I found out, the later in the season the better. Heavy snow is about the only thing that will bring the big bulls down out of the high country.

If they're not down, You can always go up

True to some extent. Opening day and early season is good. Then it gets tough until it snows.

I find that when there is no snow you will tend to shot the smaller lone bulls but when theres a heavy snow fall i find it brings the big herds and the big bulls down from the mountains. Here's a picture of one a buddy of mine shot last year in 3.5 feet of snow.

Just to let you guys know,in Montana, elk numbers are atan all time low and are not forecasted to pick up for another 4-5 years.They havemigrated over into Idaho and down in Wyoming, so those will be the hotspots for the next few years.

This is true.Consider this when applying for your nr tags this year.
We all know a Deacon doesn't lie.

I like the late season, because that's when the state boys who haven't filled their tags are beating the brush too. That way you get more elk up & moving.

I tell you what I hunt elk from Sept. to Dec. depending on the tag or how long it takes to fill it.Like now I'm elk hunting this weekend with my wife(late season damage hunt).
You hunt were the elk are or hunt till you find them that's my advice.If you have just a week to hunt I would say pick the middle of Sept for archery or the last 1/2 of Nov for rifle.
BBJ