Here in CO., there are many units/areas that are hunted with draw permits only. Some of the best units may take 8, 10, or more years to draw a permit to hunt. BUT there are also many units that you can buy a tag OTC/over the counter and go hunt. Hunting isn't the best in these units for various reasons, BUT you can go hunt none the less!
Deer tags are all by drawing only. Antelope is much like elk, most units are by drawing only, BUT there are a few OTC units, especially if you bow hunt!
Once you get very familiar to an area, it isn't uncommon for some rifles hunters to kill an elk annually. BUT in the big scheem of elk hunting, the success ratio is not good, around, maybe below 20% for rifle hunters, and worse for archery hunters!