Scouting new area

[kad1429]

I'm from Billings, MT and will be hunting the east side of the crazies this year for archery season. I will be able to get out at least twice this August for scout but am very new to this. I have a decent set of binos and a good spotting scope and am planning on getting up very high and glassing, but the area is very steep and very thick timber. Am I going about this the right way? Will the elk be in the same spot come September? Or do i forget the major glassing and wonder through the woods? If so what am i looking for, and if I'm glassing what am I looking for other than the critters themselves? Any advice would help thanks.

[powderhogg01]

I would be glassing for water, food, and shelter... the three things that will tend to keep elk where they are. Who knows where the elk will go come september, there are just too many variables going on. I tend to look for areas they have been, that have things that will likely keep them coming back. If you do find a herd, try to stay with them as long as you can, be it from the spotting scope or not. write down everything they do and where they go and when. I like to keep a map of the area on me, it is scribbled all over with deer trails and water holes, rubs and scrapes.
I may be wrong, but I feel these animals are getting into the summer habits now, and likely where you find them at this point you will find them there later. good luck my friend

[elkstalker]

When summer scouting it's good to note where animals are, but they won't necessarily be in the exact same spots during September. The areas that I hunt the biggest thing that can move elk around is the cattle/sheep grazing rotation. Although, If you find good numbers of elk, they should be in the same general area, especially if there is a good amount of security cover. I would glass when you can, especially at first and last light, and then be on your feet looking for food, water, and bedding areas. Get to know the country as good as you can. Then begin to put together your plan for this fall. Have fun!

[Swede]

Personally when I go out to scout, I could care less if I don't see the elk. Sure it is fun to see big bulls, but you can't tie them up and leave them. Look for sign. Check trails, feces, water holes and wallows. If you have some trail cameras, place them where you think there is a high probability of elk coming in front of them.
Here is something to consider. If you find a great looking area now, and see mostly bulls, be aware, the bulls will leave that place and go cow up in early September. Often they come back in late September, but for two to three weeks, you will see very few bulls and they will be small ones. You can determine when you are in a bull area by checking your trail cams.

[ElkNut1]

Ditto what swede said! Other than I love glassing elk when possible closer to the season!

ElkNut1