Scouting...Is early June a bad time?

[bald9eagle]

I've convinced the wife to ride out to the area I'm looking at in the first week of June. July is too hot and August is a no-go with school. So what can I see in June? I may not be able to put boots on the ground but I intend to drive as much and see as much as possible. I really want to get a feel for the terrain and roads in the area.

Anyone ever scout in June?

[saddlesore]

Not much use.Usually there is still snow in the high country and the elk haven't moved much.They kind of follow the snow line up. But sometimes they stay where they are.

For sure the chance of elk being where you will hunt and where they are in June is slim to none

[bald9eagle]

What I expected. I wish I could go later in the year but it just won't be possible coming from Alabama.

[Indian Summer]

Ditto what saddlesore said. But... you said not in July because it's too hot. That's not really the case in the high country. Summer comes late up there. July up high is like June down low.

[Swede]

Here in Oregon I scout in June. It really depends on where you want to hunt and how. Checking trails and water holes early, I can see them before the cattle come and mess things up.

[Pirogue]

Anytime you cam go is better than not going at all.

[saddlesore]

I'd sooner spend the time and go right before hunting season, look around and stay there until the season opens.Early fall is a great time to be in the outoors

Summer in the high country means mosquitoes in Colorado and a lot of them.

[wapitibowman]

I prefer to scout in June. I am not as interested in the location of the elk. I use my scouting trips to find access into places, water, easier routes for packing out meat, locating bedding areas/rutting areas, etc. Seeing elk is just a bonus, which we always do. Generally, the elk will
use the same bedding and rutting areas from year to year. I like the cooler weather and there are less bugs.

Wapitibowman

[baddaddy]

I scout as early as April and May when I'm Turkey hunting. Its always great to see Elk. I guess just another excuse to be in the woods.

[under H2O hunter]

I'll scout June,July, and August. As others have stated the chances of seeing elk in your hunting area in June is slim but it's still possible. That being said I wouldn't look for elk as much as other things that will tell you if elk will be there. Look for rubs, especially rubs where they are fired up. Not just the ones where they are rubbing velvet off of their antlers... Look to see if there is water for you as well as water that may be used by the elk for wallowing or drinking. The snow will certainly be there so take a pair of snow shoes and do some hiking. Elk hunting is not a fair weather sport so get use to hiking in the snow. It can double as a training tool. Hiking in snow is a good cardio work out. If you are not hunting high elevation you can see if there is cattle or sheep that is grazing near by. You can bet they will be moving up with the elk as the temperatures rise in July. Check the near by towns out for taxidermist, grocery stores,hospitals, and meat lockers. These are things you'll want to know quickly if you need em. There is certainly plenty to look for in June. Go as late as possible in June if you can. Test some of your equipment while your scouting. Building a fire quickly is always a fun exercise. Using your map and GPS is another. The more you can put into your scouting trip the easier September/October will be. Good luck and take pictures and be sure to share your experience.

[bald9eagle]

I promise there will be pictures...lol.

[elkstalker]

It's not too bad, I prefer August, however, to get you familiar with country you've never stepped foot in, especially if you can access it if it's snow free, it's better to see it before hand than to go in blind. Like others have said, look for features such as rubs, bedding areas with lots of old sign, feed areas, get the location of water, and glassing points. You'll also get a feel for the steepness and roughness of the terrain. I'm always amazed how much steeper it can be in person than it looks on google earth