scouting early, will they be there in the Fall

[djchere]

Thanks for all the knowledge sharing. I moved to Utah last Year for a better life for the family from the back hills of Nor Cal. I never was able and or willing to pay to be an out of State hunter. Now the wife and kids are doing great and I am stoked to get out and bring home some of that high quality protein. Draw points are being earned but cows and spikes are on the radar until then. My boy is in for the youth any Bull, no draw this Year.

Coast Black tail are easy to find and pack out. Elk are a trickier beast.

I work in the Mountains and can get around in difficult country. But I am wondering, when I am out scouting this early Summer how will I know they will be there in the Fall. there is lots of country and they can move. What is consistent through the seasons besides the obvious snow load in their habits?

If any local vets want some help packing out this Fall so I can learn from you let me know.

Spanish Fork

[Gselkhunter]

Bulls and cows use different areas during the summer, the nutritional needs are different so they seek out plants that fit these needs. So they have to move come rut time just to find each other. How much will depend on the areas food, water and cover that fit the needs. One of the clues to look for are old rubs. That is an area that was used for rubbing velvet and more than likely rutting in the past. Watching bulls develop over the summer is great but the cows will lead you to bulls come fall.
Spending time with elk all summer is a great plan because they will teach you much if you pay attention.
Book for your library: "Elk of North America Ecology and Management"
Knowledge will lighten a dark tunnel.

[ishy]

I use to be a Utah guy few years back. I miss seeing the toads they produce while spike hunting, don't miss not being able to shoot. So Utah's season (guessing your bowhunting) is all prerut. It's mostly that flux time while bulls are leaving bachelor groups and moving in with cows. I would focus on finding the cows as they will be the big draw especially as the season moves into September. Like Gs said old rubs will be good indicators of bulls during late august early september locations. Spikes will be hanging around herds, not usually in the herd during the season. What area are you looking at hunting?

[Swede]

In the area I hunt, there are elk on the low elevation desert year around. Most move into the mountains as the snow recedes and the new growth begins. The elk are scattered out all over the whole area, from top to bottom. There are several things that cause them to move around and even go onto private land. I agree with what has been said above, but you will need to scout the area you plan to hunt and if possible talk with knowledgeable folks.

[Screaming_btf]

I am also in Utah looking around the North / North East area I hunt in the fall that don't have snow I see ELK just about the same. The Bulls are either alone or in small groups that I have seen so far. The Cows seem to wander around in lower elevation areas more than the Bulls at this time.

[djchere]

thanks for taking the time to share your insight. I will keep reading all the forums on here. Going out with my boy this weekend to scout some ground not too far from home. It will be nice just to see some signs if not the animals. this Year it will just be cow and spike. I didn't even draw on buck deer but my boy did in a elk control unit so we will get to hunt for both at the same time for him. I have found some good looking bucks already in a few key high country roadless spots last summer and fall. Elk sign are all around on the ridges and hidden meadows but I am struggling to see them in person so far. Thanks for the book reference too.