Do you want the experience of a backcountry type elk camp, to just get an elk or something in between? Everyone has their own expectations and thats what you need to figure out. You can go on a cow elk hunt, close to what I would call a shoot, for around $2000 in NM. A buddy does this every few years and is happy, gets out for a few days and elk meat in the freezer. Unguided DIY can be great trips, but as posts here tell, more than likely will not result in a filled tag. Some of my best DIY hunting trips have resulted in an unpunched tag come end of the trip. On the other end of the spectrum, if getting a monster bull is a must, plan on ponying up some $$$$ and going to a place like Vermejo Park. Which ever way you decide, be careful, it can turn you into an elk-aholic right quick. Good luck in your quest.
