Free: Contests & Raffles.
IMO it depends on the type of experience you are looking for and alot on the area ( meaning type of terrain). In pre rut elk country it seems the best bulls don't move much till the actual rut stage, and all the action is gobbled up by lesser bulls. It can still be very productive that time of year and I would expect to hear good bugling and allot of call ins, but although they will be herd bulls, ( and likely bulls 95 percent of hunters including myself would shoot in a second ) they are likely not the strongest bull in a given area. He is likely waiting in the wings for cows to get hot a week later. Also if your in very thick terrain with multiple water options, then waiting a bit later makes sense simply to try and ensure good bugling action as other tactics like stand hunting, or spot and stalk may be more difficult.
IMOP sitting on a hole isn't that great with elk. Being mobile and covering lots ground on foot is the way to go. Unless its only water/wallow in a 5 mile radius I wouldn't sit on anything.
