Most of the hunters I've guided are there for the chance to be in the mountains chasing elk away from the crowds, not to shoot a "trophy' animal. Going on an outfitted hunt is certainly no guarantee and not a "point and shoot" endeavor. Almost all hunters say that their time spent hunting out of camp was the hardest they have ever hunted. I think people sometimes view outfitters as an "easy' hunt or for lazy people, I assure you that is not the case.

There are many reasons for booking a hunt with an outfitter. We have people in who physically cannot do a back country hunt w/o the aid of horses and mules, which they do not have. We have others that come out as a party, including some old army buddies from Nam just to get togather once a year in the sticks and rehash old times.

As far as cost go there are many reasonable hunts around the country. Outfitters cost are huge, keeping livestock year around is expensive as well. Insurance, board of outfitter fees, websites, hunting trade shows, fuel, leases/USFS fees, vehicles, phone bills, food, employees, camp equipment and tack, it all as up to big bucks and quick. We sell back country horseback hunts in good elk country for just under 3 grand w/o tag. I think that price point is very reasonable for almost any budget. How much one can spend on an elk hunt is a matter of personal choice, not for me to comment on.