I realize you guys want to elk hunt but my guess is it would take 2 or 3 western "do it yourself " hunts before you start scoring and I doubt you would ever get better than 50% success as a group so most wouldn't take an elk. Have you ever considered a winter caribou hunt in Quebec ? Beautiful animals, great meat and everybody will get to take 2 bulls. I have done that hunt twice for your budgeted $1500.00/person. There is a near 50 page string in the "OTHER" areas forum with all the information you will need. Not sure where you live but if you are from the east then this hunt is a bargain.