Migration Elk Questions

[Travis K]

I drew my first elk tag for a Wyoming unit 92 cow tag. When I called the biologist for that unit, the advice they gave me was to not come the first couple weeks of season because that units is a migratory hunt and the elk are not in that unit until the snow has pushed them out of their summering grounds. They suggested the third to forth week in October to plan the hunt to have the best chances.

Is there is any truth to this advice or not? How far will elk migrate? Are the units set up to include the summer and wintering grounds for the elk in that area?

From what I have picked up from Randy Newberg's youtube channel, I should be there opening day to take advantage of the fact that my cow tag is the first season to open in this unit. However it will not pay off if there are no elk in the unit due to being in their summering grounds somewhere outside of the unit.

Another consideration I took when picking this unit was the fact that there is not wilderness area in this unit and the biggest and baddest sanctuaries in the unit are on public forestry ground. Being an out of state and unguided hunt, the wilderness areas are out of the picture. Some migration hunts have been described as getting an elk when they are migrating from the wilderness areas to the private ground.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

It can really vary based on the unit and the topography. I would listen to the biologist, since they are the ones that would actually know about this specific area.

 

[joens]

I am not familiar with the area you are hunting but based on the migratory patterns of the elk in the area in Montana I like to hunt The biologist is likely right . For instance in the area I like there is a small group of elk that live there year round however it is also on a migration route one of the herds from Yellowstone takes . They overwinter in an area about 15-20 miles north from the area I hunt. regardless of when I go there one has a chance . but if you hit the migration it will be very good. unfortunately timing the migration is difficult as it partially depends on things like snowfall that can differ from year to year. There are some maps online that give some rough ideas of the routes the Yellowstone herds take.

 

[Deleted member 18333]

The bio you talked to is totally and completely wrong. Are you sure he knew you meant 92? Elk are in 92 all year long. 92 includes Summer, and winter ground. Stevie Wonder could find an elk in 92 every day of the year. Come hunt it any time of the season. You will have a fine hunt. Personally, I would hunt between Oct 6 - 14. Deer will be done and Gen elk hunt wont start until the 15th. You will largely have the place to yourself, other than a few other cow hunters. The dates he suggested are fine but you will be in the woods with a lot of other Gen tag hunters. Not a problem but just more competition. The elk during that time will be in the exact same places they will be during the first two weeks of October. I am stunned someone told you otherwise.

 

[jerm8352]

I was staring at a herd of cows and calves in 92 last week. They are there all the time. Having said that, all the interactions with game and fish I have ever had have been positive and helpful so I am wondering if both of you somehow had a miscommunication of some sort.

 

[Coach Chris]

There's a burn in the middle of that unit from 2011. It's the South Horse Creek Fire.
I agree with mulecreek's plan.

 

[rustneversleeps]

Stevie Wonder could find an elk in 92 every day of the year.

Spit out my coffee