As you noticed, 9 is relatively flat and there are few vantages to glass from. I've noticed that the elk are well dispersed and can't recommend one area over another. You might look on Google Earth to find some openings away from a road. If it stays dry, don't discount sitting water. Since it has not snowed deeply, the pines in the higher areas will likely have elk still, and they not have moved much to the winter areas that are noted on the AZGFD website.

I have the same tag this year. Good luck on your friend's hunt.