Free: Contests & Raffles.
I have elk hunted the same area my whole life so I have a fairly good idea of what they are trying to do and where they like to hide. I like to focus most of my scouting on learning the actual areas, finding new ambush spots, looking for a good glassing spot, seeing where the springs run this year, etc. I'm up pretty high in the Cascades so most of the elk are lower until fall anyways but being familiar with terrain and knowing good routes from place to place is just as important to scout as the animals in my opinion.
Spring and summer is also a great time to glass elk and study their interactions within the herd dynamic, and their vocalizations. I really enjoy slipping in on a herd and just listening and watching. You can actually learn a lot about social structure and communication just be being an observer without the pressure of having to interact with them.