I don't see much for elk during rut, as I don't bow hunt due to a bad arm. During rifle season rut is over, and the elk stay high. They come down at night for water usually. They will stay low once winter hits, but that isn't till middle of November, at least around here (Deer Lodge/Helena, Montana). Out in the woods, the best way I have found elk is by the smell of their urine. The smell lasts about 30-45 minutes, and can smell it about 50 yards away. It smells like a musky cow piss/crap.
The area I go, I know where they occasionally cross in the morning, so I get there before sun up, and stay hidden. After that I might drop a bag, pack light, keep quiet hug tree lines and keep moving. Winter didn't hit till early December this year, so I wasted a lot of time staying low. I had one elk in my sights, but couldn't tell if it was legal or not, and didn't take the shot. I figure I got 30 more years of elk hunting left in me and there is no reason to lose my hunting rights shooting a spike instead of a bull.
As for calling them in during rut, I have no experience, though my friend called in a moose once that suggested he leave promptly. I might get some paperwork filled out allowing me to have a line lock on my bow, so I can bow hunt. But then I am required to have someone come with me.