Good Morning, Dr. Vette,
The current era of big game hunting has forced hunters to adapt. While there probably are big bulls killed on general season, over-the-counter tags, the reality is that big bulls are in limited entry areas. That is for good reason. And always go with the rule, not the rare exception.
Without bonus points, you're going to be in the midst of elk hunters who have no bonus points. That means your odds of success will be found in tables that list lowest success rates.
Utah might still be the state producing the biggest bulls. Good luck drawing a massive bull area without 20 bonus points. Coming in second might be a tie between Arizona and Nevada. New Mexico has big bulls. I'd try Wyoming before Colorado, and Colorado before Montana.
Don't limit yourself. Look at Alberta and British Columbia. Due to exchange rates, Canadian hunts might be affordable. But Canadians ain't behind any 8 ball. They probably have factored in exchange rates and have raised their prices accordingly. But then again, huge bull come out of Alberta and British Columbia.
One thing I know for sure is I'll never again go on an over-the-counter elk hunt.
It is both rare and exciting when a guide assures you that a 360 bull is not a shooter. But the sad reality is that such a hunt has become once-in-a-lifetime.