RE: Thinking about hunting elk for first time...
Consider contacting the game and fish/DNR and check on their harvest reports. It'll give you an idea of how many hunters in that area get their animal. Also a phone conversation with the warden or conservation officer in that area will likely be well worth the time and cost of the call. Sometimes the forrest service employees (the ones working in the hills) can be a good source as well. If the area is not panning out to be a good one, find another one. If you want to hunt with your buddies, they might enjoy a change in scenery as well. Sometimes people get lucky, but generally elk hunting is hard work, but you have to hunt smart, as well as hard. Good luck.