Started elk hunting at 50 yrs old. Have hunted Kentucky once, Colorado twice and New Mexico once. All public land. Connected on a nice bull the third year, in New Mexico. Have learned a lot with a whole lot more to learn.
Shot a raghorn 5 days into my first year. More luck than skill. Was walking in to a place to glass and was taking a break and looked up on the hill side and the rag horn was staring at me broadside 80 yards away.
Three seasons. First season I passed on a shot at a cow. Second season I let my friend shoot a young bull, while standing next to him. The third season I shot a bull while by myself. All on public land.
First year. Hunted a general MT unit for archery. Had a bull @ 20 yards full draw, but there was a log blocking his vitals. Went back for rifle season and shot the same bull on a different ridge close by.
I've only gotten to go elk hunting one time and that was for a cow. I was successful on my fourth day, but I had someone super familiar with the elk in the area with me.