Not that over simplified.
Elk seem to follow the grass.
Down way low as the snow melts off and grass greens up. To way high. Bulls tend to get real high up there to eat the mountain bunch grass. Some, from what I been told, up to about 26% protein.
While the cows tend to need a more carbohydrates rich grass for milk production.
Bob Gorman from Pikes Peak Outfitters showed that to me years ago as something to watch for while afield, and there seems to be a lot to it. Bob went as far to mention that bulls tend to nip off the tops of grass more then cows as they tend to eat down into the stems more, maybe his eye for that is better then mine?
Just watch how much more feeding activity there is in a nutrient rich burnt area? Elk are very sensitive to the quality of there forage, and that changes with elevation.
But elk are where you find them. (now that is over simplified)
Changing there habits on a whim. Changing counties when pressured.
