"Statistically speaking" the odds of an easterner going to CO on a DIY hunt and killing a trophy 6x6 in the vast majority of public areas out there aren't worth betting on. (But I DIDN'T tell you that secret, MANY in the CO economy depend on "Great White Hunters from the East" to come out west each fall with their billfolds!) Just go to enjoy the experience of hunting out west, if you kill fine, if you don't fine. Just remember on a DIY hunt, once the animal is down the fun is OVER and heart attack, back breaking work has just began!

But if you feel like you MUST kill a decent 6x6 (and 250 is scraping the barrel there, more like 280+) then you'll be time and money ahead by booking with a known, experienced outfitter/guide in known trophy producing areas... and at that $5k won't cut the mustard. That'll buy you the hunt but that just "gets you legal". That doesn't include trophy fees if any & in some places like NM if you don't draw then your outfitter can buy tag from a landowner but those are now running about $2k-$5k+ in the prime areas. Oh and don't forget airfare unless you are going to spend 2 days on the road out there and 2 days back (Hope the weather stays good or you could be snowed in once you get there! How much work can you afford to miss and still keep your boss happy and your wife living with you?) If you DO connect then taxidermy and shipping fees are gonna getcha as well, you want that elk meat at home well what about the processing fees and shipping? Then there's the case of tipping, the guides, cooks and maids will eat up another G in a heartbeat. Suddenly your $5k hunt has turned into a $10k-$12k+ endeavor. BUT if you have a gorgeous bull on the wall to show for it then hey, that extra $5k-$10k just MIGHT be worth it huh?

And then remember if you are hunting wild elk, there's NO guarantee in elk hunting other than blisters on your feet, broken equipment and lots of time a broken heart!