The areas I hunt are non-migratory, as is most of the westside, unless possibly the Olympics if it's a severe weather situation during hunting season, might kick some herds down out of the high country or the Mt. Adams area. Anyway, when I took elk hunting seriously I would scout year round. The herds I kept tabs on year round stayed in the same general area when hunting season started. If you have the time, I would scout year round. I have areas I've hunted for years and still run into elk in the same areas, even with all the changes, new clearcuts, loss of big timber, new reprod, etc. Go out when you can and take notes, date, area, what and where you saw elk, etc. Good luck!!!!!!

"The Pile"