$4500 seems about average for a full time outfitter. I know that's a lot of money so I can offer any of you guys a screaming deal to just rent my equipment and dogs.
My 5 dogs...................................................$500 per day
Tracking equipment, shock collars...........$200 per day
Experienced tracker..................................$250 per day
My truck with dog box..............................$200 per day
My sled & trailer.......................................$150per day
My 4 wheeler set up to haul hounds.......$100 per day
Horses, tack & trailer................................$200 per day
You'll need gas..........................................$120 per day
Vet bills......................................................$300 per week
Total 5 day DIY lion hunt..........................$8900
If you think that's high then add in the cost to buy & train dogs, dog food, vet bills, gas to keep hounds in shape, leashes, collars, dog housing, kennel maintenance. Hay for horses, registration on 4 wheeler, sled, truck, 3 trailers. Oh yeah and be sure to keep about 10k around for a good divorce attorney for when your wife has enough of you spending countless days & nights on the mountain looking for lost dogs.
Huh, maybe $4500 ain't so bad for a fully guided lion hunt?