When you are battling winds and chasing a bull and some cows, do you find it best to side-hill? Or do you prefer to beat them to an eventual position to gain the advantage?
The winds are usually more predictable if you're at the same elevation as the animals you're trying to stalk, as thermals normally travel up or down the hillside. Another advantage to being on the same level as the elk is you're less likely to be sky-lined or silhouette yourself.
That said, it's tougher to move sidehill and the animals likely won't stay put long enough for you to meet them in the middle. That's why I tend to err on the side of slightly uphill from them.
