If this is a cattle and farming region, check with farmers in the area. They usually are more than willing to rid themselves of the elk that eat their grass and wheat crops so will usually readily share info on where to find them.
If you have a game management group like Fish and Wildlife, call them to see if there have been any game complaints in your area. I've done this a couple times and found lots of farmers that were glad to have you come and shoot their local elk.
Good luck with the hunt.
Bob
