The best advice I can give you is to get out a scout. For elk, I would recommend getting up high in the mountains. I hunt at 9500 ft up for rifle season. Learn the signs of the animal you hunt and how to distinguish deer and elk signs. Find an active game trail and watch it from a short distance. Trail cams can help in the scouting process.

FWIW, I never draw for elk. Just head on over to dicks or wally world and get an OTC (over the counter) tag. But if you want a "trophy Unit" you will need some preference points