Random Elk Q?

[fittohunt]

OK, so I know this is going to be a very subjective question. But, I'm just hoping for some good insight to help with a rifle elk hunt in November. I've only ever elk hunted with a bow during september, however this year I have an unfilled montana elk tag. And, I'll be going back mid/late november. I'm used to finding elk during the rut, but I know there behavior and habitate will drastically change this late in the year.

So, what are some of the things I need to look for, when going to an unframiliar area? Will the bulls most likely be about half way down the mountain? Below the snow line?Ect... CLoser to the agg. land down in the valley? Should I try and focus as close as possible to big private ranches? Look for the thickest nastiest places I can find?

Again, I know there are a million answers to this but..... Also, if anyone wants to get specific. I'm looking into units 212, 210, 330(montana) off the top of my head.

Thanks gang.

 

[blackpowderhunter]

are you only looking for a bull, or a cow as well?
in my experience late in the season its all about feed.
elk, especially big bulls, seem to hang in areas until snow is almost to their belly and feed is non existent.
i know its different, but when I hunt late season archery here in eastern wa with a little snow on the ground, i find the open feed in the timbered hiding areas (right after modern rifle) and that's where they seem to be.

 

[Wapiti1]

Blackpowderhunter has it pretty well nailed. Late season is all about food. My experience has been that cows/small bulls will usually be lower, and often feed in hay fields or large meadows at night then head to the foothills or close mountain timber at first light. If there is a lot of hunting pressure, they may just stay in the hay field and taunt you from the private land. Older bulls could be at the top of the mountain, or the bottom depending on hunting pressure. If no one bothers them, they like high basins, and pockets with good food near thick timber. Snow depth only seems to matter if they can't get to the food where they are. That said, if there is pressure from the top, they will find pockets anywhere hunters aren't. Sometimes out in the middle of a sagebrush flat, other times within 100 yards of a road in a little patch of timber everyone drives by.

Best option is to find glassing points, and really look over an area. If it is cold (near zero or below), check that area early morning, mid afternoon, and just before dark. I've shot several bulls feeding in thin timber during mid-afternoon when it was cold out. They can't stay warm without eating. Don't just glass the open areas, glass the timber as well.

Jeremy

 

[fittohunt]

Thanks Jeremy. I've never had much patience for all day glassing, but it seems this is the way to go for a late rifle hunt like this.

 

[Ross]

Yep lots of time behind the glass will pay dividends