I have done over a dozen DIY elk hunts and done it while I was living all over the world. It takes LOTS of research and commitment. I have hunted in all of the different seasons....ML, archery, rifle. My favorite is Archery followed by ML. But for the first timer I would suggest either ML or Rifle unless you are VERY proficient with your bow.

All of the advice given so far is pretty much "spot on". As one poster stated....the price of gas has a large portion of the cost of the hunt.

You can get by very cheaply if you try.....my first trip out to Colorado was really an experience. We survived on MRE's and slept under a cheap blue trap hung over a rope tied between two trees. THAT was roughing it. We spent 3 weeks gone from home and came back with a P&Y 5x5 and 2 mule deer. Pretty good for the first time!!

The hardest part of the entire hunt is finding someone that has the desire as much as you do. Luckily, I have a friend that is the same as me. I am a good money saver but my friend isn't so what we agreed to do was for him to mail me $100/month and I put it into an account just for our hunting trip. This may seem like alot to some people but figure its only $25/week.

Good Luck