Summer Scouting

[Kessler10]

Is there a better time during summer months to do your scouting for a Sept Archery hunt? For example would it be more productive to go in early August opposed to early June? Or all the same generally speaking?

Thanks!

[Swede]

It really depends on what you want to find and where you plan to scout. There can be many variables. Cattle, sheep, elk movements, camera security, etc. If I plan to hang trail cameras, then I prefer late June through into August. If I want to see where elk were last September, by checking wallows, rubs and trails, I want to get in as soon as the snow is gone, and before the grass greens up.

[Packn]

I think the most important thing I've learned about summer scouting over the last 35 years is to learn the terrain, learn the terrain, learn the terrain. Don't get me wrong I want to see elk when I'm scouting but for me it's the terrain. I want to be able to find a certain wallow, bench, saddle or any spot from many different directions.
I killed my first elk with a bow this year. When he bugled he happened to bein a draw that I had been in probably 15 or more times while scouting over the past 4 years. Actually was one of my favorite camera spots. Not the biggest producer but I just like the spot. Anyway, when he bugled I knew exactly where he was. So much that I felt like he was in my house not that I was is his like it usually is. I crawled in and had my shot at 45 yds. I don't think it would have worked out if I hadn't learned the area.
Man I love to scout. You got me all riled and ready to go again.

Just my thoughts

[saddlesore]

Ditto on what Packn says. Elk are usually not found in September vs where they were in June/July

[CurlyTail]

I put out 4 cameras this summer. Two cameras were in known September "hot spots" with historically good rutting activity - almost no Elk seen in June and July.

Had a camera in the valley we got our bull in this season. Also surprisingly sparse elk activity.

Either the Elk are hanging out somewhere else in the summer than they are during the rut, or my cameras are not picking up the real activity in the area.

I think the cows go to "calving areas" of prime habitat to give birth and raise their calves in the spring. The mature bulls hang out in remote high country and keep to themselves. Come late August and September - the Bulls materialize wherever the cows are, then the herds scatter for security cover once the hunting seasons open.

One of my favorite hunting spots is to sit a saddle above a known calving area on opening day of Archery season. I can almost count on some elk leaving that valley to the more remote valley that day.

[Indian Summer]

As close to your hunting dates as possible. Packn is right that you are really just learning the lay of the land. To learn much more than one or 2 small pieces of the elk puzzle isn't very realistic. But if you are going to go learn it you might as well do it when elk are more likely to be in locations where you may find them while hunting. Depending on your schedule if you can you should just go early and scout right up until you start hunting.

You're a busy planner these days Luke!

[Lefty]

I spend a lot of time in the summer hiking and ATV ing elk country. April May and june I see a lot of bulls that I dont see in August.
I agree with whats been said.
And those bachelor herds in August may not exist on the 4th or 5th of September