My hunting parter and I drew Bull Elk rifle for one of the rim units in AZ. The season starts in two weeks. We have been scouting, picked campsite, located elk, etc. We plan on showing up a day early and hunting the full 7 days. Everything is ready to go. There are elk all over the unit from the higher country to the lower, but there will be lots of hunters also. The area we are concentrating on has larger meadows, with a good deal of escape cover. It is a good place, but I think a lot of other hunters will be there also. I don't think we will have trouble getting an opportunity at a elk.

My question is: With all of the pressure that will likely be in the area, will the big boys still show up in the open meadows at dawn and dusk, or will they try to find more secluded small meadows for feeding?

We will probably end up playing it by ear, but I am looking for any bits of wisdom I can find. Any help is highly appreciated.