By far, the best place to find a trophy-sized bull elk is Arizona. All hunting is by lottery permit only, and there are lots of elk, so hunters usually have no problem finding a big six-point bull. New Mexico is another state that limits hunting and offers excellent trophy potential. Not only was the hunting better, but the bulls responded better to bugling because they were mature and more impatient to mate. However, even in the over-hunted states there are some trophy opportunities.
Large cattle ranches in elk country often have good resident elk herds.
These elk are managed for trophy hunting. In fall, these cattle companies offer trophy bull elk hunting that rivals anything Arizona or New Mexico has to offer. Every year a handful of really huge bulls are taken from these states that manage elk for trophy potential. If you want one of these really big bulls, do some research and apply for a one of these special permits. Sooner or later, you'll get lucky and draw one.