Thank you guys. Messages received. Let me clarify a few things. I plan to get into great shape for this hunt. My wife is saving $5000 for my trip and I don't plan to hunt without a guide or a group for my first elk trip.
My buddy is good friends with Fred Eichler and is hunting at his place this fall. They do day hunts from his "lodge" (not sure what the term would be), but I'm interested in setting up camp in the mountains and covering lots of ground. I started shooting out to 30 yards with my 45lb longbow but plan on getting into a 55lb bow before my trip. I have two shoulder tears (one each shoulder), so I have to slowly progress into a heavier weight. Again, any and all advice is greatly appreciated. I am an experienced hiker and camper having covered many miles of the Appalachian Trail through NC, PA, NJ, NY, CT, VT, and NH.