Quick Answer
To find elk paths leading to food sources, glass elk at dawn and dusk when they're most active, and look for areas with elk sign such as tracks, scat, and rubs. Note the terrain and vegetation patterns, and use binoculars to scan for elk movement and patterns. Look for areas with abundant food sources like willows, berry bushes, and grasses.
Identifying Elk Corridors
When glassing elk, focus on identifying elk corridors, which are areas where elk tend to move through on a regular basis. Look for areas with a mix of open spaces and cover, such as meadows and wooded draws, as these tend to be key elk travel routes. Use your binoculars to scan the terrain and look for elk sign like tracks, scat, and rubs, which can indicate areas where elk are using these corridors.
Reading Elk Sign
Elk leave behind a variety of signs that can help you locate their paths and food sources. Look for elk tracks, which can be distinguished from deer tracks by their larger size and more oval shape. Elk scat is also larger and more cylindrical than deer scat, and is often found in areas where elk are feeding on vegetation. Elk rubs, which are areas where elk scrape off their fur and scent glands, can be an indication of elk presence and are often found near food sources.
Glassing for Elk Movement
When glassing for elk movement, focus on areas with abundant food sources like willows, berry bushes, and grasses. Use your binoculars to scan these areas at dawn and dusk when elk are most active, and look for elk movement patterns. Note the direction of elk movement and the areas where they tend to concentrate, as these can be key areas to focus on during your hunt.
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