Well let me first say I’ve only hunter Wyoming. That being said, If I could start over I would probably go Idaho. Wyoming is getting harder to draw tags in especially limited archery non resident. 6-10 years! Which means more and more general pressure. Pick a state, and pick an area and learn it. Go ahead and write off success the first few trips. You’ll enjoy it more. If You start state or map jumping around you will never be successful. If people say there’s elk In a unit then there probably is and you gotta find them. Don’t get obsessed with “ going 7-8 miles back” most people that do that in most states end up a half mile from another road. That just makes for cool you tube videos and hunting workout gimmicks. Most guys that are successful will tell you if you walked 5 miles in, you walked past 4 miles worth of game. My sleep system is a 3 man north face full fly tent. 30 degree cheap sleeping bag, and a GOOD sleeping pad.