Elk hunt area map
 

This is area where we will be Elk hunting, mid Oct.

Wheredo you think would be a good area?

RE: Elk hunt area map
 

Old,

The map is blury so I can't tell if those are pack trails or roads. If they be only pack trails I say I like it alot. Big open timberline where the elk will poke out on the edges of timber and feed. Also lower hunting pressure will push elk up and over the timberline where a guy can see them coming for along ways.

I especially like the lower south east section by the pond or water where it appears to be a smaller canyon with spotted timber where elk will inhabit these small pockets of timber and watch approaching predators moving in there direction. I would approach this from the northfacing side where the timber is less and you will be looking right into where they would be feeding. I a guy could see the lines better you could almost pick the spot where you could shoot from.

good luck

RE: Elk hunt area map
 

Cherokee Outfitters, here is a close up of the area you were talking about. Can you see it better?

RE: Elk hunt area map
 

If you divide the map in quarters the lower left or south west has less access with good water and feed, there are some timberd benches for beding areas and it just a good area for a old bull to stay in and try to put some weight on before the deep snow moves him out.
The quarter to the east would not be to far behind in my book.

RE: Elk hunt area map
 

Old,

This is how I would try it but just my opinion. Unless your real sneaky the 11200ft label to the east and up the canyon wall would be an excellent place to watch almost everything that is feeding out of the pocket of timber to the north. There is a nice steep pocket of timber to the south side of the canyon that the elk will tend to bed in unless its severly cold. Rare occasion though. The other option if the northfacing slope has no concealment in your movement would be to sit at the top of the bottle neck where the stream comes out of the lake. Elk love places like these especially when the fisherman go home.

The other options are to sneak around the timberlines on the west side. Most people don't have enough time to scout an area while hunting. Scouting before season and spooking the elk that are there is one of my biggest don't do it. Scout while hunting not a week before the season begins. I know I'll catch some heat on that statement but most people don't have enough concealment skills to do alot of scouting without messing up an area right before the season starts.

I saw you said nine years of no elk. Well one thing I can increase your odds on killing elk is. If there are elk using the area. Do yourself a favor and sit down don't move unless the situation requires a shooting circumstance and wait it out for five days. If there's no major hunting pressure elk will show up and feed later into the mornings in the colder seasons. Be patient and wait it out.

No 1 thing with a rifle watch alot of country not just a trail. When you see elk and got to get closer. Take a minute look at your best approach and don't waste anytime getting to a shooting position. Most of the time my clients have to make about 400yds in about 20minutes or less and that is not a easy thing to do while trying to be concealed and manurveing terrain. Sometimes we are already where we need to be and don't have to move at all.

The night before season stay high move around the rim of the little canyon and do this right about dark where if there is elk you can still make them out but the twilight will help hide your movement in the open. Take this walk and figure out where you can set up your position for opening morning. On the occasion of finding elk don't get too close assess the situation and come back in the morning. Be ready and hope you can find a dandy of a bull. Take notes for next year too. Aftertime of hunting one area you will be able to be back at camp first day elk in hand while your buddies are out hunting. I personally had a seven year streak of bulls on the ground by 7:30 am first morning on my personal hunts. I broke it when I started bowhunting elk again. But its playing the game that is the fun part not shooting.

Have a blast and keep your eyes open its all about learning.