Iβm in South Dakota, Black Hills, about 20 miles SE of Mt. Rushmore. That bull may be better than I suspect if heβs not one Iβve already caught on trail cams. Elk mounts arenβt cheap, and if I shoot a bull that was better left for next year, I may end up waiting a few more years for a better one.
The wind will be out of the SE on Friday, but the approach into the wind would require crossing a third mile of open ground with no topographical advantage. Iβm not interested in unnecessary 500 yard shots. This is approximately the ground Iβd have to cover going into that wind.
When the wind shifts out of the NW, I have a wooded ridge with a bit of a ravine that provides some cover.
Another problem with approaching from the north (behind the photo) is that my neighbor to the north likes to hunt and Iβd be exposed to any elk on his land. I kinda doubt heβd appreciate me spooking them.