Cow Elk Needs

[Trekker308]

I'm hoping to draw a cow elk tag this year in Utah. Do cows follow the same seasons and needs as bulls? If I draw, the season would be from October 6-30 and November 10 anuary 13. Where would I find the elk?

 

[Bigjav]

A cows primary focus is food, find the feeding areas and they'll be around

 

[Wy067]

What Bigjav said. Cows are always focused on finding the best feed in their area. By time your November timeframe arrives, you most likely will not find a bull (other than spikes or yearlings) within a herd of cows.

 

[Idhikker]

These are all repeating Randy's advice from elktalk and his videos. My experience and scientific research suggest hunting pressure as a major influence on cow elk location on the landscape. Cows likely tolerate more pressure than post-rut bulls but they move from human access points. Cows can be found in the high country in early November in some areas and depending on the snow. I wouldn't automatically assume winter range until mid to late November.

 

[jtm307]

When there is snow on the ground, cows like to hang out on windswept hills where the wind has exposed grass.

 

[Bigjav]

Another thing to consider, especially during late season, is contending with private property