The South Slope Yellowstone area has a lot of Elk, But they can be very scattered, There is a lot of very rough country uphill from the end of the roads. With out any weather, they will still be high. I've been riding my horses into several of the lakes and have seen elk up near timberline in almost all the drainages.

I have a good friend who hunts the South slope in the Yellowstone area, and usually bags a bull 3 out of 4 years. They run a pretty good success rate. He would never invite me back if I told you where he goes. They have horses, pack in and hunt very hard.. I would suspect being your first year in the area, no scouting, tending to weak ribs and staying close to truck, your odds will be on the difficult side and just depend on how lucky you are..

But if you don't go out and hunt the odds are 100% against you. So go spend the week hunting. Take your fishing pole and catch a few fish while you are out. Learn the country. Maybe you will get lucky this year. Maybe next. But each year you will learn more about where and how to hunt elk.

Thanks for the information. Hopefully he gets lucky. We just love getting out there. Have you seen much in the Kamas unit?

You can access a lot area behind Kamas by going up Hoyt canyon ( directly east of Marion). I'm not sure how far you can drive up that road, it's been a few years since I 've ridden the horses up it. but the old two track goes way back into that country. You may have to park and hike or ride horses in.

There is some great looking country back in there.

If you are looking for somewhere close to the Wasatch Front that is not too rugged try anywhere along Hwy. 35 or Hwy. 150. Soapstone Basin and the areas near Wolf Creek Pass are fairly accessible. Whitney Reservoir area is also a possibility, but a longer drive. The hike in to Hoyt Peak is longish but easy = lots of pressure. Just be sure you are in your area (Any Bull and not private land.) You could try Big Ridge near Hanna, but it's big country and rugged unless you stay near the roads (with the 4-wheelers.) If you want good but far try the area between Vernal and Flaming Gorge.