Saddles?

[MidMoElkNut]

When reading what everyone posts on the forum they commonly talk about "saddles" and "find a good saddle"....... well my question is (I hope this doesn't sound stupid) what is everyone's idea of a saddle and a good saddle? And what do you look for to tell you if it's good or bad?

Thanks Dave

[powderhogg01]

a saddle is a low spot between two higher peaks or ridgelines. My best spot is at a addle, water on one side heavy cover on the other. feed along the way between both areas. if you look at a topo it will make the shape of a saddle...

[MidMoElkNut]

Thanks for the info! That is what I had pictured when the word saddle came up..... is the area you like to hunt big or just a small spot?

[Swede]

You can get a decent idea if a saddle might be a good one by looking at contour maps and Google Earth. The best way is to go there and look at the evidence on the ground. Check for fresh sign, If it is being used frequently I consider it a good one. If you are looking for something special you just about need to hang up a trail camera.

[MidMoElkNut]

Thanks Swede... yeah I will have to do some walking and just check it out.... I'm just trying to see what other people like and have found is better hunting in their opinion so maybe I can start looking for more specific areas

[Swede]

If you are researching and just starting, consider that elk like the easier, safer routes to travel.
Look for a places where the alternatives are significantly worse for those reasons. Those unacceptable alternatives may be either too open, too steep or cause some significant difficulty or vulnerability. Note open areas can get used at night, and will be misleading when you look at the sign. You might be able to take advantage of them by being there near dawn or dusk. I know of places where the elk go to a ranch with great forage. They head down to the fields in the late afternoon and leave early in the morning to forage where they have better cover.