You are going to be let down going from Bozeman to Libby, regarding Elk that is. Im south of Libby quite a ways, and I have almost given up hunting to my north. Much more productive areas to hunt Elk IMO.
To be clear though...I have no knowledge of trespass hunting. I could however point you to a very solid chunk public land. I would likely be hunting it as well.
If you decide Montana, PM me. I would love to help. My father is also aging, and is in the same boat with Elk. Somehow they have always eluded him. Muleys....not so much.
Pretty good book to get you started. I think some of that book has remained pretty relevant as well. Particularly what he says about the Castle mountains. I found it to be helpful. You are probably on the best forum out there to gain valuable up to date information about Elk. Lots to read.
Ive seen a black bear swimming between islands on two separate occasions. Both times a considerable distance fr the shore and both times headed TOO the islands.
I agree 100% with having to take a class BEFORE applying. The education requirement would filter the "rif raf" much more effectively than a financial barrier. Some of the hardest working most dedicated outdoorsmen I know count their wealth by days in the field not dollars in the bank....