Lots of good advice here from BJ and others.

Where I hunt in Western Washington its all thick cover broken up by clearcuts. You might see a spike or raghorn out in the open, but almost never a mature bull during rifle season.

The only thing I would add is about pacing your movements. Course it helps if you know the woods you're in...

In marginal cover I move pretty quickly- and I do get surprised once in awhile- but if you move at a "stalking pace" all of the time you will cover precious little elk country.

Course slow and careful when your in good cover or on sign. Didn't see too much in earlier posts about following sign; but if you get good at it your chances of coming up on animals and not spooking them increases dramatically.

Sometimes, the exact opposite, or an all-out sprint is called for. If elk are moving ahead of you, and you can figure where their going, that kind of ambush is the best chance to score, far better than catching up to them or sneaking on them bedded. See elk or hear elk but can't approach. Run, if needed, as far as neccessary to get in front of em without spooking. You may have to loop or detour. Keep the wind right. If you plan it right and are a bit lucky they will be right there. BOOM! Gettin excited just thinkin about it!