I am from the east and we hunt different here   what I am asking is things that you can do to make you a better elk hunter.I have been out west 3 time after elk and Have always had my chance just seem to blow it

I.  Get in shape
II.  Hunt elk

MAP

Experience really helps, and it sounds like you are gaining some valuable experience!  Finding elk is the biggest challenge.  

I think being in reasonable shape is one of the biggest things you can do to improve your chances.  You need to be able to cover some ground to find the elk in the first place.  

Once you are on them the fun begins.  Each situation is different, but it does seem that you need to be fairly aggressive and make something happen.  I've found the DVD's and Playbook sold by Elknut productions to have some solid information on how to handle the close encounters.

Click here for elk hunting primer  

Here is one of the best threads i've ever seen on here about elk hunting.  Good luck to you sir!