Vance,
Not inclusive of the gear...lets assume you have what you need. Most trips will be about $3800 for the hunt (License & Guide)...add your airfare, a hotel night each way..you usually have to get there the night before, again depending on where you are going...add some $$ for misc food. 2 last items Tip for the guide and taxidermist. I figure 5K every year. I do not take the meat back with me. I send it to Hunters for the Hungry, most states have this or something like it set up. Of course you can hunt in "special" area's where hunts will run 8K...not my cup of tea
I going to get a lot of crap from this BUT i think the price of hunts are not worth it! Why do I do it...It's just being with good friends...not a big issue for me to get a trophy..if my best friend gets one I'm just as happy. If you are planning on going on any trip and you MUST in your mind bag something Don't GO...you will not enjoy it.
Quick story > Alberta 1993 > 8 hunters in camp for whitetails - 2 groups of 4 that do not know each other...One gentleman from the other group wants everyone to put 100 in a pot and the biggest buck takes all - Mr Big> Joe Hunter talking up a storm....OK everyone is in.
Mr Big shoots a 8 pointer 1st day --135 B&C +- I was seeing good bucks everyday but no B&C (170) so I don't shoot...Wednesday everyone has got there buck but me..every night Mr Big questions my "truth" about what I have claimed to let go by me..You see Vance my best friend had already shot a big 10 (the biggest yet)and I felt I won the cash too! He was so wrapped up in getting the biggest & the best there is no way he could have enjoyed himself.
PS: I shot a 12 point 162 B&C on thursday late in the afternoon ...it was like the icing on the cake... I shot that buck for me & my friends..memories are what make hunts!