I hunted it every year for about 6 years. I stopped hunting the south slope due to more people showing up every year. The problem I found on the south slope, is its all the same, and the elk are hard to pattern. They don't have to go to the same water hole ever. I also noticed the rut activity was very spotty, and seemed way later in the year then all of the spots I hunt for cows and spikes.
There is lots of elk on the south slope, but there is lots of country they can be in. In some places, there is over 10 miles to the tree line from the end of the road. I have seen years that they are right next to the road, and other years at the tree line. If your looking to hunt, I would start scouting areas looking for access and elk, don't just show up the day before the hunt and expect to find elk. If you go scouting, don't forget your fishing pole, lots of lakes and rivers that never get fished.
I have seen some really nice Bulls come off the south slope, but plan on shooting really small rag horn Bulls. Most people that hunt the south slope will not even see elk during the hunt, it all depends on how long you have to hunt, and how lucky you are. I got LUCKY my first year, after that it was a hiking adventure every year. I did have a plenty of chances, just screwed up or had other hunters get in the way.
