November Elk

[jtg88]

I'm headed up to southern Montana the first week of November with a general elk tag. I've hunted elk a fair bit in Colorado and Wyoming but it has always been September or mid October and we typically focus on high country, north facing slopes with dark timber, shaded drainages, and stagnant water holes. Never been to the great white north in November. How would you change tactics? Obliviously some of this will be weather dependent but do elk still prefer north facing slopes if it's cold and snowy or are they more likely to move around to the sunny side like a deer? I would imagine water and wallows aren't hot spots anymore, especially if there is snow on the ground? Also, after 2 months of pressure, I expect most elk to be lower in elevation and lots on private ground? Am I on the right track?

 

[NealS02]

In Montana at that time of year, I would be sure to have an understanding of migratory patterns of the area you’re hunting. It is likely that the migration will either be in the early stages or full on depending on the weather and time of the month you are hunting. If the elk are not moving from unit to unit and just dropping in elevation a short distance, private land is going to have a huge impact on your hunt as odds are good that is where they will head. Some of the biggest issues I’ve run into in hunting Montana revolve around private land and how much there is. As a general rule, I look high first and work down in elevation, as they are likely to be in more of a transition zone.

Wallows are not something I consider in November, but water most definitely is. Thermal cover on north slopes is for sure worth considering but you may find them on south slopes for warmth, or really any orientation for that matter.

 

[Atao]

Your on the right track. Where I hunt in SW MT most of the elk are in the valley on private before opening day. There will still be elk in the hills and lots of snow and cold temperatures will force the elk to feed during the day.