Hey MS;
Good job on the tag. I had a tag for the Siskiyou hunt in '93 and have helped people with their tags for the last 18 or so years.
Since you commented and asked........here's a couple of thoughts:
1. The big bulls will weigh 1,200 to 1,400 lbs so you are going to have a real problem packing them to a vehicle by yourself.
2. Your later season will help you with field spoilage, but by the time you get back for the 2nd or 3rd trip, the bears will have found your elk.
3. As I said in no. 1, they're big! Don't stop shooting! Reload and shoot again.
4. You will need help whether its buddies or one of the outfitters.
5. Most areas that hold the elk won't necessarily permit vehilce access. Once you find an area where they are hanging, think about getting one to your rig.
6. There's a reason why they expanded the area and offered more tags, the herds are in great shape!
7. Spend some time out there and find a herd. Keep it quiet and most likely you'll have company during the season.
8. Now you ask, where are they? The most concentration is at the west side of the Marbles. By the time you get there, most of the kayous from the rifle hunters will be gone. Remember the area is roughly 96 to 5 and the Ore border to 36. That's a chunk of country and it all has Rosys in it.
Good Luck