A question came in on the Elk Forum regarding how long elk typically stay in the alpine during the summer/fall, and if – during summer scouting – you see elk in an alpine bowl, whether or not they most likely represent the bulk of the elk in the associated valley, at that time. Chris answers these questions and shares a few of his thoughts regarding elk movement, forage quality, and effects of hunter pressure on elk using alpine habitats.

Topics in this Q&A include:
- Locations of elk in a valley that connects to an upper alpine basin(s)
- Elk movement as a result of forage quality
- Precipitation, forage quality, and elk movement related to them seeking the best forage in drier years
- Factors affecting how hunter pressure may affect elk use of alpine basins during the hunting season