Reflections on 2024 Elk Hunt

[Undrgrndprdcts]

I've been thinking about my 2024 elk hunt since we got back, and reflecting on the terrain there has left me with a few questions. First, we covered 10-12 miles a day with lots of elevation gain for 5 days straight. We glassed every area we could. Out dark to dark except a few days where strong winds made spots on the mountains unsafe in the dark with dead trees standing. I feel like we did a lot right, but saw no elk. We did see moose and deer. My question revolves around covering ground that is not on a trail. We did this on the first day, moving along a ridge and watching below for bedded elk. This was very difficult at times due to tons of beetle kill deadfall. We abandoned this strategy after the first day as much of the unit was the same. So I guess my question is for guys that are covering ground trying to find elk, are you doing so largely on a trail and glassing a bunch as you go, or covering lots of ground that is off trail?

 

[The_Jim]

Find a high spot and let the glass do the walking.

 

[Gerbdog]

What season is this? post rut elk ? I'm archery hunting elk pretty exclusively these days and i'm rarely on a trail.... but i have the benefit of listening for bugling elk to locate. IF its post rut elk, get on top and glass as far as you can and keep looking for differing views of pockets on the mountain

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

It was CO 2nd rifle. We did find as many high spots and glassed as much as possible. Lots of dense timber on this unit though.