Magic

Some of that country is rough and rocky. I would not say that backpacking a few miles would be "no problem". That's also very open country.

If you get enough weather to move animals, you can easily see them a couple of miles away, and it would take you a half a day to get to where they were. Unless they are spooked, they will be moving from East to the West.

Check your maps closely. Private property lines are very tricky and not necessarily identified as such. Access to 3 & 301 is possible but tricky from Hwy 13, but as I said, you had better know where you are.

Don't rule out area 4, but after the first 2 days of the 1st season, elk get scarce. You are dependent on weather, but usually the best bet is still 3rd season.