There is a large number of elk in the general area. That particular herd is always impressive to see. If you’re interested in a scenic drive, take Hwy 115 in the morning or close to sundown from Meers heading towards Mountain View. Between Meers and the old Saddle Mountain store, you are almost guaranteed to see elk. To be more specific, they can usually be seen within a couple of miles on either side of Saddle Mountain (the actual mountain not the store). All of the locations mentioned can be found with your map app/gps.Don't know about the hunt but Friday morning I saw a large herd just off I-44 on Ft Sill property (I think...like the NE corner). I had no idea there were elk around there.
ETA: Saw elk practically every day I lived in Colorado from 1989 to 2015. Lived right on the edge of national forest and wilderness in northern Idaho for 5 years...never saw a single elk. NEVER thought I'd see elk in Oklahoma. I'm glad I did.