I am confused. You say you will be doing a self guided hunt, but you mention Western Colorado Outfitters. Will this be a self guided drop camp or a private land tresspass hunt? As far as public land, this is the most crowded elk hunting unit in the state. I believe that over 6800 people hunted for elk in 62 last year. You will either need to be on private ground or a long way from a road in the steepest/nastyess area to see elk and not hunters. If I had to hunt this unit, I would only consider the first rifle season, since that is draw only. Privateland huts would also be good. Good luck.