Spring Scouting

[MountainMan83]

Where I live in Colorado elk are consistently migrating through our area from September-October for the rut, and again in April-May for calving season. Their migration patterns make me think that scouting in May would be a good time to learn where they may also be in October. I plan on scouting in October as well but looking to learn a new area and considering heading out in May this year, and curious if I will see elk in similar locations that they will also be in October. Does applying this logic from what I have learned from local elk patterns also apply to other areas?

 

[Indian Summer]

I’m not too sure about that. May is early. Elk are definitely relocating. In October I find they are where they’ve been for several months and nowhere near early migration routes.

 

[MountainMan83]

I’m not too sure about that. May is early. Elk are definitely relocating. In October I find they are where they’ve been for several months and nowhere near early migration routes.

I understand May is early, but every year hundreds of elk hang out where I live in April/May. They disappear for the most part when they move to summer range and then reappear again in September/October for the rut. I will see them around our house at other times of the year, but there are significantly more elk around during both of these times. Do you think this is just unique to where I live? From my experience, the elk are higher during the months before September but then move into a transition range in September/October before moving to their winter range.

 

[Poser]

If you have a migration corridor nearby, then, yes, it would be worth scouting that time of year. They'll typically migrate up the same way they came down.

 

[Indian Summer]

It’s common for cows to stay low and not migrate to places where bulls and other elk go. They are always spending t in places where the feed is best for their calves, and there are less predators. Once the rat arrives, it’s common for bulls to move down from higher elevations, looking for cows in heat. Otherwise, yes, I find it very unusual for elk to have already migrated back to wintering grounds as early as September or October. In my experience in Montana and Wyoming I have never seen this.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Personally, I'd make the choice to not push through elk grounds in the spring. They are calving, and it makes no correlation with where they will be in the fall. Truly, the only way to know where elk are is to see them standing in a spot around the time hunting season comes around six months later. Otherwise it's chasing hoof prints for exercise when the elk would rather be left alone in the spring.

 

[MountainMan83]

Personally, I'd make the choice to not push through elk grounds in the spring. They are calving, and it makes no correlation with where they will be in the fall. Truly, the only way to know where elk are is to see them standing in a spot around the time hunting season comes around six months later. Otherwise it's chasing hoof prints for exercise when the elk would rather be left alone in the spring.

I get not pushing them in the spring. My plan was to scout some potential camp sights and glass from afar, and learn the area. I guess I wasn’t sure if I see elk while glassing, I should check those spots out again in October. Sounds like most people don’t think it’s likely

 

[MountainMan83]

It’s common for cows to stay low and not migrate to places where bulls and other elk go. They are always spending t in places where the feed is best for their calves, and there are less predators. Once the rat arrives, it’s common for bulls to move down from higher elevations, looking for cows in heat. Otherwise, yes, I find it very unusual for elk to have already migrated back to wintering grounds as early as September or October. In my experience in Montana and Wyoming I have never seen this.

I was not suggesting elk would be in their winter grounds in September/October, more a transition zone. Based on the local elk it seems like they transition through my neighborhood going from winter to summer ranges around May (opposite transition from October). I guess my next question is, will the bulls still be in summed ranges during first rifle ( mid October)?

 

[cnelk]

To the OP
Have you looked at the CPW Hunting Atlas and compared the migration routes and herd locations based on your knowledge?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Atlas

ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu

 

[MountainMan83]

Yes- use the hunting atlas, OnX, and google earth all the time. It’s primarily summer range, but from what I understand, the old mature bulls will stay high until they are forced down. However, I’d imagine the rut will be at its tail end so maybe would find bulls still with the cows as they transition to winter range. I guess the only way I’ll know for sure is to get out and scout during that time

 

[35WhelenAI]

You're doing a good job, checking things out and asking questions. It's fun to see elk no matter what, so whatever you choose. I hope it works for you.

 

[MountainMan83]

You're doing a good job, checking things out and asking questions. It's fun to see elk no matter what, so whatever you choose. I hope it works for you.

I try my best to learn as much as I can. Never grew up hunting but have learned a lot in the last 13 years. The tag I want to draw for this area takes a lot of points and still a couple years from drawing. Hoping to explore some new ground in the mean time and hoping to find a personal record bull when the time comes. Appreciate everyone’s thoughts and feedback on rokslide!

 

[Idagnome]

I’d also consider aspect and plant moisture. What they’re eating in April/May will likely be a different food source then late fall. So they may be in a general area but on a completely different side of ridge, slope, etc. Seeing elk is cool, just with space.