Elk e-scouting tips to help put you in the right spot this season using elevation, slope degree, and aspect to narrow down where elk will be based on the time of year
In the above video, Mark Livesay breaks down how to find areas that are likely to hold elk when planning an elk hunt this year using Terrain Analysis on GOHUNT Maps. For some additional information, be sure to check out Mark's recent article, "How to read a topography map to find more elk this hunting season."
When preparing for elk hunting, leveraging mapping tools like GOHUNT's Terrain Analysis Tool can help identify prime elk habitats. Here's a simple yet effective tactic to pinpoint likely elk-holding areas using terrain and slope analysis.
First, activate the Terrain Analysis Tool in your mapping software. Set the elevation to include all elevations, and then focus on slopes with a degree range of 15 to 25 and 25 to 35. Elk typically prefer these slopes for bedding and movement.
Next, adjust the orientation to highlight north, northeast, and northwest facing slopes. These shaded areas often provide cooler environments and good cover, making them attractive to elk.
Once you see the green-shaded areas on the map that meet these criteria, you can further narrow down your search by looking for additional features like nearby water sources, food, and bedding cover. This strategy helps you focus on the most promising areas, improving your chances of success during elk season.
The Terrain Analysis tool is available on GOHUNT Maps on the web and this tool is highly beneficial when you're e-scouting. It helps you focus on areas that hold game using aspect orientation, slope ratios, and elevation. All the tools you need to help you find terrain areas suitable for elk!
This article was originally published on August 11, 2023, and has been updated with more information.
