TXHunter58, you are right about that. If you get a few guys going it's really not that much money. I went to CO last fall on an archery hunt and went solo which cost more. Can't recall all cost but payed $310 for round trip flight, borrowed friend's truck from Denver to hunting area, $510 for license, probably $300 for food, gas& Misc, Around $150 to get elk processed and frozen, Extra $70 to ship bow plus gear bag, about extra $50 to bring two coolers full of meat as luggage, and that was about it.
That's about $1390 solo and the price gets cut when you share driving expenses.

I started hunting out west back in 1996 and have gone on 7 elk and 3 mulie hunts. I've had a great time on every hunt and have had some up and downs along the way. I'm single with no children so it's much easier for me to justify and afford doing these. Just don't wait until you are too old to experience it if you can do it. You won't regret it.