If you are ok with a cow tag I certainly wouldn't spend the money on an outfitter. They are a dime a dozen in many GMU's here in Colorado. Not once have I been hunting and not at least seen a few cows. I didn't always have a cow tag to use though.

The CDOW will be able to point you in the right direction. Ask which units are undersubscribed for cow tags and the success rate for those units. The undersubscribed untis will probably be your best chance at a cow.