There is a difference. The outfitter knows the deer on his/her propertyor area. As a client you don't need to scout to find this info out . that's the major difference. When you have your own land you've done this critical legwork yourself.

I fly fish a lot and sometimes I hire a guide when out west. most times I don't. When I fish by myself in an unfamiliar area I do get more satisfaction when I catch fish w/o a guide.

Time is a limiting factor here, If I were to elk hunt out west and had all season i would try it myself. If I was coming in for 3 days,I'd get a guide.