RE: first elk hunt
you can hunt the water in the early morning (set up before light) and evening - you can get a good sense in your scouting a day or two before - if there is good sign you can glass that area in the am and pm to see preferential paths - just be on the good side of the wind. The elk will usually bed during the day so they will likely not be too close the water. If it is warm they will be in dark spots during daylight hours - maybe browsing - but mostly rest.