Scouting for Saddles and Ridgeline
Dips on Topographic Hunting Maps

Elk and deer love to travel through saddles and dips in the ridge between heavy cover and feeding areas

Basically a saddle is a low spot in a ridgeline. Because it is low and usually narrow, it is the easiest travel route for elk or deer to use when going from one side of a hill to another. Although a saddle can be found entirely within timber in hilly regions, it forms a great funnel. The more forest found on each side of a saddle the more elk and deer traffic it tends to carry.

Elk and deer use saddles at all times of the day, but because they are often found deep within hilly regions the midday hunting this position can be red-hot. Peak and the tail end of the rut will produce the most big buck and bull sightings in these areas.

Cold late-season weather will keep the animals up and running through saddles, and dandy bucks can be picked off when the temperatures drop.