I have read most of this post but not all of it. But it seems reading between the lines my conclusion is you got screwed by the outfitter as many others do. They just one the fast dollar for little effort.

I am from Alberta and have outfitters in the area where my land is. I see them on a daily bases in the area it seems. I have had, run ins with one of them. He doesnt care if he trespasses, his hunters dont get picked up sometimes until an hour after dark when legal shooting is over 1/2 hr after sunset???? He gets mad when he sees hunters ongovt land and even got on my case when I was on govt land.

I talked to one of his hunters from the USAwhen I came upon him on my land. I heard some good stories from him ( hunted with this outfitter for 3 years and said it was his last.) I brought ther hunter to one of my plots with a heated blindand said hunt here and only 150 or better or dont shoot lol.Well Jim(hunter) shot when I was at another plot about 1/2 mile away. I went back which was about one hour from the time I left him. He greeted me and was all smiles. He said he seen 5 bucks before he shot. I asked him where it was and he hadnt gone to it yet, he was still shaking. I walked with him and he took a 188 buck.

The outfitter was mad I found out because the hunter moved and I caught him lol. Where he had the hunter was where the deer dont even funnel much.The outfitter was lucky I didnt lay charges against him for putting a hunter on my land. Of course the outfitter is still around and hasnt changed much. His day will come.lol.

My advise is to get a reference of your outfitter and better yet find out the area your hunting. Ask him for a county map and call the locals in the area. Get the name and do a 411 search on internet. They will be happy to tell you their thoughs.