Bowhunting on your first time DIY would be a great learning exerience. Just figure maybe a 10% chance of getting a shooting opportunity, not neccesarily of coming back with an elk. And I would also highly recommend to shoot the first legal elk you see, bull or cow, itmay very wellbe your only chance.

If you still want to go during September, then I recommend a cow muzzleloading tag. There might even be a few left over. Otherwise you would have to apply for one next spring. Gets you in the woods during the archery season with a higher chance of success, and you will learn the country for next year. Believe me, if you kill a cow elk, you will be honored and in awe at taking such a creature. It will be a great experience.

Secrets: Hunt harder and longer (leave before daylight and come back in the dark) and further from roads than others are willing to do. And havea plan for packing 500# of meat out on your back. If you see a place that you say: "Man, I wouldn't want to pack an elk out of there", you are close to finding a good place to hunt! If you aren't willing to do that, then save up and do a "tresspass" private land hunt, usually $1000-2000. Decent guided hunts run $3000-4000.

And know your limitations and set limits before you go. I had a hard max range of 40 yards for an elk even though I practice out to 60. Had a 6x6 at 47 yards and waited for him to move closer last time I bowhunted. Wind swirled and so did the elk!

Also, don't leave camp without a daypack with a survival kit that will get you through a night if need be.Expect the best, but plan for theworst. Carry extra batteries for your flashlight. We carry the combo walkie talkie/GPS units. These units eat batteries, so take extra for them too. Even if by yourself, there will be others in the woods with walkie talkies, so you can probably reach someone if you get into trouble.

Watch out, you will get addicted.