Elk Scouting Question

[SpicyTacos]

Heyo,

Hope y'all had a good new year and hunting season.

Is scouting terrain this time of year a bad idea? I want to check out a new hunting area. I've never had boots on the ground this time of year. I'll be on the wet side of Washington.

Thoughts and pros and cons.

[pianoman9701]

I'd be a little concerned about stressing elk during the toughest time of the year, especially if there's snow on the ground where you scout. Other than that, where there are now likely has nothing to do with where they'll be during hunting season. You might find some good mushrooms though!

[b0bbyg]

I would try and avoid pushing elk around too much but it also depends on how far west you are I think.
There are some areas on west side I think elk stay year round, other areas west where they are pushed out by snow into winter areas.

So may depend on how snow pack in area you are scouting.

But I am not an expert at all just my thoughts

[SpicyTacos]

Thanks for the replies.

No snow pack where I plan to go. Coastal Lowlands. I don't plan on chasing animals around just want to check out roads and access. Lots of logging around where I'll be.

Thanks,

[pianoman9701]

Thanks for the replies.

No snow pack where I plan to go. Coastal Lowlands. I don't plan on chasing animals around just want to check out roads and access. Lots of logging around where I'll be.

Thanks,

You should be able to forage yellowfoot chanterelles, hedgehogs, and maybe black trumpet mushrooms if you find any scrub oak. 

[ASienkiewich]

Some of the most productive scouting I’ve done over the years is this time of year. Like others said, just be careful not to stress them if possible.


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[nwwanderer]

Might want the HW rescue thread close at hand, scout away

[Skyvalhunter]

Any day in the woods is better than a day at work.

[mburrows]

look for rubs and game trails. Pieces of the puzzle to where they’ll be come September.

[hunter399]

Might as well look for some sheds ,while your there.
👍

[scoutdog346]

Not a bad idea at all.  Don't use any calls and don't go more then 100 yards from ur truck.  Use the time to get to know the road system and make some way points on gps so u don't have to back track during the season.

[Maybach Outdoors]

I start in early march. Hang up cameras and look for sheds. Figure out what areas hold pockets of elk and they’ll likely be close by when the season starts.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Actually a great time to scout.
The leaves are down and visibility is maximum.
That's why they do herd counts this time of year
.
Any areas you cannot see into are worth remembering.
That thick stuff is where they will hide.
"Security cover" is where they feel safe.
Food, water, and security cover are the 3 requirements.
.
Find those areas in close proximity to each other.
.
Learn the road systems, find hidden trails, and look for rubs..
.
Learning an area is more important than seeing animals, but seeing animals instills confidence.

[nwwanderer]

Decent weekend look, mule deer where few have been seen lately, dozen or so branch antlered bulls, 6 cows (no calves from last year), normal WT about and happy turkeys with snow gone. 
No animals were harmed taking this look!!!
Is this the sort of rub you like?  Was made in the last month, they do not stop just because the rut is slow