I hunt on my own in colorado every year on public ground. I only spend about a$1,000 to $1200a year. $500 for license, $300 for gas and food ( there are usually 3 of us going to split the cost of gas and food ) about $200 for butcher bill if you kill. The taxidermist is extra of course, and so areany souveniors.
Because I hunt on my own however, I don't have anyone providing a place to stay so I use a tent, I don't have anyone locating the elk for me (which means that a lot of my time is spent looking for elk)or providing a way into of out of the woods. I do my own calling and when I kill one, I cut it up myself and pack it out by backpack. I do my own cooking and cleaning too.
Personally, I prefer it this way, but if you want to increase your odds of takingan elk, then I suggest that you do use an outfitter. They usually havea better idea of where to go. And they take care of all those other things for you. But, all my researchtells me thatit is very expensive.
I wish you all the luck I can though.