Doing research for an area new to me. How many seek info from the local Warden and biologist? What questions do you ask? Have you ever dealt with either that were not helpful? Have found much research on herd migrations on line.

I've contacted a few and they've been very helpful. It helps if you can show them you've done your homework, I think they respect that.

One was for pronghorn on the plains so most of my questions were on landowners willing to give permission to hunt.

One was for bear so my questions were on what they'd be eating and what elevation most would be during the season.

I think it depends on what you are hunting. Everyone and his brother asks every ranger/biologist "where are the elk?", "where are the deer?" and the stock answer is usually vague and diplomatic.

But when I got licenses for premium species (bighorn sheep and mountain goat) I got lots of help and very specific information, from the local biologists.

KC

As a former wildlife biologist I can tell you I always enjoyed speaking with hunters who were knowledgeable, polite, and considerate of my time. Don't ask for specific spots; instead, ask about general areas and guidance on seasonal movement patterns and things like that. Tell them which season you'll be hunting in and what general areas you are considering and you will get information on elevation, habitat types, etc. They may even tell you that area 'x' would be better than area 'y' for that season. Hunting is hunting and wild animals move where they move, so don't expect them to tell you which tree to sit by.

Something as simple as October weather can make a huge difference in where the elk are. We've had Octobers in the '80's and the elk are high and spend a lot of time on the north sides in black timber where it's cool. Other Octobers have had snow and very cold weather. No biologist can predict that 6 months before.

As long as one is not pursuing their favorite stump, I find them most helpful.