or Onx will actually be dark timber once i arrive?

I understand that this might be a touch subject, so if you want to PM me feel free.

 

[DapperDan]

Dark timber is the thicker bigger timber that grows on north/northwest facing slopes. Elk generally (not always) bed on these slopes Bc they are cooler in temp and more secluded and dense. Yes you can see it on google earth.


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[huntsman22]

Spruce, fir, pine (evergreen) timber. Not aspen or oakbrush.....

 

[DapperDan]

Both of these are screen shots of the exact location at the exact same level of zoom. If you look at the topo you can see the ridges and valleys. The aerial view has the dark timber circled in red. The area circled in yellow is the south facing slopes.

Hope this helps. As far as this area I took a photo of, it’s a random mountain in Colorado I’ve never been to so don’t look into it as if this is an area that holds elk. Lol.


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[Roosterstraw]

Both of these are screen shots of the exact location at the exact same level of zoom. If you look at the topo you can see the ridges and valleys. The aerial view has the dark timber circled in red. The area circled in yellow is the south facing slopes.

Hope this helps. As far as this area I took a photo of, it’s a random mountain in Colorado I’ve never been to so don’t look into it as if this is an area that holds elk. Lol.

What's the best way to hunt dark timber during rifle seaon? Sit on the parallel ridge and glass into the timber?

 

[ckleeves]

It all depends on how thick it is. Some of it you would have a really hard time glassing into and then getting a shot if you were lucky enough to glass something in it.

Other times the opposing hillside/mountain is way to far away to be of much use glassing across. You kinda have to be selective on what you want to try to hunt. Thick timber thats broken with avy chutes that has a opposing Hill that’s close enough to glass/shoot from is usually what I look for if I’m rifle hunting elk and want to hunt timber.

The giant north face timber slopes you may not have a choice but to ease thru them sloooow glassing as you go. If it’s really thick with deadfall it can be frustrating to hunt but don’t ever give up hope and stop hunting and just start walking. The moment you do you will jump elk at 50 yards and not have a shot.

 

[Roosterstraw]

That's the problem I'm having. The units I'm looking at just seem to be all timber. I'm from the east so I'm not familiar enough to have a good idea of how huntable it is. Something that doesn't look very far away on google earth or onx may be too far in person. It's tough to get a feel for.

 

[Dwnorton1]

Was in same boat as you, before made a few trips up to Colo. Had been daydreaming on google earth of where I thought I was going to hunt, then get there and am like holy crap, there is no way I am going up that. You will not be able to appreciate the "scale" of things until you see it in person. You will still go WOW every time you see it even after you have been there. Makes you realize how small we actually are in grand scheme of things.

As for dark timber I have experienced, it is mean, nasty, gnarly blow-down insane territory. Talking 150' tall trees that are 4' tall laying on their side. Push through it and you will likely find game trails that look like interstate highway. Elk/deer know how to avoid most of the blow downs. there will be trails all in it. It will make you question your sanity.

 

[tttoadman]

My observation about "dark timber" is it can be on any facing slope as long as the timber is big enough and the slope is steep enough to basically shade the ground 90% of the time. Big timber on a softer slope allows sun to hit the ground in between the trees, and brush will take root. This may be a little more real in the wet western states. I would agree the more arid areas will likely only have this on those cooler north slopes.

I find the best way to approach is sideways and from the top. 1/2 step at a time around the little rolls looking for antler tips.

I think they bed higher and will escape over the top if something comes in under them. Sneaking in under animals never seems to work out for me.

 

[SWOHTR]

Basically all of North Idaho is dark timber. I still haven’t figured out how to hunt it. Between the blowdown, grade, and sheer magnitude it is insane.


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