There's so many theories, thoughts and misinformation out there...I have no idea how to make heads or tails of it all.

I do think this map of Idaho's elk objectives does paint a picture....as the areas below objective are close to where the reintroduction in '95 occurred and where the packs are still largely concentrated.

[Linked Image from idrange.org]

I also have it on good authority that IDFG lowered their elk number objectives somewhat recently....so areas that are now meeting objectives were below objective just a few years ago...why they did that can be theorized to fit both "sides" of the argument, I guess.