I know this has been talked about and gone over cant find the topic. Im looking at topo maps in an area im gonna hunt and need to learn how to read a topo better. Questions would be where would the elk be during oct? I suppose they can be about anywhere depending on pressure but what are some obvious things to look for like benches or saddles and when would they be in an area like that. Are the north facing slopes for when its hot they will be out of the sun?
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topo scouting
- Thread starter Retterath
- Start date
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Olympushunt
New member
- Jun 30, 2014
- 234
\"Retterath\" said:Can someone explain to me why to watch and hunt the north facing slopes? Or is that just during early season when its hot?
Yes, the north facing slopes are cooler during hot periods and it is common elk will bed on those sides. Even when it isn\'t hot though, typically there is better timber on those north facing slopes. I have hunted ridges where there is practically no trees on the south facing slope because it is to hot...during the summer....the only good timber is on the north face. So even when it isn\'t hot the better timber can be on the north face. But.....I really hate the \"look for north facing slopes\" line of thinking. There are a ton of elk that will use the south facing slopes too....so if you ignore them or blow through them to get to that coveted north face you might very well regret it. Elk don\'t always play by our rules. Just my .02
Brady, I really think the north slope thing has been way over emphasized. Benches are good bedding spots if they have the right cover. Topo maps can show you saddles, springs, roadless areas, roads, fences and other things. I have never used the topo map to locate elk. All you can see are locations where you may want to start your exploration. You can get additional information on G.E. and together they can give you a starting point.
Thanks guys I have been looking over my Topo maps so I can learn how to read them a little. I have been looking on line at satellite images and that makes it really easy to check out an area, plus then I can switch it to Topo, back to satellite and also a road map. It works great. Plus u can drop pins and mark spots u want to check out later or mark it like a way point. It\'s called mapper acne
RM Montgomery
New member
- Dec 5, 2013
- 14
As a follow-up question; when using GE, can you tell the difference between stands of aspens vs. dark timber? I THINK I\'m seeing the difference but not quite sure. (I\'m trying to locate a bench I once visited that was aspen with a wallow - surrounded by dark timber...and quite the honey hole!) Thanks!!
