Drought/dry or Cattle?

[bjochem]

Which has the bigger impact on elk? Currently on our way back to WI from MT. Seems there wasn't much recent elk activity up high, everything was fairly low, under 7000. So, being fairly inexperienced at elk hunting, does the dry conditions move elk lower sooner or dry with a combination of cattle? One spot irritated me as there were beautiful meadows full of cattle and the grass was mowed to the dirt. No fresh elk sign at all.
Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. Also had some questions on wilderness study areas in MT and why/how cattle are allowed to graze there.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

Also had some questions on wilderness study areas in MT and why/how cattle are allowed to graze there.

Multiple use land management

 

[hank4elk]

Overgrazing is overgrazing, on a ranch or rangelands. By cattle, elk or most anything.
Doing so during a drought is worse. Elk do have the option to move to where there is more feed tho.

 

[Bambistew]

It's generally greener up high than down low. Cooler temps.

I wouldn't have even wasted time if there was cows around. Lots of places without. Better luck next time.