Undrgrndprdcts
FNG
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?