RE: bow hunting for elk
Everything Rich said is right on. Also check out the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's website for lots of info and in addition to the primos stuff, check out Eastmans Hunting Journal website. They are big into DIY public land hunts and have some products that help out with Elk.
All my elk bowhunts have been DIY in CO. Just make sure you bring enough friends to help you pack it out!