Need some elk hunting advice

[Bearhunter308]

I mainly hunt deer and bear. Elk hunting is an area I don't feel very confident in, so I'm asking for some advice. I have an archery tag, and I'll probably pick up a rifle tag for my son. I don't buy the Weyerhaeuser permit, so my hunting is usually in either state land, or Port Blakely/Sierra Pacific walk-ins.
I live in Chehalis, so units I'll stick to are probably 672, 501, 505, 530, and 667. I see 666 is open for any elk during rifle season, and there's a small amount of state land showing on ONX, which I thought about taking my son to.
I have a handful of spots where I've seen elk sign at different times of the year, but I rarely lay eyes on elk- unless they're in farmer's fields while I'm driving by. I guess I'm wondering what a good tactic would be through Nov. to mid Dec?
Should I be glassing clearcuts, hitting the woods, staying in spots I've seen scat and rubs earlier in the year, or trying to locate them by calling?
Sorry for my ignorance in this area, but any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Rugergunsite308]

As far as the 530 late season goes, it seems as though the elk are herded up except for a few random satellite bulls. If you find fresh sign, chances are the elk are close or will be back in that area. For me, it is the nastiest clearcuts, reprod, or swamps where I find the elk. To hunt the late season I often wear rubber boots or hipboots and PVC raingear head to toe.

PS, I noticed that on the WDFW proposed rule changes for next year, they are highly recommending changing the 530 late season archery to 3pt bull only and removing the cow season for a while. This was recommended by the department, not the commision, so I imagine there was actually some survey numbers done and this is being suggested because it would help elk numbers, not done just to hurt hunters. It would be hard to give up cows in the late season for a while. The last cow I harvested in there in 2019 did have substantial hoof rot. Food for thought.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Most of those units have struggling populations anymore.
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If you see herds in farmers fields, go knock on the door.
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I have talked to several ranchers that will flat out say NO, but if you are respectful and offer to help mend fences, or shovel out stalls
Ask about shooting coyotes..
And bring the kid..
 
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Or..
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Go to places you have seen sign.
Much like lottery tickets, elk are wherever you can find one.
Those "unlikely" places are often good because there isn't any pressure.

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Just try picking mushrooms without a weapon. 😀 😀
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