A fully guided elk for $3,000 would be a real bargain. Most go for closer to $5K. Your best bet would be to hope for a cancelation. Most Outfitter require a nonrefundable down payment of 1/2 the trip cost. when someone cancel you can find trips for greatly reduced rates. The problem is that they are generally very short notice. Another optionwould be a 2on 1 hunt. 2 hunters, 1 guide sometimes you can find those for around $3500.Drop camp might be another option. Hope this helps.