My question is that are you going to different states for deer or other critters? If for deer, & you feel comfortable with on the spot scouting and the potential to see nothing, then go DIY. If your goal is to see deer and gain more experience, then go outfitter and take no shame in doing so. If you are going for other critters, then I would certainly go outfitter to get your feet wet, then decide if you’d like to go DIY from then on.