Bull elk tags can be bought over the counter after you arrive. Cow tags are issued by a draw system based on an allotment for the area.
Often the cow tags dont all get drawn in some areas, which means you can also buy those when you arrive. If you plan on hunting without
an outfitter it can be a multi trip learning curve untill you get educated. All education cost in one way or another. I wouldnt necessarily advise
going with an outfitter unless you have several solid references you can depend on. 4 wheelers can be pretty much a requirment if you go alone.
I have friends who have been going to the same area for many years and they do quite well on their own. But they work very hard at it also.
There are also 3 seperate seasons each being for 1 week. The later it gets, the worse the weather can get but thats not always the case in that part of the world.
Deer tags as a rule are more difficult to get than the elk tags.