If their not bugling, don't bugle. Signs Fresh tracks and scat can be vital information in determining where elk might be in a given migration pattern. It is at this point where all your knowledge comes into play. Look at the habitat. Form a strategy and know your opponents next move.
Fresh tracks contain the composition of elk in the area.
Overall size is the main indicator of whether a track is from a bull, cow or calf. In a bull track, the toes point outward, while the toes in a cow or calf track point down and to the center in a curved fashion. Wafered scat is from eating lush vegetation and therefore could be spring or summertime scat. If antlers are developed, polished and shed at the correct time. If nutrition is good and stress is minimal.