I am by no means an expert at elk hunting. Three weeks from now I will be on my second 1 week hunt. Four of us bow hunt public land near Montrose, Co. We bring all of our camping gear and plenty of BS to share over the fire. Just seeing the country is worth every penny it cost to get out there and get a license. Add in the stories told and memories made and its a true bargin. Dont get me wrong, I have plenty of desireto harvest an animal but it won't be required to make it a succesful hunt. Last season our group tool a 2X2 mulie, a cowand a 6X6 elk. Beginners luck I guess but it just goes to show that a good hunt can be had without an outfiter.