Help me analyze

[mjblowers]

http://imgur.com/d6DSRjP

I'm going to be all over the place with this post, sorry. This is where I have been spending my time. It's not my favorite since it's near the road, however, absolutely no one goes up this place and the roads themselves are not frequented.

What I have marked in Red circles are places that have insane amount of traffic sign - it looks like a freeway. Fresh poop, scrapes, prints... in some areas it looks like it's just been scraped by a bulldozer that's 3-4 feet wide.

The yellow circle, for some reason, seems to have bedded elk in it frequently at night.... right near the rode (hunting partner shot at 2 and yes... missed both last year with a third coming in that wouldn't break through the bushes as night set in)

The red lines we see elk frequently coming down from there, assuming they are crossing over and going up to the red circles.

The orange circle is a place where we can glass over at the mountain to see if elk are in the red circles before heading up.

Here's my questions: Where are they going/coming from? I don't see any feeding areas or really bedding areas, just resting spots. We don't understand what they are doing or what their intentions are, we just know they are there A LOT and often. The hike is too steep (apparently) for other hunters as there is zero indication that people go up here... at least during archery season. If you notice the compass at the top of the picture, over the west ridge there are no elk. Never seen them, hardly any sign, and really there's not much going on the ridge beyond that.

Other question - a number of times going up here, we manage to get one ridge away from a bugling bull... is really the only strategy is to hike over to the same ridge within 100 yards of him and cow call as it has been impossible to pull them over...? I watched a spike with a cow bugle back at me this weekend and it had no interest in me other than just responding.

[easeup]

those north face slopes with the red circles are where all of them hang out to get out of the sun. There may be some seeps over there also but from the single altitude shot who knows. Those south face slopes with the red lines must contain some good eats that are most safely consumed under cover of darkness. I think you got them located and just dream up an attack plan and go get one.

[mjblowers]

So you're saying they are using that side of the hill as nothing more than a bedding area and then crossing east to eat? Where are they going to eat? Somewhere not pictured?

EDIT: Part of my confusion is for the amount of movement I'm seeing here, I would think there would need to be a more prominent feeding area.

ADDITIONAL EDIT: I read a lot from guys here not to go after them at their bedding area, which is what those north facing slopes seemed to be used for - so the reason why I'm wondering where they are going so I can figure that out and go to that spot while they are bedded...

[easeup]

if you can ease in some of those heavily used north face trails, and sit quietly with a good wind you are not going to run them out. just sitting in the shade listening you will eventually hear them some where and then use the wind and slip in closer. Killing an elk does not always involve calling them to you; granted it is usually more productive.

[elkmtngear]

Looking at the map and your marks...it really seems to me that the elk are feeding at night all the way down in the bottom (on the south facing slopes across the road), and bedding for the day in those dark timber ravines where your red circles are. It all would make sense, and fit the timeline you are speaking of. Very possible they are crossing the road and heading up way before daylight (or after dark in the evenings)

As far as your other question goes, I always find I get a way better response if I can get on the same level as the bull, maybe one finger over, and then move into the wind and try to get inside 80 yards or so before calling/challenging/decoying...whatever.

[mjblowers]

When you say the south facing slopes - are you saying where the red circles are or a different south facing slope? I was under the impression that elk "ranged" during any 24 hour period farther than a single ridge and just switching sides during the night and day...

[elkmtngear]

I'm saying they are feeding at night somewhere between the red line and the orange circle.

Just my opinion/ guess.