Meeker, Craig and Dove Creek are good. But as you know this is public land and when you go, and that is which rifle season which will also depend on the weather as well. It will be fun for you your son and your wife and you have an opportunity to get an Elk. Let your son get a Bull tag and you...
You could most definitely do it yourself. Hunt BLM land in CO. Your tags is what is going to be, somewhat costly which are over the counter. Find a unit and you could stay in a motel, if ones nearby or camp depending on what time of year you go. It may be 70 degrees one day and a foot of snow...
I hope I or my son and I have the opportunity to have a shot on one of the first two bucks. I can’t tell if this buck is the same one from last year though.