Hi PB:

If you are looking for the largest (numerically) elk herds, CO is it. However, they aren't as big as other states, NV, UT & NM, aren't "stupid" and you won't find one behind every tree. You can get bull and cow tags over the counter for many units, so you won't have to wait years to draw. Currently, either-sex or bulls tags are $490 and cow tags are $250, I think, don't know about mulies, but they are less. You can hunt mulies and elk in the same seasons, along with bear (within season participation limits). I don't know what gear you have, but if everyone bought a bull tag, with the money leftover you could easily BUY all the gear you would get with a drop camp. Heck, for the $4,000 you would be spending, you could buy everything.

Good luck,
CE