scouting trip

So i took off friday night to go scouting and now i need some advice! I ran up one canyon to see lots of tracks and trails everywhere but only saw two pine hens. This draw had a small stream, alot of different terrain mixed in (rocky hillside, aspens, a big cut where the forest fire burned a few years ago, and alot of new undergrowth.) it was at least ten degrees colder and had a slight breeze (versus the rest of the spots i was) but i didnt manage to actually see anything. I then hiked up over the top and down into another canyon and saw tracks again (not near as many as the first), i didnt find a substantial water source but found alot of fresh scrapes and a big 5x5 beded on a sw facing slope, this canyon is more of a "dark timber" canyon. I know elk need alot of water and as far as i can find its either drop into the first canyon or go five miles down to the river....

Ill be hunting with a bow and this area was about 10 miles back, i was thinking camp on the ridge seperating the two canyons so i can run off either side but i was wondering if anyone with some experience has a better idea???