How Long Do You Stay?

[Ironman8]

I'm new to the elk hunting game, so not really familiar with movement patterns yet. I've been Google Earth scouting for Unit 39 in Idaho for a November hunt. I plan to have a minimum of 3 spots picked out to hunt from, with the plan to move if there's no action. However, how long will you stay in one area and see nothing before you move on? (Not talking about a honey hole where you sit there for a week because you KNOW there's elk...I'm going in blind here.)

 

[ssliger]

I keep checking spots till I find elk or good sign.

 

[Bonedalien]

alll you can go on going in first time is sign. is there any? if so ,how old? even as a new guy you should be able to tell if droppings are a few months, weeks, or days old. also elk stink! if you can smell elk,chances are they are close,or were very recently. if you have never smelled elk,dont worry. its a very heavy barnyard smell and you cant miss it if your in it.thats a good sign,keep hunting. if not,keep moving untill you do.i often smell elk way before i find any sign.

 

[Bonedalien]

to be clear, pay attention to when you get that big barnyard whiff, where was the wind coming from?