RE: best state for muley hunt
Given your criteria, I too would have to agree that Wyoming would be the place to go. Either And as my colegues have mentioned, March 15th is coming up fast. You can save time by printing the aps off the G&F website. Make sure to check the box called "Party Application Block". It ensures that if one hunter draws, you both draw. Example: you would mark yours "1 of 2" and your G'pa would be "2 of 2".
If you are interested in the Cody area just because there is a lot of BLM, there are lots of other public land hunting opportunities in Wyoming. State lands, Nat'l Forrests, private lands called "Walk-In Areas" and "Hunter Management Areas". There are also some G&F properties that you can hunt around the state. The G&F website lists all these under the link "Public Access". If your wanting to stick to the northern part of the state, I might suggest Regtions C or even A.
I believe trophy's are everywhere. Just a lot harder to find. Certainly, more trophy's will be more denseley concentrated in areas that are not hunted as much.
If March 15 comes and goes unsuccessfully, G&F also has a drawing in July called "leftover" licences. Keep in touch with the G&F website for more details.
Good luck . . . and enjoy~!