Well,

In short....ELK.So on the contrary if I found spore and other elk sign I would definately take it as a positive. The best scouting trip would be one where you could see elk and pattern them. If you can find a good basin that is holding elk that is where I would start my hunt.

Of course those mentioned before, as well as basins with good feed in them... But, you can also find places that have: food, water,cover, access, and escape routes and if the elk areanother mountain you're not going to have any luck.