Reporting back.
First, thanks to @686 and to @BabaYaga for the help and advice. And thanks to all for all the other kind words.
Second, IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE DALLAS SAFARI CLUB'S ANNUAL CONVENTION, PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2023. Holy shit that was awesome. Almost everything you can imagine; if it can be shot or caught, you can plan it there. Plus gear and guns (integrally suppressed lightweight mountain guns, anyone?). Even stuff for your farm/ranch. 882 companies on the exhibitor list. Plus the, ahem, talent was off the charts; 10s were everywhere, and I'm talking about the attendees. Hot chicks love alpha males, and apparently DSC is where hot chicks go to find alpha males.
Third, the mission. I had 19 exhibitors targeted. Express UU Bar happened to be the first I spoke with, as they were right by the entrance. They were booked up with returning clients for the next few years, but Pat was the nicest guy, very knowledgeable, and all-in to help me accomplish the mission. He taught me what I needed to know about my search, referred me to a few exhibitors, and took my info to ask around up there. So, shout out to them.
After two days of searching and considering all options/factors, I chose Royal Rut Ranch in Eagle Mountain, UT. I needed a hunt with a very high probability of success on a 300-400 bull elk, and after meeting the owner and his wife, I was sold. I have a close friend who was just coming along for the ride, but after attending DSC with me, he's decided to pull the trigger, too.
So, I've officially embarked on the mission to take a trophy bull elk this fall - I mailed the deposit check today. I get to do this in the 30th year of my father's passing, using the rifle he never got to use (fuck cancer), and it will take place over what would have been my father's 94th birthday. I'm so fortunate to be able to honor my father and his friends like this. Let's get to it.