The concensus seems to be DIY. DIY is great. That is what I do. I agree it is likely more rewarding than going with an outfitter, at least if the DIY hunt and camp are reasonably managed and handled. Now if you burn down your tent, if you cut your foot off with an ax, and myriad other things that may happen to a total neophyte who boldly goes out on a DIY hunt . . . maybe less satisfaction than an outfitted hunt.

In any case, do not delay to make an elk hunt at your next opportunity. If you are concerned you are not ready for a DIY hunt because you have to learn too much, do an outfitted hunt and learn from that. If you keep your eyes open and observe what is going on and ask questions, you'll learn in an outfitted hunt, too. You can see an elk gutted and quartered. You can see how a well managed camp is set up and run. You can develop an appreciation for the physical challenge of hiking around the mountains. Maybe you can learn something about elk sign, elk calls, elk habits. Maybe you can learn something about finding elk and/or glassing for elk.

If you are already familiar with the mountains and with camping in the woods, maybe DIY is the way for you to start out. It really isn't that hard, you just need to have confidence in your abilities and be willing to do the hard work that goes with DIY. Think things through. Ask questions from experienced people.