Being your first elk hunt, Make sure you consider some important matters such as bow poundage. I like to see 60# or more, you can take them with less, but consider some situations that may occur such as drawing from both knees or one knee, or one or both knees drawing in an odd position because elk comes in a spot you didn' t think he would. You may be able to draw, but can you do it smoothly with little detection. Something to think about and by all means practice shooting in these positions, you' ll be glad you did.
As far as average distances go, most elk are taken in the 20 to 30 yrd range. Assuming you shoot a compound, elk can be taken effectivley out to 45yds. Practice those 10 and 15 yd shots as well so you have total confidence in equipment and abilities both. For example my setup is a Hoyt set at 74lbs with Gold Tip 7595 arrows with weight tubes and 130 grn Muzzy 4 blade head, total arrow weight 490grns. This is a very effective combo for elk. Good Luck. elknut1