Go on the elk hunt!!! I did this very thing(except we drove there) in '05 and its well worth the trip for several reasons other than getting an elk.

1. Camping/hiking in the wilderness
2. Scenery is magnificent
3. A new big game animal to hunt
4. A different place to hunt
5. If you like challenges, the physical aspect alone will do it
6. You don't know what will happen in the future.....do it now
7. DIY hunts are very tough but satisfying
8. As you say, you can still hunt whitetails at home on weekends

Do it now!!!