Reading topo maps to find bulls

[Big Country]

After reading the last couple issues of Extreme Elk, in particular Randy Newbergs articles, I pulled out my maps and started scouting.  He mentions looking for tight topo lines separated by larger gaps to locate benches where bulls might hole up during the late season.  How big/subtle of a gap are we talking?  After looking at my maps I had a hard time locating these spots. 
Also, aside from wilderness areas its been difficult finding spots at least 1 mile from a road (at least as the crow flies). The biggest area I can really find is only a couple square miles, is this enough?  In some spots its seems like plenty based on topography, in others, not so much.  Any thoughts?

 

[arkie]

It doesn't take much of a gap between the normal line spaces to indicate a bench.  The wider the gap, the larger the bench.