It isn't recommended for most beginner DIY hunters to use a bow, if you want to harvest an elk, it's recommended to start with a rifle hunt.

Popular beginners places for elk are Colorado, and Wyoming, except Wyoming is draw tags, but if you apply a year or two in advance, you might draw.

I heard people recommend Jim Zumbo's book "Hunt Elk" for tips, so if you want some reference book, I guess that would be worth looking into.