Yeah - $9k seems to be a lot of money for most, but not for some!
I paid $3,500 to hunt Texas last year, all inclusive without license and that was way more than I would have liked to pay.
That doesn't include flight, rental, mount, etc... But it was part of my 40th b-day present, x-mas, anniversary, etc. from my loving wife.
I truely have more gratification from shooting my little bucks in NH over the big 8-point in Texas.
Probably the blood, sweat and tears and anticipation of trudging thru the woods / scouting, so on and so fourth, that makes it more mine?
Verses sitting on a stand and watching 20-30 deer each morning, then again in the evening and waitng for Mr. BIG.
Don't get me wrong, I had a trip of a life time and was fortunate to be able to afford the trip and wouldn't give it back for anything.
It was also a cheaper hunt than most others I looked at, but none the less, $3,500.
So if you can do it without having your family sacrifice, then more power to you.