What am I looking for in good Elk habitat?

[Sjackson]

Made a commitment this year to hunt elk. I never have. While scouting different states, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada units, i see a variety of terrain. Does Elk habitat vary so much that rhis is a stupid question? What should i be looking for? Just new to the game, but so intrigued by every aspect of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[nrpate05]

One thing you will find out is that elk are where you find them! It really comes down to time of year and the elks needs. Randy talks about this a lot on his podcast and on his youtube channel.

 

[Big Fin]

Here are some videos should help with that. The answer is yes, the habitats are very different and how the elk use the are dependent upon the period that you are hunting them.

The system I use for consistently finding elk on public lands - https://youtu.be/zZjhYLafB48?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm

Finding public land elk in the early season – https://youtu.be/uz5ZLcfSnTs?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm

Finding public land elk in the pre-rut period – https://youtu.be/K8d2qTS3_sY?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm

Finding public land elk in the peak rut period – https://youtu.be/UM0R3zvsn8c?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm

Finding public land elk in the post-rut period – https://youtu.be/DVh4bli269E?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm

Finding public land elk in the late season - https://youtu.be/K6Iy0lVJRMA?list=PLLdxutimd-JucEFczP4LgCS75Lt7caIMm


I hope it helps a little bit. Good luck.

 

[Sjackson]

Thanks a ton. Any and all responses and advice are appreciated

 

[Clambdin]

Thanks to Big Fin! I've been chasing elk for a lot of years and still learn something every time I watch those videos!

 

[wytex]

Just remember they are grazers not browsers. Habitat needs to fulfill all their requirements; food, water and cover. Big Fin's videos are awesome.

 

[TheJason]

Remember that everything is relative. Juniper draws in a desert are important cover where cover is scarce - should be a point of interests. Stringer meadows in vast stands of timber are important food sources - should be a point of interest. A green drainage in a large burn should be a point of interest.

The importance of a feature, be it food, water, cover will vary a lot based on how scarce the commodity is. Also, think of topography as cover too. Some open areas will hold a lot of elk where you never dreamed of finding them.

Also, things change, sometimes a lot. I've found that one of the biggest key features I look for are dead stands of white bark pine trees. Elk love these. The small amount of shade they provide creates cover and outstanding feed. This has held true in several different mountain ranges.