In my limited experience in the area, most hunters go to the same areas , where they see elk throughout the year (scouting)
Those places get 6-7 rigs parked at the gates, while other gates get little attention, and if someone does walk it, they dont go very far...
I see dramatic increase in activity in my areas as the season goes on, due to constant pressure on the herds that hang near the sloughs.
The only other guys I usually see are carrying spray-packs and speaking spanish..
.....Sure wish Hancock would lighten up on the defoiliant, makes the berries taste funny

they were even using a helicopter last season.

and the pilot would not tell me were he was seeing elk, said all he saw were deer, and there are not any deer there either...