Tracks cantell you a lot but can be very deceiving too. As a first year elk and bowhunter I would recommend just getting out there and learning by seeing.Sometimes they are impossible to find and other times they will be all over. It is amatterof being in the right place at the right time and then making the right move. The more you are out in the mountains the more you will learn by just being out there.

Marshy areas are not necessarily wallows for big bulls. Once again as the rut moves on tracks can tell you this.

As a beginner I would recommend listening for bugles and making your move in that direction. Even if you are not calling, most bulls will bugle multiple times. You will be able to tell if they are movingor staying still and decided how fast you need to walk to catch up. I have used this many times with sucess. Can you tell already that I don't sit very long. I am always on the move and may sit inside or outside bedding areas for very short periods of time. I do not envy tree stand hunters at all. I couldn't do it.

Another thing in my area is South facing slopes for feeding. Seems to be where they are at.