1st time CO elk?

[Morning Star]

A few friends and I are planning on Colorado  next fall.  Looking for an OTC area, not worried much about trophy quality, just a good experience and a solid chance at bringing some meat home.  
We need to limit our spending to 1500 per person, that's not including the tag and travel expenses.  
We're not looking for a guided hunt, but maybe a drop camp or such.  What would be our best options on that budget?

[Orion]

If you do a DYI hunt, you can do the entire hunt, including tag and transportation for $1,500 each.  I've always done DYI hunts so can't recommend an outfitter to drop you off.  Regardless, might want to consider avoiding the third week of season because it coincides with the muzzleloader season for elk.  All of the public areas I've hunted during that time have been overrun with hunters, and you'll need to get a couple of miles off the road and away from trailheads during that time.  You'll see the fewest hunters the last week of season, which is the best time to be there IMO. Good luck.

[Whip]

I agree with Jerry, last week of the archery season would be my first choice.  Drop camp might be a good option unless you already have all the gear that you would need.  But with good planning, the right gear, and being in shape you can DYI fine as well.  Not easy to find, but there are still some private land tresspass fee ranches around, and that would be a great place to invest $1,500.  If on public ground concentrate your search for areas that aren't overrun with ATV's.  ATV's everywhere = elk nowhere.

[Morning Star]

If on public ground concentrate your search for areas that aren't overrun with ATV's. ATV's everywhere = elk nowhere.
 

What's the best way to find out which areas are not accessible by ATV's?

[Whip]

Wilderness areas naturally don't allow ATV's.  Beyond that, I think you would need to look at the specific rules for the land you are planning to be on.  National Forests, BLM, State Owned lands each can have specific rules.  Generally, ATV's can be used on roads and trails designated for ORV use.  Trails should be marked as to what type of use is allowed.  A big problem though is the unlawful uses in areas where they shouldn't be.  

I haven't hunted public land in CO for a number of years, but from what I hear there are parts of the State that are overrun with the machines.  I believe CO recently passed a new law that allows local police to enforce violations.  Even where the rules were in place in the past enforcement was a problem.  Hopefully the new rules will help in that regard.

Check with Dave2old here.  He is involved with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and might be able to point you in the right direction.