Elk hunting out West in the mountains is so much different from other big game hunting back in IL, it would be difficult to know where to begin. I would seriously suggest you find someone who has hunted Elk for a number of years successfully, knows their habits, how to find and get close at least the first couple hunts.
I too would suggest you consider a cow Elk hunt for several years to learn and maybe someday hunt your big bull. Especially since you're likely going to be hunting public.
No articles or suggestions on a forum are going to fully prepare you for what you're going to have to do to successfully find and harvest an Elk.
But just to give you a small taste, read June/July 2007 Outdoor Life articles "Elk on Your Own" and "High Country Survival". You better go prepared mentally, physcially, equipment and respect that many things including the mountains and weather there can cause you very serious problems. Don't take it lightly.
Be prepared to walk, pack and climb up and down ridges further and harder than you've ever imagined. You need to be where you have reason to believe Elk will be at first light, spotting and stalking all day til dark. If you are fortunate to harvest an Elk, have some plans ahead of time how you're going to keep the meat fresh and out even if your a number of miles in on foot, especially since with bow you're most likely hunting earlier. I think that is where your guides and/or experienced hunter you need to find will be invaluable, as well.
I know there are many on this site who have much more experience and knowledge of this than I do and can share more. I gaurantee if you go into this it'll open your eyes to experiences you've never seen before and you'll learn more new things everytime you go.
Good luck and stay safe.