Forest road 83 is not a bad place to start. There is a place called Esquibel Canyon. To the left of it is a ridge loaded with elk. They are very spooky if you are in the wrong direction of the wind when you see them. Once I had a muzzleloader deer permit for that area. I seen a 5x5 bull Elk resting in a small canyon. My muzzleloader was pretty sucky at the time, as in it didn't even have rifle type sights like the newer models now available. So we watched the elk for a few minutes before he decided to leave. He slowly started climbing the hill to make his way over to another canyon. we took off following him, and would you believe I got within about 15 to twenty feet from him. I could of almost threw a knife at him. Don't think you have to go to hell just to get your elk. Many fine elk's are just a few miles away from the Gas Station & the forest service office. Not all elk's are at the top of the mountains during the October & November hunts. Some hang out closer to the highway on the smaller ridges that are not far off from water holes. If your really looking for a close up shot, go to burned mountain. It is at 10,000 plus feet elevation above sea level, when you drive to the top. From there you can park your truck & walk into the mountain. Elk should only be about 5 10 minutes away if you walk inthe right direction. Burned mountain is not a giant mountain, but it's thick & you have to stop & look every so often. Otherwise, all you see is the animals running away from you. There is a big water hole like south east of burned mountain. Deer Elk and Bob Cat's are all dependant on it. There are also elk that hide just below the top of burned mountain on the north east side of the top. All you have to do is drop down into the little canyon that has a little spring that travels east for awhile, then work your way back up. As for forest service road 83, once you start getting out of esquibel canyon, you'll get into an area that opens up for about 1/2 miles worth of land. You should be traveling west headed in the direction of the top of Tusas Ridge. Before getting into the forest again, there is a water hole about 550 yards away from the main road. I seen one of the biggest bulls there with about 4 cows about 3:00 pm last year during the 1st rifle elk hunt. The elk were at the water hole drinking water until they saw our vehicle. The bull took off full speed ahead along with the cows. That is a good place for muzzleloader because you have some forest to hide you from the elk while they are on there way to the water hole. Don't wanna wait for them to drink water, then simply go and get em out of bed if your not patient. Don't worry about there not being any animals because of poacher rumors etc, as unit 52 is to big to out poach the elk herds. I could prove it to you, but I can't right now, because my knee swelled up over the weekend. I do look forward to at least cruising 52 a few times this month & taking a few pictures before the cold weather sets in.
Josh
