OK, I was out in SW WA chasing elk last week end and put a stalk from 150 yds down to 20 on what I was hoping was a small three point but turned out to be a smaller two point (need three in my unit), then the boots went back on (after dry socks), the binos went back on, and finally the pack went back on. That was the first day in the morning, other than my partner jumping a bedded heard on the second day that was it for the effort. In between the action I came a cross three or four areas with lots of fresh piles 10-15 piles in each of the locations, when I say piles I would say some where between 25 to 75 pellets each pile varying in size from large to small indicating calf's and cows and maybe a bull. My question is; are these likely day time or night time beds, and when would I hunt them, morning, evening, or mid day. Or should I not spend time on them at all and just consider elk to possibly be in the area and try to comb through the vicinity checking likely areas. While we are at it, what are your top three topographic areas you find elk like.