Which slope to start with?

[johnnybow]

I'm fairly new to elk hunting with only going one other time. We drew a general tag in South western wyoming and planning on hunting the Bridger national forest in rifle mid October. Which slopes should I be focused on first for my scouting? NW and NE? I'm trying to come up with plans e scouting and I'll have 2 days before the opener to glass also. Thanks

 

[perma]

Check out some of @Big Fin youtube videos. It’ll answer all your questions.

 

[Sheltowee]

Check out some of @Big Fin youtube videos. It’ll answer all your questions.

I'll add-- I've found the the Elk 101 course to be pretty useful, coming from back east with little elk hunting experience.

 

[Griztrax]

As a common rule of thumb, your north facing slopes are typically wetter and will have heavier stands of timber where elk go for security and bedding. The south facing slopes will be your warmer/drier slopes with more open grassland habitat where elk will often feed. There are exceptions and the in-between facing slopes could be a mixture of habitats. If you plan to glass long distances, you will probably focus on south facing slopes and open ridgelines towards dusk and dawn when the elk emerge from the bedding timber to feed. Don't be afraid to scout that heavy north facing timber - you may run into some great trails and bedding areas as well as water sources. Also take notes while scouting on where you expect other hunters to be and how that might affect elk movements/patterns. Understanding human behavior can be almost as important as learning the elk behavior. Best of luck on your hunt!!

 

[Dakotakid]

Which way is the wind from?

 

[perma]

I'll add-- I've found the the Elk 101 course to be pretty useful, coming from back east with little elk hunting experience.

Outdoor class is nice too. Use promo code Randy to save some money.

 

[ccc23454]

Your going mid October, don't overthink it ground will be snow covered, tracks tell the tale.

 

[elkhnter]

The one with elk on it. Start with the glass, then go to boots.

 

[jtm307]

Your going mid October, don't overthink it ground will be snow covered, tracks tell the tale.

And if all you find are old tracks, follow them. Old tracks lead to fresh tracks, fresh tracks lead to elk.