Even If it is your second shot, or if you made a lot of noise. I have not. They can sound like a truck in the timber. If you step on a twig and it snaps, so what. They step on twigs all the time.
Elk are big animals, with long legs, that can cover a lot of real estate in a short period of time.
Do the same. When you are in their bedding areas, use caution, They are and will be alert. Slow and easy is the only way to go at this point. Not only for a chance at that bull you want, but also for safety. They can get from point A to point B in a matter of seconds, where it will take you an hour.