First, you need to decide what you want to get out of an elk hunt. Seriously sit down and evaluate your priorities. If you want a trophy bull, you will need to go the outfitter route. If the hunt is more about comaraderie and being in the mountains, then a DIY hunt might be in order. Do you want to bow hunt or gun hunt? Here in Montana it is not uncommon to drive 1 1/2 hours through the mountains to get to your spot, then another 2 hours of dark hiking to get into position at first light. My point is, hunting can get long and tiring. If your a hiker the mountains can be brutal, you must be in shape. Perhaps you prefer to drive around looking for herds, that's a lot easier. It is imperative to identify the kind of hunt you are looking for. You can do it, but you must be prepared.