West Side Fossil Creek Unit

[OOM]

Hello, I decided to but a permit this year (first time) for the Fossil Creek permit area. This is my third-year elk hunting, and I am green with "e-scouting" and elk hunting in general. I will be hunting the entire early season for muzzleloader. Any advice for locations within that area? (I know no one wants to give coordinates). I appreciate any general advice for this region and elk hunting for Roosevelts in general and yes, I know about google and YouTube but would like any local working knowledge if possible. Thanks in advance.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Check every entrance prior to season.
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Find a good trail.
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I believe that a lot of elk will leave the surrounding areas to enter a "relatively" safe area.
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Any elk that has lived a few years knows what the crunch of tires on logging roads is.
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Locked gates and restricted access is your friend.
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But...
I also think they have learned to live on the edges.
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By the time ml season opens they have met a few bowhunters on both sides of the gates..
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Permit holders will (most likely) try "steep and deep", non permit holders will hunt to the boundaries..
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That marginal area between the two extremes is made for old hunters, new hunters, and youth..
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I'd rather be lucky than good, it's a lot less work.

[OOM]

Thank you for the response (most people do not want to help young or new hunters but complain when the laws change, or land holders don't give any cares about conservation (fewer hunters = fewer people to "lobby" or "vote" for better access and laws IMO). I was able to glass two separate herds with legal bulls last year during the gun season (on non-permit land) in the southwest but hope to increase my chances of spotting a large bull before season (therefore buying the permit to hopefully cut back on pressure. If not, I will be back to look for the herds from last season as I have heard that they tend to stick fairly close to their territory from year to year (I know that there are a lot of variables obviously if someone bumps them out).

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

If you saw them during modern season you have a VERY good spot to start.
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Looking for big bulls is nice,  but any legal animal is a success.
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Once you get one on the ground it's a whole different thing..
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Unless you have help.

[OOM]

Well, this is the guy that I got closest to out of the two herds (300win-mag at 85 yards). Both herds were approximately 1.5 miles from nearest gate/road in different areas. I am the most excited I have been preparing for elk season (getting the first one down helps with some confidence). I choose muzzleloader this year because my first year was during early muzzleloader and hearing them bugle and respond to calls was very exciting so hoping they are vocal some this year.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Beautiful!