There are plenty of elk killed on regular non-wilderness forest service land in 98 no doubt, even early season. I think most of the elk are way back in there though in Sep and the first two weeks of Oct, though obviously, many aren't.
Lots of people hunt down near the Dutch Joe area and have good success relatively close to roads and like you said, that area isn't too bad terrain wise. Other areas of the unit are ROUGH though, especially further north.
Are you referring to the Sep 20 rifle draw? Great unit regardless of whether you're hunting it general or by the draw.
