I would consider a guide for the first time, even if you dont get a huge bull the experience will be invaluable. Trying to elk hunt "LIVE WITHOUT A NET" can really be tough and disheartening. W/ a guide you can get a feel for it w/o hanging yourself out there on a limb. If you can hook up w/ a experienced elk hunter to throw in w/ you can do ok also, but if you screw things up a guy who isnt being paid to put up with rookie mistakes isnt going to be a patient as the guy you paid to help you. good luck