Pick what part of archery season you want to hunt. middle of the season is combined with muzzleloader. At the beginning of archery this year the elk still had velvet on their horns. Rut will be better from the middle to the end of season. Be ready for some screwed up weather. The temps will vary from the 30 in the morning to 70s in the afternoon. Elevation is a killer once you pick a unit find out what elevations you will be hunting and get ready for it. Be ready to quarter the animal in place. even a small elk is almost impossible to drag.