Before you step foot on the land you need to be researching. Utilize Google Maps and your own memory to find an area suitable for hunting.
You can expect elk to avoid civilization as much as possible, and you need to do the same. Put in the work to find areas in public land that are farther away from public roads and popular trails.
You should not be so stuck in your plans that you stay in an area that obviously has no elk. Understanding early on that you might have to move around will prepare you for branching out.