Elk move up in the morning and down in the evening?

[harge57]

I have heard from multiple people on podcasts, elk101 etc. that the general rule is elk move up in the morning and down in the evening. I think this is typically tied to thermals.

Is this true in high alpine basins? In my limited experience I have seen elk that move up to the open high grass to feed in the evening/night/morning and then they move down the mountain in the morning towards timber to bed.

Will be hunting high elevation wilderness in South Central MT this year, and trying to sort out hunting plan and what to look for.

 

[5MilesBack]

It depends.......where their feeding areas and water are. They may be above or below their bedding location. Every area might be different. I've also seen areas where the elk bed in the dark timber on the north slope, then climb up and over the top of the ridge and feed on the south slope.

 

[trophyhill]

Nothing is set in stone. A lot of factors to consider. Food, water, shelter, pressure. If they have what they need in an area, and aren't pressured, they won't go to far. Conversely, they could travel miles each day if they don't have what they need and there's lots of pressure. I've seen it both ways.