anyone go out west and hunt?

I have went to Colorado 3 times on a DIY bow hunt in tents on Public land (1 time DIY private land) and it is so much fun. It is also hard for a flat lander like me but I get better at it every time I go (except for the thin air and getting older). I have always gotten over the counter mule deer and elk tags up there in town before I head to the mountain. During bow season you want to go to the highest elevation possible for elk. I have had many close calls to arrow bull elk but never flung an arrow, Passed a couple of cows on water holes but was holding out on a bull. I did stick a couple of very nice mule deer in full velvet but had bad luck on both recoveries even with lots of blood to follow. The first buck crossed the yampa river and could not pick up trail on the other side. The second buck had a great blood trail to follow but in the middle of tracking a bad hail storm came up fast for 30 mins and washed all sign away. I had shot both deer on the last day of the hunts so searching the next day was impossible and very frustrating. I am heading back this year with a gun and cow tag with new CO local friends and hunting spot so wish me luck. I am mainly scouting new ground and looking to fill freezer. I would recommend going with someone with experience so you don't have to learn the hard way like me but I am hard headed and had fun doing it the hard way.

It is to late for the limited draw tags but they have a lot of left over tags.
http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/P...-License-Email&utm_content=Bear-License-Email

You could do it this year depending on what kind of shape you're in and how much gear you already have, and how much money you're willing to spend. It's like anything, you can buy the cheap, middle grade, or best and they all come with different prices. I did a DIY elk hunt in Wyoming last year for my first ever hunt out west. I met up with some guys that have hunted together for years that also got together from a hunting forum. Two were from Pennsylvania and me and another guy from LA. I was researching equipment, calls, tactics, food, you name it for months. We went for two weeks camping out of packs in the mountains of both Bridger and Medicine Bow N.F. This kind of hunting is extremely rewarding and pretty tough if you're not ready for it. I bought a lot of equipment second hand like a tent and pack. These can be major purchases if going new. I would not go without a GPS which I already had. Just start really doing some research and gain as much info. as possible for next year or if you're ballsy enough, this year. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/forum.php and http://www.backpacking.net/bbs.html are two good sites for info. We are going to Colorado this year in an OTC unit. My mother is currently getting chemo treatments for cancer so depending on her health at the time I may be cancelling this year and heading back to WY next year. BTW, I came really close on a spike elk and had the time of my life just working a really nice bull that was coming in but got busted by a calf who wanted to come sit in my lap. Feel free to give me a PM if you have any questions.