May 29-31 Scouting

[BrentLaBere]

I say scouting but really what I am doing is exploring new areas. Getting to know other areas I may have over looked.
Elk aren't going to be much of a concern, although I wont complain if I see them. What I am wondering about is the snow pack and mountain streams. I haven't done much hiking this early in the year and some of the areas I want to access, a stream is in the way. Possibly not accessible because of runoff? What have others experienced?
In the mornings or evenings, is it worth glassing for elk and noting where the cows/calves are? I'm sure the weather and precipitation this summer will dictate if they stay or not, but what have others noticed?
Also a good time of the year to start testing out gear. I will be buying a new stove system and looking forward to a tasty MT House. I posted a thread in the DIY -Gear- Training thread if you care to comment.

[elk.addict]

It all depends on where you hunt. I think most places out west have a low snowpack this year, so you should be able to get around a little better than normal. But in early June, I am often still snowshoeing in the upper elevations (it's actually a pain taking the shoes on and off due to all the thawed out sections). Streams can be a problem that time a year too, but seams like I can usually find a crossing eventually.
I'm with you - I don't get too excited about where I might see elk. Things change a lot. Just look for old signs of rut activity. Exploring new ground is a lot of fun and I have found a number of good areas early in the year.

[Garrett Drach]

Wow, good timing Brent...I was going to ask the same question in the next couple days. Where are you going, maybe someone from that region can give you a more specific answer in regards to snow depth. Good luck with your trip.

I'm heading to southern Idaho during the middle of May, hopefully someone(s) from the area can give a general report of the snow conditions above 8,000 feet.

Garrett

[Swede]

I like scouting early. Like Addict said, I have no idea where you are going and what the conditions are like there, but I like going into my hunting area when before everything has grown back. I am going to assume you bow hunt. You can observe springs, wallows and other signs of elk from the previous yea,r before the cattle are turned out again, or things have grown over. My trail cameras will keep their batteries in usable condition until September/October if I set them out now; so they could provide some great information when you return to check them.
Often we continue hunting until we MUST go. It would be great to stay a few more days to check out an area more, but this is the next best way. BTW, I don't care if I see elk in May/June or not. If they are there I will know it. I just look at sign and habitat.
If you can go back to your area again in mid August, you will see the area in very close to the condition it will be in for the start of archery season. Best wishes. Let us know what you find.

[WapitiTalk1]

I was "barely" able to reach a few of my Idaho areas last year over the 4th of July (5500 - 6000K). Same here in my WA areas most years. To get above 5500 in May you'll need snowshoes . Most mountain dwelling elk will be in their summer pattern/areas during May-June which is not where they will be come August and beyond (after they follow the snow line back up). Perhaps where some of you cats hunt do not have as much snow accumulation in the high country?

[Swede]

It really does not matter if the elk are there yet or not. If the ground is bare and you can get there, you should be able to determine the elk bedding areas, wallows that get used as well as water holes. You can see the beds and rub trees from last year. The nice thing is, if you are there and they are not there yet, you are not disturbing them at all. Think a lot like a detective. Trails should be plain to see. Follow them. They will lead you to water or a bedding area. You should be able to determine if the elk are there in the season. All you need to find out is where they go to bed, water, wallow and forage. As a bonus you might just locate a great tree to hang a stand in. Call the local Forest Service or other land manager and ask if the area is open. That may save you a wasted trip, if you doubt the area is free of snow.

[elk.addict]

Almost forgot to mention this.....Use the nearest snotel sensors to get an idea of the snowpack. Either at the snotel website or (my preferred method) Caltopo and add the snotel sensor layer.

http://caltopo.com/
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/index.html

This is just a random screenshot of the snotel sensor using Caltopo, somewhere in CO - hope it's no anyone's huntin' spot

[BrentLaBere]

https://earthdata.nasa.gov/labs/worldview/

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm heading into South West Montana and from the link I posted here, looks like plenty of snow pack left. I am scouting for bow hunting but rifle isnt out of the question if the tag doesn't get filled. This will be the first year a trail camera is possible for me to put out. I already have a summer trip planned out west so I was trying to add a little bonus time in. I might have to concentrate on areas closer to the road.
There are a couple I would like to check out and get to know better and that's where I could place a trail cam. And possibly a tree stand.....I would just have to convince myself at some point to actually sit in it! I need to adapt in a few ways this next year. Some things have worked and others not so much. All the more reason I want to get to know the area as a whole better. Ill have to play with that link, addict.

[elk.addict]

I'm in SW MT and if you need any info on conditions let me know. But I think you will be alright for accessing your areas; I made it to 7,000' the other day on my dirtbike before I ran out of clear road (south face).

[Gselkhunter]

Have fun Brent but you would be too early for CO. Winter herds are still together here, it even snowed last weekend and we have a good pack. A lot of the forest roads are impassable still. I don't head out until last of May or early June, then I can get calves in photo. Very much fun to watch them play.
I saw a good group of cows last weekend, very scruffy looking yet. They won't be able to move up for a while but things are starting to green up so they can recover.

[Garrett Drach]

Thanks for posting those links guys, I didn't know they existed. That NASA site is pretty cool. Looks like I will be waiting a little longer before I can access my area.