When the bugles fade and the rut chaos dies down, October becomes a thinking man’s month — and mastering ridges and high points is the difference between hiking blind and hunting with purpose. In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to use ridges, thermals, and elevation to your advantage when hunting elk and mule deer in October. You’ll learn how to identify productive ridge systems, where to glass from, and how to dissect mountain country efficiently when animals go quiet and pressure rises. Matt explains how to spot travel ridges versus dead ridges, why high points are your most valuable observation platforms, and how to think in three dimensions when reading terrain. He dives deep into October wind and thermal management, showing you how to stay in control of scent and position all day long. You’ll also hear when to stay high, when to drop low, and how to transition between patience and aggression depending on what the mountain gives you. This is one of the most tactical October elk hunting and mule deer hunting breakdowns you’ll hear — packed with real-world methods for turning “empty country” into consistent opportunity. Whether you’re glassing big basins or side-hilling through broken timber, this strategy teaches you how to hunt smarter, move less, and let the terrain work for you. If you’ve ever felt lost after the rut, this episode will reset your October mindset and show you how to make elevation, wind, and patience your biggest weapons in the mountains.