Elk habits

[mandrroofing]

My question for you seasons elk hunters I'm fairly new to elk hunting. Should I check areas for elk sign where I have previously found elk before? Do elk tend to use the same areas year after year as long as its the same time of year and approximate same amount of pressure? Trying to gather as much info for my trip this September I'm not able to pre scout I live over 1200 miles away. Thanks guys gals!

 

[25contender]

I have hunted the same areas for the last 20 seasons. More often than not I find the Elk in this area are pretty much in the same drainage's from year to year. If they are not they are not that far away. Now thats the areas I hunt some others might have a different experience. The one year where it changed is when a few wolves moved in. Knock on wood I haven't seen them in years.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

They will be in the same areas if the food, water, and cover stays to their liking. Elk do move around and will go a few miles on a regular basis compared to a deer that will have a lot smaller core area unless there aren't enough does to suit him when the rut hits. Then he'll wander out of his area looking for some excitement. We have the elk figured out pretty well from hunting our area for many years and usually fill all or most of the tags that are drawn each year because of that knowledge. I think getting to know a particular area thoroughly is a big key to successful elk hunting.

 

[Hilltop]

I agree with both gentleman above me. We have nicknames for our elk hot spot areas that have produced for us for years. These areas evolve over time as habitat and hunting pressure changes but in general I know I can find elk in or close to the same areas I hunted 20 years ago. I don't believe it is elk habits that create this but rather they gravitate to certain types of terrain and habitat as a reaction to hunting pressure increases and weather changes. I have been able to locate elk in new areas by looking for similar terrain and habitat with relative ease. Once you figure it out, which takes time, your elk finding ability does get better. Good luck and have a blast learning- I know I did.

 

[25contender]

Over the years I have learned that Elk frequent areas that have multiple escape routes. Instead of looking at areas that are almost boxed in look at areas where the elk can move into multiple drainage's from the one you are hunting. It also makes it easier for you to move around.

 

[OregonJim]

I am in an area with a lot of logging. I find that locally elk will use the same cuts as long as the forage is good.
Right down to the same escape trails.

Where things stay more or less the same, I have found elk in the same spots very often. In fact
I had to pack the same hunting partners animals (two years in a row) from a spot that was no more than 40 yards apart. He is not with us this year so I get first dibs on that spot!!!!
I also have pics of the same group of collared cows three years in a row in basically the same location.

I think if an area is good it takes something to push them out....
( food, predators, change in habitat like fire or development)