Step 1: You're expectations: how much, what animal, what size (trophy or any), would a cow be ok? What about a spike? What about waiting a year or two or three... for a draw tag, or OTC?

That will narrow down to certain states and outfitters.

Step 2: Find outfitters that match step 1. Outdoor shows are great you meet them face to face. Internet sites, word of mouth etc.

ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Any outfitter who gets impatient with your questions or hesitates on answers, cross em off the list. Ask the same question several times in several conversations, if the answer changes, cross em off the list.

Things to ask:

Cost and what does it include? License? Airport pick up? Butcher (most of the time these are not included, though airport pickup sometimes is). Caping?

Waiting list: long waiting list good sign, no waiting list and can hunt on short notice: bad sign.

How long has he outfitted in that area?

How long have his guides been with him?

How much business is repeat business?

what defines success in his success rate?

What will happen if you have a guide you don't get along with?

then pick one, send in your money and stop worry about it (worrying about it consumed me before my first hunt).

Get in shape, in good elk country they seem to forget to put oxygen in the air and they don't seem to believe in flat land.