Sorry I should be more specific...I live in Illinois and had never went elk hunting before.A buddy who lives in Denver,Co. Scouted the area and saw Elk before I arrived. We didnt use a guide and we hunted near Silverthorn and Dillon Co.The hunt was during bow season on 9/13/01. We hunted for 4 days and saw plenty of sign and no elk..Heard one bugle and that was it.the daytime temps were pretty warm up in the 60s. One problem we ran into was Grouse hunters.I dont know what the Elk numbers were in that area and I dont care if I shoot a cow I just want to take an Elk.Gun or bow. If there are better public hunting areas Im willing to do the homework..Id just would like to be pointed in the right direction and given some advice from you guys.