Western WY weather/snow expectations and elk patterns for November

[Neckbone]

So we struck out during archery season... I'm hunting the W General tag. We get an opportunity to go out for another crack at it during rifle season. Due to scheduling issues and prior obligations we will not able to get out until 11/7 at the earliest. That will make this a cow elk hunt with a rifle. Obviously this can change yearly, but I am trying to get some expectations going as it relates to weather and elk migration. Understand I cant name a unit, not sure how specific I can get about location...hope it doesn't break any rules/custom to say south of Tri-basin divide and North of Kemmerer WY.

Would one expect heavy snow and for the elk to have made their way down in elevation? Would one still be looking above 8,000ft in elevation if heavy snow hasn't set in? We will be renting a 4x4 pick up that will have good AT tires...just how bad do some of these roads get? Feel free to PM me or post here any info you can share

Thank you

 

[mntnguide]

you are just gonna need to wait to answer that question. No year is the same when it comes to our snow fall. Ive seen 4 ft by end of october, ive also seen 70 degrees and no snow. Yes, roads can be very bad and dangerous if you do not have chains for a truck if we get snow on any of the mountain dirt roads. They obviously are not maintained once the snow falls by anyone. If there hasnt been much for snow yet, I would be looking up high still, but if the weather cools down, youll have better chances to find elk out in the open areas all day long

 

[Neckbone]

Thank you for that info, it would be cool for us to experience snow fall and all day hunting. Is it fair to say when the snow sets in you can find these animals where you would expect to see pronghorn during the early fall? Or would it be more at the base of the mountain so to speak.

 

[mntnguide]

Elk dont just migrate with the first snows. Ive seen big bulls pushing 3ft of snow with their chest before they move. So just because there is snow, doesnt mean they will be down in the desert. In some areas it can make the hunting much harder, because you will be able to see them up on the mountain, but you no longer will be able to get nearly as close due to roads being closed or impassable. Just depends on the area. My guess for early november is, you will still need to get into the mountains and hunt them, I doubt there will be enough snow to really change their habits at that point