I have done alot of research on this myself, just havent come up with the $ and time yet. I found that Idaho has over the counter elk tags for somthing like 375$. I would prefer to rifle hunt , but some units are bow only, which supposedly Ive read, hold alot of elk and pressure is low, which would probably be the best chance to fill a tag. Ive never hunted out west though ,and that hunt would be 100%DIY in huge unknow(to me) counrty, kind if intimidating but intriuging. Either that ,or I found an outfitter in utah, that offers unguided cow elk hunts for around 1100$ + 600$ tag. Both trips I figure would cost around 2500$ if you penny pinch. Let me know what you do, Im interested. Good luck.