David,

“Elevator ridges” is simply a term I use to describe side ridges or slopes that allow deer to travel from bottomlands to ridge tops or vice versa.  Usually primary ridges (ridges with the highest elevation in an area) will have smaller (shorter in length) ridges that join them at a perpendicular angle.  These secondary ridges (elevator ridges) provide access on/off the primary ridges that is less steep that simply climbing the ridge.  There are usually lots of rubs and other sign on elevator ridges.  Elevator ridges that terminate into a quality food source, bedding area, or other desirable feature with limited distribution are usually great stand locations.

Typically I like to hunt near the top of elevator ridges as it’s very difficult to predict wind direction in the valleys due to thermals.  I like stand locations as close to the top of the ridges as possible with the elevator ridge remaining narrow enough to serve as a bottleneck so deer remain in shooting range.  Elevator ridges can be easily located by using topo maps then scouting to confirm site-specific features.  If you hunt in areas with ridge and valley topo, elevator ridges usually offer great stand sites, especially during the rut.

Growing Deer together,

Grant