hardcore didn't exactly state it, but I agree with what I think he was saying... it depends on a lot of factors. For some on here whitetail hunting is not available right out the back door but maybe mule deer are or whatever. The point is, going with an outfitter can do many things for you starting with guarenteeing you a tag in some instances. Without that hunt over. In other instances, they can control land that holds some real trophy animals that you would otherwise be very hard pressed to even lay eyes on. In other instances, they are mandatory. If you want to hunt Canada (I think for anything but I could be wrong there) you need one. If I can do it myself then that is how I prefer it, but I certainly feel no less accomplishment when I am hunting with an outfitter and get something with my bow.