Scouting Elk

[BlacktailTracker]

What are your guys general strategies for scouting/locating elk? I've found that deer generally have smaller ranges and if you find them in one area you can go back to that area and find them again. Are elk similar? Or are they more nomadic? Is covering lots of ground better for finding herds or returning to areas that you have seen elk before? How do elk utilize their range? How are elk and deer different in their habits and patterns?

 

[CMcCormick1805]

I hunt spring bear to scout for Elk and have found it works wonders.

 

[jgilber5]

I've found my elk to be nomadic, but generally hit the same spots each year depending on pressure. I've had the best luck just following trails in the off season. Narrow trails on ridges and saddles? Probably just a travel route. Tracks start to spread out and slow down? Probably somewhere to check in season for bedding/feed.

 

[Indian Summer]

Elk are NOT deer. Unless you plan to tree stand hunt forget everything you know about deer hunting.


The natural progression is to cover lots of miles putting scent down in bedding and feeding areas, spooking elk, and beating yourself up. Exploring for both scouting and for having fun. Then you think back to the places you passed up and start over. Slow down. Can you e scout for deer? Yes. For elk? Yes, but not until you’ve actually put boots on the ground and learned about them, about mountains, and how to hunt them in the mountains. Good luck!

 

[justinspicher]

I’ve been hunting the same area for ten years now and the elk patterns have changed dramatically due the amount of folks in the woods and cattle/sheep being put on public land. Over the past couple of years it feels like I’m relearning how to elk hunt every year.

 

[cnelk]

Ive found the best time to scout for elk is after the early snow.
You can find bedding areas, wispy trails, travel corridors etc