Man, talk about a loaded question. First of all, you need to narrow your geography down. In some states, you are prohibited from hunting wilderness areas without an outfitter/guide. Decide how you plan to access the elk. In early seasons, they are high. In late season, they are low and usually more accessible from roads. Don't forget, you'll have several hundred pounds of meat to get back to your camp, and then to your vehicle, if you camp away from the road. I'd start by deciding what your means will be to access the elk, provide a camp, and get the meat out. Are you going to rent horses? Bring you own? Will you be using an ATV? Do you have backcountry camping gear? An RV? Do you prefer to hunt from alodge or motel? Having decided those things will help you narrow your public land choices. If you can tell me those things, I'll tell you what I would look for next.