Hi everyone. I just finished up my second elk season. Although I struck out again, it was still a blast. I'm looking for some advice on the unit. Last year I bought the Rayonier 10 road permit and the marble mountain permit. My friend got an elk last year on the marble side, and is usually pretty consistent. This year there were hardly any elk, little sign, and lots more hunters... Maybe because of the 25 road closure. Too much orange in the Marble Rayonier permit area for my liking.
I want to get away from the Rayonier permit hunting, and go into the timber. I've got a family cabin in Northwoods, so I've got a great base camp. I want to do some scouting this summer. It would be nice to be successful at some point..
Here's my question. I'm not trying to get info on anyone's honey holes, but is there a better side of the unit to stay in? Or are the elk pretty well spread out over the entire unit? The 2573 and the 2575 road off the 25 road seems to open up to some big country. Should I head out more towards Craggy Peak? Lone Butte, the Dark Divide, Cinnamon peak? I'm in good shape, able to tackle most terrain. Just trying to get a general idea/heading from Northwoods on where to start...
Or is it all dumb luck? Find some sort of clearing/water source within the woods and just go for it?
