Don't know the area you are hunting and apparently you don't either. I would say not a chance in Hell to kill a big bull on public ground. Most people that hunt public ground hunt the private ranch boundaries and hope for elk to make a mistake. Some areas that is practical and some it is not because of distance to get game out without pack animals. Also without setting something up before season with landowners, I would not expect to get on private land late in the hunting season. Landowners get many calls and visits from hunters during the season asking to hunt. They are so sick of hunters by the end of the season and this is one reason why many hire outfitters to manage hunting. Good luck.
