I was one of the posters that replied to the "big named hunters" post. I talked alot about the tv hunters use of guides. I also mentioned that there is deffinately a time and a place for using a guide. Those being distance hunts, outfitter tag requirements, new hunters, time restraints, or just wanting to increase your chances. I also realize that the amount of the hunt that is done for you is different for each guide. Some may point you in the right directions, while others hold it for you while you take a leak. I think hunters should feel free to hunt how they choose or with who they choose with out fear of riddicule.

With that said, If I have two freinds that go on two separate hunting trips after the same species. One does it completely on his own, while the other uses a guide that provides access to his leased land and tells the hunter where he thinks the best spots to hunt would be(everything else he is on his own). If they both came back with an animal, but the one that was semi guided was of greater "trophy" status, I would be more impressed with the hunter that did it all on his own. I also believe their personal satisfaction is probably greater when they do it on thier own.

Here's an example. Last year my father and father inlaw both drew bear tags. My father hired a guide as he was 4 hours from where he had a tag. It also took him8 years to draw his tag so he wanted to increase his chances of harvesting a bear. My father inlaw did all of the scouting and baiting on his own, as the area was much closer to him. Both harvested bears that were close in size. While I was very proud of both of them, I think of my father inlaws bear as a true trophy as he did it all on his own.