Internet scouting for elk

ss13 · Jan 2, 2016

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.

RidgeRebel · Jan 2, 2016

Invest in a copy of the ELK101 Elk Hunting University video. There is lots of helpful info on there about scouting and other aspects of elk hunting.

ForkWest · Jan 4, 2016

Food, water and bedding are not what I look for when internet scouting. All three of those are available if you're in the zone. Where I hunt its the middle zone, broken pocket country above the vast dense pine forests but below the high, high alpine peaks.

I spend far more time finding the hidden away areas, i.e. no roads, no trails, no easy ridge top hike to get to. My success has always come from finding the spots where I expect to not find anyone else, not surprisingly, that's where I find huntable elk. These areas are not always miles into the backcountry either.

And yes I often see game trails in GE.

BradN · Jan 4, 2016

This was a really good tutorial in how to use internet tools for scouting. http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID50/12.html#.VosISE1Iiot

Thank you, WapitiBob.

Elkslayer2015 · Jan 5, 2016

Hey there what weapon you going to be using and what time of the year you going September October November a lot plays in these three months ?

WapitiBob · Jan 5, 2016

Thank you. I hope it was beneficial.

ss13 · Jan 5, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Jan-05-16 AT 07:32PM (MST)[p]Thank you for all the replays so far. I have taken a look at the elk 101 web site and there is a lot of great I formation.

I will be hunting rifle season, which opens October 1st and ends the 31st. It's a zone east of Yellowstone.

I have identified a few areas that have lush green grass/ spring areas, combined with water and timber. I have seen lots of game trails too. I am unsure if the game trails are from the resident elk or the migrators.

If anyone has additional tips I appreciate it

Thank you.

**edit, I accidentally said west of Yellowstone, when I really mean east. It's fixed.**