Snow Depth and Elk Movement from Summer to Transitional to Winter Range

[samuel_284Win]

All,
I am starting to put together a plan for rifle season for my Dad who still has his MT general elk tag. I was not able to hunt much during rifle season last year in MT so most of my applied knowledge is from archery season.
If I am trying to make the weather, in this case, snow and cold, how much snow have you guys seen is needed to start to push elk down through the transition ranges that @Big Fin talks about towards their eventual winter range elevation? Interested to hear observations on this.

 

[MTLabrador]

Completely depends on the area, the type of snow, and the type of elk you’re looking for.

 

[diamond hitch]

For most of our country the driver is cold or crust. Below zero and they are gone. Crust hurts their legs so if you have a crust. Start hunting lower.

 

[buck137]

The way this year is going, they won't be pushed down until maybe January or February. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but with how much moisture we have had so far, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't that late. But as for your question, elk in my area, more so the bulls, don't get pushed down until the snow is butt deep for me.