Eric Frank (aka Pilot048) shared in the forum the following.......

"Valle Vidal Elk Hunt - My hunt in the Valle Vidal was a success. I arrived several days early to scout around and surprisingly did not see many elk. I think they were spooked from the MZ season going on. The day before opening day, member schmalts contacted me with a tip on a spot to try. Turned out that's where the elk were. I took a nice 300 class 6x6 maybe 30min after first light. I had several bulls around me, including a nice 330-350" herd bull with 30 cows, but he was at 850 yards and I couldn't get close enough. Packing my elk out, I ran into 3 more bulls at close range. All were bugling too. It's a beautiful area, although it was a bit rough in a tent with temps in the 20's overnight and crazy winds. The wind actually bent my poles on my Timberline Outfitter tent! The Valle Vidal is probably one of the best public land hunts around, but still it's not easy or guaranteed. I think only about 25% of the muzzle loaders got elk and when I left on Sunday, only 2 others in the camp of maybe 20 hunters got elk during the first 2 days of rifle. You need to know where they are. Several guys I talked to didn't see anything. Thanks to all who helped me out here, mainly members schmalts, 338winmag, Mulchatna, and STOMPER. I may have not gotten one without their help!"