3 of us did a DIY hunt to the Rockies in '05. After splitting the gas, buying the either sex tag, taking along bottled water and food, camp fuel, etc., it cost me only around $900.

That did not include buying a tent, good sleeping bag, GPS, compass, light/lantern, cooking stove or any bow accessories. But the bow accessories you already have. The tent, sleeping bag, and other things you need if you don't already have will add to the cost, but those things will be there again if and when you need them again. At least that is how I explained it to my wife when buying those necessities[8D].

1. Have a good quality tent, sleeping bag, and pad, cot, or air mattress, nothing can ruin your hunt more than not getting enough sleep.

2. Take a very good pair of boots. I took two pair and am glad I did. I bought a pair of boots that are great for flatland, but they absolutely tore my feet up on the mountainous terrain. If it had not been for my old pair of Wolverines, I would have been in big trouble. The style of boots are important.

3. Have a good backpack with lots of room, and it doesn't have to be an expensive backpack. I bought a nice Fieldline that had plenty of room for $20! I carried a rainsuit, bottled water, game saw, med supplies, food & snacks, towelettes, sunglasses, extra knife, extra batteries for light and GPS, light, map, rope, camera and more in that backpack. Backpack should have a padded waistbelt and sternum strap. For packing game out(though I didn't need it) I borrowed a buddy's game carrying pack and left it in camp.

My advice is to NOT go to units 25,26 in the Flat Tops..........though I could have taken a bear, and possibly a nice muley buck with the appropriate tags I don't believe its the best units for elk, especially when an outfitter has camps all over the place. When I go back to Colorado for elk it will be someplace else.