The wdfw has made that area an advanced hunter area. Swakane or 250 has limited elk only because of hunting pressure in the western part of 251. These elk are low in the surrounding areas of 251 pre-rut and with any pressure they go north into the 250. with all the orchards and winter range for mule deer they are trying to preserve the area for the deer and save on damage claims from elk.
the majority of elk in the 251 are near or around Derby Canyon and the locals pretty much are mute about where they will be to save the opprotunity for themselves during the rifle hunt.
