Ohioian wanna be elk hunter

[brock lube]

Hello, new member here. Old member on Archery Talk. I live in Ohio, and like many of you, I want to hunt Elk. I am wanting to get out west in 2020 with my nephews to chase some elk.
Soooo many questions..
Being over 50, I question if I can hang with the elements. But I will never know until I take on the challenge.

Guide or not? I would rather have a guide, but I am extremely tight with money. After you pay for the hunt, guide tips, cook tips and other tips, I wonder would it be better to try on my own.
I can buy some decent gear for $5000-$7000.

Where to go? I'm not looking for huge bulls, I would be ecstatic with a decent 5x5.

I have been pouring through all the posts on "where to hunt" "guide or no guide".

Okay, I'm done venting! I will continue to try to decipher the Internet for all my answers. Seems to be a lot of knowledge here. I have enjoyed the majority of your posts.

 

[realunlucky]

Welcome Brock. Plenty of threads on rokslide about first time elk hunting. Elk hunting will challenge even veteran hunters some go all season and never see a legal bull and others make a trip and never see an elk. It's all worth it when it finally comes together though. Good luck sounds like a great family bonding opportunity.

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[mathews8pt]

Welcome! I found a lot of great info here when i started planning my first trip, as im sure you will.

I would set some realistic expectations based on your weapon and area you end up hunting. You will learn a lot from the first trip.

What part of Ohio are you from?

 

[Cervicidal]

Welcome!
I am in a very similar situation. Over 50 and looking to head out for my first time.
I am spending my $$ on gear and I'm going to DIY. I would probably have a better chance of killing an elk with a guide but I bet I can have an awesome experience on my own...with my cool new gear! Already started hauling my pack around. Gathering gear and testing it out every chance I get.
Happy hunting! and Happy New Year!

 

[brock lube]

Welcome! I found a lot of great info here when i started planning my first trip, as im sure you will.

I would set some realistic expectations based on your weapon and area you end up hunting. You will learn a lot from the first trip.

What part of Ohio are you from?

I live about 20 minutes south of Columbus.

- - - Updated - - -

Welcome!
I am in a very similar situation. Over 50 and looking to head out for my first time.
I am spending my $$ on gear and I'm going to DIY. I would probably have a better chance of killing an elk with a guide but I bet I can have an awesome experience on my own...with my cool new gear! Already started hauling my pack around. Gathering gear and testing it out every chance I get.
Happy hunting! and Happy New Year!

Are you looking to hunt this year or next? Are you looking to bowhunt or rifle? My nephews and I are all bowhunters.

 

[Cervicidal]

I plan to go this fall. I will be bow hunting.

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[brock lube]

I'm not sure I understand the OTC process. I would like to hunt in Unit 85. The 2018 Archery OTC map claims that it is OTC. But there are some units that are highlighted with a different color than 85. Example: Unit 83 is highlighted in black, while Unit 85 is highlighted in red, both claim to be OTC. I don't see any legend that signifies the color code...

 

[HUNTER100]

Welcome