I think the higher priced tags for non-resident are fair. I am looking at a non-resident elk hunt in Colorado for 2005. I will gladly pay the higher price to hunt out-of-state.

Some draw areas are ridiculous. I will never apply for these areas. I want to hunt elk every year. You can hunt on public land every year and take your chances. You just might kill a monster? Sometime elk foget what area/unit they are in and they cross that magic line into a non-trophy area/unit.

Are we paying much more for hunts than they are worth (guided & private land?)
YES The sad thing is so many people think you need to hunt on private land to kill elk? They do not know there is a ton of public land that holds some great elk hunting.

What is the average cost of a do it yourself hunt out of state?
Good question. I traveled back to Idaho to hunt with family for 8-years in a row. My total cost per year was around $2,000.

What is the best deal out there that's close to real hunting & not fenced game?
Not sure what you are looking for on that one? My wife has permission to hunt on a 10,000-acre ranch every year. These elk have very little hunting pressure and they almost always stay on this ranch. She is allowed to hunt this ranch for free & the rancher guides her. I have been with her when she has hunted there before but I do not hunt there.