Sometimes it's obvious, but either way if they're relatively close to me, I will call then in or move on them during archery to let them know there is another hunter around (if ML better wear some orange). If they'll let me, I'll talk to them to see what they're plans are, where they're camped...
I second LostArra. I am cold calling at the tent at first light no matter what. I'm not walking blindly, either in the dark or through thick timber, until I've gone through my calling sequence and am absolutely certain there is not an elk around coming to me. Then I'm generally moving slow...
When I was a newby I failed ALOT because I simply did not understand elk behavior. I was in shape. Lots of backcountry experience. Had decent gear. And was comfortable in the backcountry for days on end. I, however, did not understand movement patterns, their preference for different habitat...