I will be hunting public w/ friends and we will be walking. Wish we had horses! Should be a fun pack out. Lol.
Everything I've hunted in Montana has been private...Even then, the elk are very nomadic on a daily basis and pretty routine, if not harassed...E-scout as much as possible before you go...Water is always something you look for...They've already had snow...So, water may be less important, but bugling (rut) should be good...Are your friends locals?
ps...I'm leaving tomorrow for Craig, Montana