Rocky Mt vs Roosevelt

[psr81]

This Fall will be my first year Elk hunting (muzzleloader on the OP).  Been doing lots of reading, going through Elk101 class etc.  I was wondering what are the key differences between the two species, especially given I plan hunting the west side of the OP.  For example, scouting online looks a lot easier to find habitat for East of the mountains but less defined for the OP given the amount of vegitation.  Are north facing slopes still critical, what about water etc? 

Thanks!

[chester]

Water will be a non-factor on the peninsula. Honestly I can’t really say that there is anything you can look for on google earth that would tell you there was elk in the area for Roosevelt hunting.
If you can get into the area now, start spending your weekends there and get eyes on some elk. Roosevelt elk don’t really migrate or travel all too far. Try and find a couple groups and keep trying to keep tabs on them until season. Lucky for you the bulls are usually still vocal in the first part of muzzy . And will still be with cows when you go. Good luck to you.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

psr81,
Welcome to the Sport of Elk Hunting!

With today's "Google Earth Tool" we have a greater advantage of zeroing in on those Hot Spots and discovering where the present day Herd's are holding. Much greater than our Dad's could ever dream of in their lifetime.
 
Their tried and true method of busting brush, bushwhacking over hogbacks, searching for sign with the kid following too close behind, allowed once more for me to feel that perfectly timed branch whip back and slap a new welt across the face of inexperience.....Ah, to trudge behind those old wilderness worn boots again, someday, it will a grand adventure!
Doug
 

[optic2]

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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Only comparison I have heard I could not argue with was a guy giving up on a Roosevelt to go back after Rockies "were the damn elk travel from feeding to bedding, not just sleep in their feeding, once they hit 10+ foot tall reprod, they are impossible to get to."
But that was back when they burned slashpiles and didn't spray.
Only thing all the spraying is done is concentrates the elk into more remote areas.
Creek bottoms may not be important for water, but they have travel routes and trails.
And food.
Heads of drainages are great spots to check for activity, especially if there is a bench, or ridge to cross.
Find a gate, and learn all the roads behind it.
Look for trails and sign crossing road, and try to figure where they are going, if you hunt up stream, you might be coming out on the road, good to know your area...
Best thing about roosies, they don't run forever.
They can hear you coming, even look at you twice.
But they will only smell you once.
If they have not smelled you, sit down and have a snack, or nap.