When Scouting New areas...

[kglacken]

I have a lead on a new are to scout for early season elk next year. Im just curious what you guys look for when scouting. Do you only look for elk and their sign? Or do you try to find specific types of terrain. Any tips on scouting would be appreciated too! 

[Bean Counter]

bedding areas, water sources, food sources, etc. Are you bow hunting or rifle hunting? If you're bow hunting I'd get to know the area more intimately.  If rifle hunting and its glassable areas, I might skip a scouting trip or two if it helps to save up for good binos or maybe a spotter.

[JLS]

Look for both elk/elk sign and terrain features.  Often times specific types of terrain will lead you to bedding areas, such as benches on a steep north slope.  Saddles will have rubs and trails funneling through them.  Water sources will often have wallows at the very top.

Of course these are generalizations, but I've found them to be pretty accurate over a wide range of elk areas.

Good luck, it's always fun scouting a new area

[Bean Counter]

At this time of the year they will be in their winter range, which wont likely be the same place they are during hunting season. Nevertheless, if you've heard that they're in area X in the hunting season, you can go there now and still learn the overlay as I mentioned (water, food, travel routes, etc).

[kentrek]

rubs, water, rubs, water, rubs, water, rubs..oh and maybe some water 

then more rubs 

[bobcat]

Me trek just said what I was going to say. Look for rubs. Find those and that will tell you they were there in September, and probably will be again.

[lostbackpacker]

I usually begin w a topographical map of that area.  They will usually show big game trails and other areas that may hold animals when pressured.
Then I'll scout on foot

[coachcw]

north facing slopes with benches near the top and seclussion with water close by.