Here are a couple pieces of advice.

#1) Find out the name of the local game warden for the area you want to hunt. They usually know a lot about the game in the areas they are responsible for. You can look in the regulations and get the phone numbers for the DOW offices. Wait until all the big game seasons are closed before you try to contact them because they will be in the field until they seasons close. Game Wardens work for the taxpayers and they have a lot of info, for some reason hunters are scared to talk to them. Most of them want to see hunters get game.

#2) The DOW website has an online "Elk University". It has a lot of good info about elk hunting for people new to it. There are also interactive game unit maps and recaps of previous seasons posted.

#3) The time to start scouting is now. Even though you don't have a tag there is nothing saying you can't go to the woods during the remaining seasons. try to find where the elk have been feeding, bedding and watering. Look for old wallows and rubs. See how the ridges and trails run. The more you know about the area the better. Scout from now until the next season a couple times a month since things change as the seasons change.

#4) As you are scouting take note of the heaviest, darkest timber and brush you can find. When the elk get pressured they will head for heavy cover. If you know where it is you can let the other hunters push elk to you.

#5) Meet other hunters. Hang out at sporting good stores, if there are guys that cut wild game so see them. Locals will know the game and if you get in good with them it will help you out.