Elk watering habits: streams, ponds, rivers, etc.

[cpalm9]

So it looks like it's going to be a warm one for the archery opener in Montana. I've got a few spots I like to cruise that border some private land where I know there are large herds of elk. The issue is there's no still water on the public land. There will be plenty on the private as they are working cattle ranches so plenty of stock tanks and ponds. What the public land does have is a handful of mountain streams, each approximately 10 yards wide as well as some irrigation ditches that may or may not be filled.

My question for you more experienced guys is do you notice elk preferring still water to running water? Or is this a complete non-factor and I'm overthinking things?

 

[jgilber5]

In my limited experience they definitely prefer still water. I would guess it has to do with being able to hear around them while they're drinking? Follow those streams up to their source, follow the offshoots. You'll find some still seeps or wallows somewhere up there