Hello I am fairly new to traditional archery and very new to elk hunting. I am an avid hunter of whitetail, waterfowl, small game etc. but I am an obsessive spring turkey hunter and consider myself a decent hunter and woodsman. I was stationed at Fort Carson,CO in the army between deployment in 2002 and fell in love with the country I saw around the state. One morning on maneuver I heard an elk bugle and it was awesome! I have been doing some extensive research on DIY backpack hunts, elk in general, and various wilderness areas. I am very inexperienced but I realize the dedication and devotion this type of hunting requires. I know the success rate is very low, particularly for rookie hunters. If it’s anything like hunting the eastern wild turkey there is a learning curve that only experience can overcome. I have many good reliable friends, some that even have elk hunting experience, albeit with firearms. I know several physically fit men that are “hunters” but question their reliability and tenacity in that environment. I have read many posts on here and really feel as if though I have found like minded hunters on ethics, fair chase, and realizing it’s not all a boy the kill. I am planning my first hunt nearly two years in advance so I can gain more knowledge, acquire the proper gear and equip., physically condition myself, and hopefully find and get to know a like minded bow hunter as a partner. It would be great to go with someone with experience but my main concern is reliability. I am open to any advice or suggestions. I am 35, married with two beautiful children and am employed with one of the major railroads in the u.s. I do get vacation time so getting off is not an issue. I plan to take two weeks for a six day hunt.