I did a quick search for this topic, but came up empty. I apologize if this topic has been covered.
This fall I hope to be hunting elk for the first time (pending draw results of course). In anticipation of drawing I am already beginning my online scouting with google earth. I keep hearing elk need three things, food, water and bedding. I am hoping some people can expand on each of the three requirements in an elks life. What makes for good bedding and food sources. What does good feed look like with a satellite image? I am also curious as to how far an elk will travel from food to water to bedding? Also, what elevations are preferred during the different seasons, summer, fall and winter?
With google earth I believe I have identified some good areas to begin. Something interesting I have noticed is that around the peak of some 9,000ft mountains, just below rock slides and above treeline, there appear to be "bands" of game trails. Is it possible to see and identify such things as game trails or migration routes? I will attempt to post a photograph of my findings later.
Sorry for the long post. I look forward to hearing from everyone.
This fall I hope to be hunting elk for the first time (pending draw results of course). In anticipation of drawing I am already beginning my online scouting with google earth. I keep hearing elk need three things, food, water and bedding. I am hoping some people can expand on each of the three requirements in an elks life. What makes for good bedding and food sources. What does good feed look like with a satellite image? I am also curious as to how far an elk will travel from food to water to bedding? Also, what elevations are preferred during the different seasons, summer, fall and winter?
With google earth I believe I have identified some good areas to begin. Something interesting I have noticed is that around the peak of some 9,000ft mountains, just below rock slides and above treeline, there appear to be "bands" of game trails. Is it possible to see and identify such things as game trails or migration routes? I will attempt to post a photograph of my findings later.
Sorry for the long post. I look forward to hearing from everyone.