Wyoming area 98 for DIY. Can't get into too much trouble there, and good for getting your feet wet.
98 is a great unit, as a matter of fact I just killed a cow there last night.
Early season will likely find the elk in the wilderness though (a no-no for a non-outfitted non-resident), and if the OP goes for the cow/calf tag, after Nov 20 the hunt area shrinks to that teeny, tiny area east of Scab Creek, with little public access.
There is a LOT elk in the unit though, no doubt.
