Elk need the salt to help digest the fresh greens & grass. As the grass starts to mature and turn brown, they do not need as much salt. Seen this many years. Lots of pics in May, June and even July. But, as things start to dry up, less activity at the ole salt pile. If you use the trace mineral salt, it's also good for antler growth. But, by mid-August they are rubbin that velvet off, and again they don't need as much.