Hunting that big elk in November

[bnhcomputing]

I will be in the Idaho panhandle for Elk hunting the 3rd week of November. Any suggestions on how to find 'em and get 'em ?

I also have a deer tag, so I respectfully ask for any mule wisdom as well.

[James B]

I will be hunting Wyoming and SD. Can't help you further out west. Should be some hunters in that aerea with some good Ideas. Good Luck

[rather_be_huntin]

I don't know that area at all but I have hunted elk in the winter. It seems that this time of year it's hard to find the big boys. After the rut they are tired, wore out and keep to themselves. Depending on snow levels the cows will go down the mountains and may even be on thier winter range by the 3rd week in November, again that depends on the snow levels in that particular area and elevation. The cows are usually easy to find just by glassing thier winter range. When elk are wintering they are typically, if not pressured, out in the open more to find food and warm themselves in the sun. A lot of times they are near agricultural areas and in big open flats. Once you find the cows the general rule of thumb is the bigger bulls are within a mile. Usually a little higher in elevation and in a more secluded spot.

[BowElkFreak]

rather be huntin is dead on and I would add a couple of things. Keep in mind you will often find bachelor herds of bulls in the snow, etc. After the rut, the bulls generally get along well and can form bull only "mini" herds, 2-6, etc. Keep this in mind when glassing or if you stumble upon some. I hunt Elk in the snow in Wyoming alot and we use the general rule of snow to our knees. Cows seek the the lower areas because it's eaier to find food, plus they have calves. The bigger bulls will often "be just ahead" of that upper ankle to knee deep snow coming off the hill. They are always slower, etc. Never under estimate a herd of cows though. Lots of big bulls will stay with their herd all the way to the winter range, etc. They will still act big and hill hold tighter in the trees or be the last to enter a meadow, etc. Good luck on your hunt.