SW MT Elk noob

[grizz_bait]

Well, this elk hunting thing is pretty damn hard. This is my first year hunting and I definitely wasn't expecting it to be easy, but I was expecting to at least have had an elk encounter by now. I've seen moose, bears, wolves, and grouse, but not a single deer or elk. Everywhere I'm hunting I'm seeing sign, some of it fresh, some of it old. I'm hiking before dawn and glassing open slopes at first light, then still hunting through the timber. I hike far and avoid trails and motorized access points. In some ways, I feel like I'm doing lots of things right. But finding an elk is beginning to feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Any words of advice or commiseration would be appreciated! I know the season isn't over yet and I just need to keep getting out there, and I will definitely do that.

 

[huntaholic123]

This time of year hunt food and sanctuary. Private property boundaries can work in your favor

 

[jmez]

Welcome to elk hunting.

 

[wind gypsy]

You can do a lot of things right in areas that should be good but If you are not seeing elk or fresh sign, keep looking elsewhere.

 

[Ross]

Elk hunting can often be physically and mentally taxing....with much of elk country being void of elk at certain times of the year. Any locales or friends who can provide some direction? Maybe fish and game? Trying some new country to simply glass for hours on end....as noted this of year bulls will be hidden in sanctuary areas to get ready for winter putting weight back on often not moving very far each day until snows come in. Good luck still 3 weeks left

 

[cgasner1]

Keep hunting


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[exppi]

Reports I have seen show significant early snowfall. The elk might be moving to lower ground already. It’s also surprising for how many elk get hunted in the backcountry, there are quite a few close to roads and civilization.