Last year was my first elk hunting experience so I feel I know exactly how you feel.

You mentioned that you don' t know the area and won' t have time to scout. I' d suggest getting some aerial photos and topo maps. You can get a pretty good idea of what you' re getting yourself into with those. Look for natural funnels and places that you think might hold elk. Then call the DOW and pick their brains. You might even want to call some local sporting shops in the area. If you have a specific place in mind they' ll usually give you some info.

Don' t rule out areas low and away from the pressure. Once the guides and hoards of hunters hit the woods elk will often break away from the herd and hold up in places most hunters overlook. That' s what happened with me. We hunted high for 4 days and never once got a shot opportunity. We decided to drop down lower away from the pressure and let them push the elk to us. Day 5 a nice fat cow was on the ground and I' ve never been prouder. In my book that elk ranks right up there with my largest racked whitetail!

In addition, set your sights on something obtainable so you don' t get disappointed. I wouldn' t go with the expectations of shooting a record book bull. Focus on getting any legal elk then if you get the opportunity at a big boy great.

Last but not least, you have beginners luck on your side. Don' t discount that for a minute!!!!