What are signs of elk activity around timber edges?

Identifying Elk Rubs and Scrapes

When searching for elk activity around timber edges, focus on identifying rubs and scrapes. Elk rubs are areas where elk scratch their antlers on trees, creating a distinctive oval-shaped patch of removed bark. Look for trees with a height of 20-30 feet and a diameter of 10-20 inches, as these are more likely to have been targeted by elk. Rubs often occur on the north or northwest side of trees, which are less exposed to the sun. Scrapes, on the other hand, are shallow depressions in the ground where elk deposit scent from their feet and bodies. These can be up to 3 feet wide and 2 feet long, and are often found in areas with visible bedding activity, such as under coniferous trees or in small clearings.

Reading Elk Tracks and Sign

As you glass for elk, pay attention to their tracks and sign around timber edges. Elk tracks are often larger than those of deer, with a more pronounced heel and a V-shaped pattern in the toe area. They tend to follow game trails or paths that lead to bedding areas, such as under dense coniferous trees or in small clearings. Look for tracks that are fresh, with a clear impression of the elk’s hooves, as these are more likely to be recent. Also, note the direction of the tracks, as elk often move in a northerly direction in the morning and a southerly direction in the afternoon.