Andy_o
A lot of states have a lottery for tags,like Montana has so many tags for no-resident hunters.They give so many to outtfitters,and the rest is up for grabs by non-outfitted hunters.A outfitter sponsored tag almost garuntees you a tag bot they can cost you plenty.
I think Colorado offers over the counter tags for elk,I don't know if they are either-sex or just cow,I'm sure they have drawing also for select areas.
Look on the web for DNR's for Colorado,or Fish,Wild Life and park's
For Montana go to www.fwp.state.mt.us,I think the application deadline is March 15 for non-residents.
Hope this helps BBJ