Last yr. was my first ever Elk Hunt. I was in the same shoes you are. But I researched my future Elk hunt for almost 3yrs. I talked to friends, and hunters that'd been there. So I had a good idea what I wanted to do, and what was best for my first time. But I'm far from a expert, but can probably help you some. The location was easy, Colorado all the way. That state far exceeds all in Elk population.1st off you have to decide what type hunt you want to experience. Being a avid bowhunter, and the Elk rut starts mid Sept. I wanted to experience bugling, and calling them in. The Elk rut. So doing a archery hunt was thebest choice. Sitting on a watch all day waiting for someone to push a bull my way, wasn't what I wanted to experience. Of courseknowing little about Elk, and how to go after them. They're totally different from whitetails, and not knowing anyone in Colorado, or any fellow hunters who'd been there going again soon. It was also obvious I'd have to do a fully guided hunt. Colorado also has OTC archery Elk tags, and you can purchase a either sex tag as well. From there I had to find a good guide service. There's are 1,000's in Colorado. I was able to narrow that down by TV hunting shows, local sporting shows, my state club NY Bowhunters. My first trip was awesome, and everything I hoped for. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions I'll be glad to help more if I can.