ORIGINAL: bowtechben
Sounds like a sweet problem to have Matt. I think that if it were me, even though I would love to whitetail hunt the midwest someday, I would have to head for Denver for elk. A buddy of mine went to some public land out there and had some success finding.....ya finding and shooting at....not hitting or killing elk. I think that it was like 2 and half hours south of denver...I know I can get the info if you want me to check further on it. Let me know. I just think that out there its easier and cheaper to DIY. You may be able to get a buddy involved if you have 1500 to spend. I know my friend went with a buddy and camped out for a few days at a time...getting deep in to the public land out there and loving it.
Rick James: If your looking for a travel partner on a DIY, I have a voucher for free airfare as well. I'd love to do some elk hunting on some public land. Have heard several stories of succesful hunts with DIY guys going to montana and colorado etc.