I say go for it. Don't expect to come back with many elk if any this trip. As stated before, shoot the first legal elk you get within range. Regardless, it will be a blast.

For the guys that were telling you to really check out the guide, they must have missed the part where you told them that a son of one of the guys going was a guide for the outfitter. Should be a pretty good recommendation in itself. That said, unit 44 is a primo deer unit, but is not known for elk except in some small pockets, usually quite a bit from the road. The one setting the hunt up though may know a good honey hole. Obviously, he won't be taking you to his primo spot.

As far as getting a buck tag for the unit, you can pretty much forget it. There are no leftover tags. However, you might be able to find a landowner tag, but it would be pricy.

Good luck and have fun!