Try to find someone who has experience elk hunting and attach yourself to them. If you can't join their hunt, ask for specific advice. Do your own research on WHERE to hunt: most successful elk hunters don't want to give up their hot spots. Colorado has the most opportunity if you want to hunt elk. Other states may have higher chances for trophies -- but you may need to wait a few years to get a license.


Elk are up high until deep snows drive them off the mountain and down to winter range. This means above 10,000 feet. This is relevant in choosing what game management unit you choose to hunt in. Don't choose a low altitude GMU for a second season hunt; don't choose a high altitude GMU for a late season hunt. Be aware that low altitude GMUs are mostly private land, so you would need to have permission to hunt.


I would say that some aspects of elk hunting are difficult to learn from the Internet or from reading books. You can learn a lot by being on the scene, in the mountains. You could look at a first hunt as an exploratory hunt where you aren't likely to bag an elk (rates of taking elk are about 20% of all licensed elk hunters in Colorado), but you can learn a lot about what you need to do to succeed in a future trip.


I made my first hunt in 2006 and did many things wrong. My next hunt in 2009 was much better and I took a bull, took another bull in 2011, was prevented by heavy snow from success in 2013, took a cow in 2014. Since 2013 I have gone out every year. I'm 60 years old, so I'm conscious that my elk hunting days are limited in number. It is extremely rewarding to hunt elk in the high country of Colorado in October. It is beautiful country.