Big TK,
First sit down and write a list of the things you want to know and what is important to you. I always like to get away from the crowds and pressure and look for the roughest country.
I always ask more questions about the country and the pressure sometimes they will start talking about the animals on their own.
Some samples:
Where do most of the hunters camp?
Which roads are open in the area/closed?
Are there any areas in the unit that are more remote or just plain tough for a hunter to get into?
Is there any private land with restricted access in the unit I need to be aware of?
Where to do you see the hunters having the most success in the unit?
What is the average size of the bulls in the unit so you will know a representative animal when you see it? (not all units have 350 bulls in them)
If it was you and you were going on your first elk hunt where would you camp and hunt in the unit?
Get your maps of the area out before you call so you are prepared when they start naming places. Start out with saying you have been doing your research and looking at the maps but not being familiar with the area you could sure use a little help getting a hunting spot nailed down.
Let them know it is your first trip out there and don' t try to sound like a know it all, people are usually more than happy to help out.
Good luck!