I'm hunting a similar area for elk...combined zones 19 & 13 in Saskatchewan.
Only opportunity was to spot and stalk my way within 20 yards of 2 raghorn bulls that were bedded in a bramble of chokcherries in pastureland in 19. Hoping to find a decent bull so passed on them
Never hunted zone 13, south side of Diefenbaker Lake, but as with you, very limited access to river breaks due to dry conditions...that may have improved with this week's rain? Walked lots of nice cover there but no elk sightings.
I used to hunt zone 1 near Scout Lake south of Assiniboia for mule deer in the '80's. Some nice country there..no elk back then though.
I second the idea of having a shovel and good fire extinguisher in your truck.
Good luck with your elk hunt...be sure to post pictures of that big bull you're going to shoot!
