Here's my advice based on my limited elk hunting experience over the past couple years:
1) You don't have to buy all your gear in the next few weeks. If your hunt, like mine were, are later the year, you have lots o' time to figure out what you need.
2) Research what gear you'll need and how you're likely to hunt. Unless you are loaded, there are some good deals to be had here (and Couse Whitetail Forum) on gear.