Several thoughts. First, at least put in for a preference point this year. Can do it online with a credit card. Costs you $253.25 up front, but they will refund all but $28 in early June.
Second: here is a good link to study:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/Statistics/
Go to the harvest statistics (04 is the last year they have stats for). It shows that in that year, there were over 2800 hunters for elk for all seasons with an overall success rate of 21%. There were 323 bow hunters with a 12% success rate.
Look at that success rate of 12% really hard. Chances are you will be lucky to do that well this year. If they are available, you might consider an OTC cow elk tag. Where we hunt you can purchase one For $250 whereas the either sex tag is about $490. Might just try for a cow until you learn the area.
It is tough to find anywhere "away from other hunters". Your best bet is to hike at least 2-4 miles into a roadless area. Outfitters go farther, most hiker hunters don't go that far. Then find the steepest, meanest looking mountains or drainages and go find elk!
As far as unit 25, haven't been there so I can't give you any pointers and the unit I hunt in has even more hunters, so I won't tell you to come there. That unit is as good or bad as any other. You will just have to do some research on the area and then scout this year while huntting to learn the area. True succes in elk hunting, especially with a bow, is measured in years, not one hunt. Good luck
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
