I’m not an experienced elk hunter by any means but here are things to start narrowing it down (and this applies to any hunt really):
1) Take a realistic assessment of what you’ll be physically capable of when you go (I know OP said he’s in shape but this applies to everyone) Can you hike mountains in Wyoming / Colorado for a week? Or are you better suited to gentler brush country in New Mexico? Don’t forget about elevation.
2) Ties into 1 but what style hunt are you looking for? Do you want to backpack - you probably won’t find many outfitters offering this. Do you want to horse pack in and stay in a wall tent? Would you prefer to stay in a lodge or house with heat, showers, etc.? How would you feel if the outfitter truck hunts ranches?
3) What are you looking for out of the hunt? Is the scenery and experience just as or more important than killing something? Given the travel, time, and especially money involved with outfitted hunts, it’s OK to admit that killing is high priority. Do you want a trophy bull or are you really OK with a cow? If this is going to be a once every 5-10 years thing you may want to build points and pay to go somewhere with higher trophy quality. If you think it could become an every other year thing, just getting into elk country may be the priority.
4) Pick a weapon to more easily assess need for points, ability to get a license, etc. Lots of guys like the allure of screaming bulls and rut action. Don’t hunt with a rifle in late October if you want to hear bugles all day and night (don’t assume you’ll hear them just because you bow hunt September either lol)
5) Budget obviously comes into play and is a factor for 99% of hunters.
Assessing the above should help you start to narrow down the scope of hunts that appeal to you. Once you do that, you may find they’re too expensive, require too many points, etc. depending on what you prioritize. Figure out where you may be willing to adjust and re-assess.
At that point start researching outfitters (here, google, WTA, etc.) and having discussions with outfitters. Do you like them / feel like they’re shooting you straight? What’s success rate, opportunity rate, repeat booking rate (this is a big one), request references for guys who killed and didn’t kill - pay extra attention to the ones who didn’t kill. If you get glowing recs from guys who went home empty handed and they want to go back, it’s a good sign. If the outfitter won’t give references for guys who didn’t kill, move on. If they pressure you to book, generally move on as most good outfitters will be booked at least a year or two out depending on tags and area. I’m sure I could write more but this should get you in the right direction.
