I did a DIY black bear hunt this last september in Georgia. I had an absolute blast planning everything - from studying topo maps to doing internet research on bear hunting. I was planning to go to the northeast corner of Georgia to the Chattahoochee WMA but at the last minute a few details fell through and I ended up hunting a WMA on the northwest part of the state. I didn't harvest a black bear but I had a great time and will be planning another trip next year.
A couple of things to remember: (1) Get a topo map. Study that topo map until you see it in your sleep. If you have a gps, use it in a 3-member team with your compass and map. This gives you courage to get away from the road more than just 100 yards or so. (2) Make some phone calls and square aqay food and lodging... thats a no brainer but if its overlooked it can kinda defeat the fun if a good meal isn't a reality. (3) have an extraction plan - if you knock something down where you're hunting a game cart is worth its weight in gold.
As far as states where over the counter tags are available don't rule out Missouri. I grew up an hour west of St. Louis and the hunting is PHENOMINAL up there! Deer and turkey hunters don't realize the paradise they live in until they move away... They only have a 10 day rifle season (happening now through Nov. 22). If you want to hunt Missouri, you need a good muzzleloader or to be a bow hunter. That said, if you're up for the drive there is lots of public ground whee you can reasonably have a chance at a great buck. I wouldn't try to go up north - thats so commercialized that you'd have a hard time finding a parking lot to hunt out of, let alone a full parcel of land. Central Missouri has a few good WMA's that you should check out. One thing I've always loved about Missouri - everyone forgets its there except the folks who know how good the hunting is!
Good luck in your planning - I hope everything goes well for you!
