Just my 2 cents...
I hunt eastern white tail and black bears. I have not hunt for elk(yet).
I like ground hunting, but something has to be said about being in a tree. Calming, the views...
Any way, I like hang on's with the mesh seats like Rivers Edgs and Millenium. You have to wear a harness! I use the ultra lite one by hunters safety.
I only go 15', but put them stand in cover of tree limbs and such. I have animals walk all around me. It's great!
I do use a ladder stand and climbers on occasion, but with a longbow or recurve, the bars in front and the sides get in the way too much and leave you limited shooting options.
I do not see why it wouldn't be a good idea for elk. Just set up over a trail, water or food sources.
I will be hunting moose in 3 weeks in Canada and they hunt tree stands for moose at times.
~Wojo