so i have been doing a lot of looking on the gohunt map for winston and i see theres quite a bit of state land in the higher elevations. I'm trying to plan my elk trip for modern season. can i hunt in these state areas or should i stay away from them?
You can hunt them or stay away... your call. But I would suggest you do a search here for Winston or GMU 520.
520 is pounded from August through January and all of the extra cow permits in the last 5 years have seriously put a hurtin' on the elk population.
The state land does hold some elk but not as much as the private timberlands surrounding it. The gates will be open for modern and the place will be packed.
You can camp on the state land, the state park or at one of the local campgrounds.