The common denominator I have seen in complaints about elk outfitters on private land hunts is a low price point. $5K for a private land elk hunt is a huge red flag....best scenario you are looking at a raghorn. I would expect a low pressure, private land elk hunt with trophy caliber bulls to be at least $10k, with many closer to $14K.
If $5K was my budget for an elk hunt I would go wilderness with horseback and wall tents. Its a known crapshoot, but at least the experience is there.
