Elk & weather?

[ID_Paul]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-22-05 AT 11:22AM (MST)[p]
I have a November cow tag this season. Two years ago I located an area in the unit that showed great promise and probably will be where I end up this season.

When I first hunted the area, there was a bit of snow, and I saw elk sign all over and nearly got a shot, but it wasn't quite right for my skills. I went back a week later, the snow was gone and so were the elk.

November in that area is unpredictable - it may rain, or it may snow. If it snows, there is a good chance it will all melt in a week.

So, question is... what effect, if any, do early snows have on elk? In the hunts described above, do you think they just moved on in their circuit, or did the weather play a role in their moving out?

Is 2-5 inches enough to get them moving lower? If they move lower, would they likely move back up if the snow melts?

Thanks for your input.

Paul

 

[Juniper]

From what I have noticed is the elk follow the snow line up as it melts.

 

[jjwillie]

Ususally it takes a lot more than 2-4 inches to push the elk out of the high country.

 

[dutch]

2-4 really isn't much as the sun will come out the next day and melt all the south slopes. I haven't really noticed it to push them off. Of course with no snow they are harder to find which is maybe why you didn't see any-or other hunters spooked them out.
Not until at least 12 inches is when I have noticed decent movement to lower elevations. Just my observations.