I read in Outdoor Life awhile back that the the non-resident DIY success rate in Montana was 3% (bull and cow).
I love how a bunch of jackasses tried to tell everyone that it was anything other than 2-4%, like I already said. Those guys are idiots with their panties misalligned.
The DIY public land success rate is tiny. That's a FACT. If armed hiking with no elk in sight appeals to you, by all means buy a tag and give it a try. If you want a horseback ride in the wilderness and a hard hunt after less than ideal elk, a outfitted hunt on public land may give you that. If you want your pick of trophy elk, a trespass fee or guided hunt on private/tribal land (which implicitly includes a trespass fee) will give you that.
Pay to play, or take your rifle for a walk. Your choice
