I am considering a self guided, do it yourself late season cow elk hunt next late Dec/Jan to include several of my kids. I'm completely new to elk hunting, never done it. Anyone have good info or tips on the best state to get licenses and find private lands to hunt?

We're looking for a meat hunt, having to shoot at least 6 whitetails a year in MI for our freezer is taking away from our buck hunting experiences.

Sorry this post is so open ended, but as I said I know nothing about hunting western states and elk hunting.Thanks for any info out there.