too much public land out west to hire an outfitter. It would be cheaper to add two days to your trip to scout than to hire an outfitter. Thats just my $.02, but I have hunted a lot of land that I have never been on before...I just don't see a need for an outfitter. I know in AK you are required to hunt with a guide until you have lived there for one year, do any other states have that law?

Sorry to hear about your wasted hunt, I hope you get another chance at elk hunting again.