It's all a tradeoff, being successfull, unless you are VERY lucky, takes time to research the area to find "zones" to hunt, get access to private property if needed, then scout and find smaller areas to concentrate on. Then there's the learning curve needed if going after a new animal.

If you have the time, money and ability to do the above in a timeframe to your liking, go for it.

Outfitters cut that above time to zero, or close to it, you still need to research the outfitter!

I've been on 3 guided elk hunts and agree with GMMAT, i won't go guided for whitetails, i can do that here. Though who knows what the future will bring. However I LOVE hunting bugling elk but its a different world than sitting in a treestand waiting on a whitetail.