You guys bring up some interesting points and I thank you for them.
The only elk I ever shot was a four by five and with an outfitter near Meeker in the Flat Tops.
It was in '07 and the price with horse assist and tent camp and all was under $3k.
I was placed in a stand over a waterhole and tagged out in the first 2 hours on opening day.
The outfitter took care of everything, meals, horses, pack mules, and of course the place to hunt.
I have no problem paying an outfitter for these services, especially since I know the work it entails.
Thank you very much for your replies.
I think I will try to steer my friend toward this same guy, if he still does these hunts.
BTW, I couldn't agree more about the ATVs and don't use them myself.
Wilderness should be wilderness, and that's that!