1. Do I have to apply for a particular area, or is a tag good for the whole state?
An over the counter open bull tag is good for all open bull & spike areas (but only for killing a spike in a spike area) areas (i.e. statewide). An over the counter spike tag is good for all spike areas only for spikes (statewide). Limited Draws etc are good for specific areas that you are drawing out for that area only (specfic section of the state only).
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
2. What about dates? Is a tag only good for a particular date or can I hunt anytime during the (rifle) season if drawn?
A tag is good for the dates that it is listed for. Over the counter tags are good for the dates they are listed for. I don't know how to answer this beyond that.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
3. When IS elk RIFLE season?
Spike season is Oct 7-15. Open Bull is Oct 7-19.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
4. So if I want to hunt with a buddy we BOTH have to get drawn? What are the odds of that? If I book with an outfitter, do I still have to draw a tag?
You seem fixated on drawing a tag. YOU CAN just buy a tag over the counter. No draw, no luck.
Yes, if your buddy wants to actually SHOOT at an elk, then he needs his own tag. If he just wants to walk with you (and not carry a rifle), then he does not need a tag. Some outfitters can provide a tag for you (for a price obviously). So, if you found an outfitter you liked, he would take care of all of that for you most likely.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
5. If I did get anything, how much does an elk mount cost (just head) and would I have a Utah local do it and ship me the finished mount or do I transport the hide and rack back to Texas to have my regular taxidermist mount it?
Price varies per taxerdermist. $500 is a good average here in Utah. You CAN get them for less and they CAN cost a lot more. You COULD have a local do it, or you COULD drive it back to Texas and have them do it. Whichever you wanted to do.
So if I am looking at a map of a potential hunting area, how do I find out who the owner is and how to contact him? Or do I have to drive there from down here in Texas and drive around until I see a house, then go knock on the front door, get permission (in writing I presume), then drive back to Texas, then put in for a tag drawing?
I have never hunted elk on private property. There is just so much public land in Utah that I don't think it is necessary. I have hunted rabbit on private property (farm lands) and I simply walk up to the farm house and ask. Utah does require permission in writing.
I am sure there is a way involving maps, satellites, etc to figure out who owns what... but you'll have to find someone who does that kind of stuff, as I don't hunt private land.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
Is that available to out of state hunters?
Over the counter elk tags for non-residents are $388.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf
I am sorry that I wasted your time by asking frivolous questions. I was under the impression that the only stupid question was the one left unasked. I'll try to not make that error again. I guess I'll have to RTFM.
RTFM?
You aren't asking frivolous questions. But, you could have done 2 minutes of reading to answer most of the above questions or used common sense to know that you can't hunt on private property without their permission.
The only stupid question is the one left unasked. In your case you could have asked a
better question... "Where can I find the rules and regulations for hunting Elk in Utah?" and then gotten a MUCH better answer.
I never meant to insult. I am one of those people who prefer to at least try to do due diligence prior to asking someone else to take their time answering questions for me... that is all.
I hope the above helps.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/proclamations/2006_biggame/2006_big_game.pdf