I've shot a few elk....but all cows with the exception of a yearling bull when I was 9 or 10. We didn't know he was a bull till we rolled him over and saw he had nuts.
I am still hoping to kill a nice bull.... Multiple big bulls withing 30 yards while bow hunting, but no tag so they go to walk.
I would gladly pay for an out of state tag or guide...but the cost is just as much as moose hunting in Canada, and I would rather kill bull moose. One of these days....
Good luck in your search for the big 5x5. I will being living vicariously though this post, hoping for pictures.