Elk are always tough & when it's hot that makes it even tougher. You don't say if there are any sheepherders in the area, if there are try talking with them, or showing them photo's of what you are looking for & ask about water holes.

If not, ask the local ranchers or high school kids, some of them will talk, you need to find the water & the dark timber on the north facing & the east facing slopes. Elk don't like direct sunlight so they are going to be in heavy timber & only come out in shady meadows very early & very late.

Not always but most times, bugling is a waste of time on public land, they are too educated, but cow calling will work, just don't get carried away do it.

If you can't find water you won't find elk, it will be in shady areas where they can sneak in & drink or wallow, many times you will smell them, now you've found a honey hole. Set up so you have the wind in your favor if you can be below the water if possible, elk like to come in fast when them come in. They will run in fast & noisy using their eyesight to bale them out. Of course they are using their noses but mostly they are relying on that old lead cow to make sure it's safe. The bull or bulls will come in last, be patient. Very seldom will a bull ever come in first. Good luck!

Dick