I am in the midwest (St. Louis) and I am looking for the closest place to bag an elk. This would not be a trophy hunt, cow hunt with only meat in mind. Also don't want to break the bank, but would like a reasonable opportunity to kill a decent cow. I have been hunting for 40 years and have never done a pay-to-play, but would not be completely against it. Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!