We've done DIY for a few years now with 4 to 6 guys. Last time out with 4 guys we took a nice muley, a 5x5 elk and a 6x6 elk with 2 missed muleys. 4 guys, all with shot opportunities and three of them harvested. The first trip is always a learning experience. Heck, EVERY trip is a learning experience. The good thing is if you are willing there are PLENTY of resources to greatly improve your odds. Call local motels. "Hey, I'm looking to bring 6 guys out there to stay for 8 days but I need to know if there's any good public hunting around...any ideas"? They're usually more than happy to point you in the right direction seeing that if you pick their area you just decided to spend $2400 to stay there. Call a local sporting goods store. Once again, more than willing to help a potential client. Check out BLM maps. They give you gps coordinates to every single boundary of their public hunting land. Overlay their maps with elk migration routes and you just narrowed your area without even leaving your desk. Now, get out there on a Friday with Sat and Sun to scout. You just had two full scouting days to get your boots on the ground. If you've already preloaded your gps with the coordinates I mentioned above you could probably have a herd spotted before you heven load the gun. I agree, nobody said it's easy but if you put the legwork in before your hunt even your first trip can be a success. Not that some luck wouldn't hurt either lol.