Finding cow elk is the key to consistent elk hunting success. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down exactly how to locate cow elk during hunting season—and why it matters whether you’re chasing bulls, filling a cow tag, or just trying to put more elk in front of your glass.

You’ll learn how cow elk behavior shifts by season, where to look for bedding and feeding areas, how to identify fresh cow sign, and why understanding travel corridors is the missing link for most hunters. Matt also dives into e-scouting strategies, late-season survival patterns, and how hunting pressure changes cow movement.

If you want to elevate your elk hunting game—rut or late season—this episode gives you the step-by-step strategies to find the nucleus of the herd.