Elk concentration in Unit 10A

Unfortunately, we do not have much of information on elk locations and/or abundance in specific areas during October.  Most of our elk observations are made during aerial population surveys that are conducted while animals are on winter range.  These observations don't provide alot of specific insight as to where these animals will be during the summer or the fall hunting seasons.  That being said, I can tell you that elk were last surveyed in Unit 10A during the winter of 2011.  The total estimate from this survey was just under 5,800 elk.  This total represented an increase of over 1,200 elk from the previous survey which was completed in 2007.  So elk appear to be doing quite well in the unit as a whole.  Generally speaking, elk in Unit 10A tend to migrate to lower elevations to winter.  Most animals end up on the breaks around Dworshak Reservoir (especially on the north and west side) and elk from the southern and western portion of the unit migrate to the Clearwater River breaks between Orofino and Syringa.  Based on where we see elk in the winter, I would think that the Dent Bridge and Camp Y areas that you asked about would be good places look in October.  You may even want to extend your search the rest of the way up the reservoir in that portion of Unit 10A west of Dworshak.  There should also be good numbers of elk on the east side of the reservoir (between the reservoir and USFS Road 247).  As always, if you hunt an area and are not seeing as many elk or as much elk sign as you think you should, don't be hesitant to move to a new area - they are out there somewhere!  Good luck on your hunt.  If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact the Clearwater Region wildlife staff.