There are a few guys that have figured it out, but that is from LOTS of hard hunting and scouting, year in, year out. I know guys that kill elk up there every year... I know a few spots where I can get into good elk sign every time in there... seeing an elk in there is a different story though!!
Back many posts I said it IS "prime" elk country, and I meant to say, it "isn't" prime elk country. They do fine there, just like in the Panhandle, but the lack of grassy parks and grass forage has an effect. Its been documented that elk that live in more parky country have a higher birthrate and success than elk that browse on brush and chit like these elk mostly do..
I think the key thing is lack of good winter range. There are very few areas they can escape the deep snow when it hits...takes it toll.. In Montana and the Yakima, Coluckum and such... we have big open ridges and such that get blown and melted off... up there.. you dont see that. Deep snow EVERYWHERE in a bad winter.
Love that country!