YUP, there is no correct response for me on this one. I've hunted with an outfitter, fished with outfitters and probably will agains some day I hope, because that'll mean I'm off to Ill. or Iowa or Canada hunting. Of course if it's the Ill./ Iowa dealit means I've succummed to the preasure and want to shoot a macho buck so bad I'm willing to pay for it. It probably won't happen. I'll just go to Ohio where I can hunt several hundred acres for free. Heck, I'm going back to the same place in Canada for the third year in a row in June for fishing with an outfitter. I think you're trying to compare an apple to an apple to another apple and another appleand they aren't the same.(I could throw in there are bad apples in every barrell but I won't). I see places where I absolutely detest outfitters. I see places where you'd be a fool not to use one. They're all outfitters but from different apple trees. Those who come in to "The Newest Hotspot for Big Bucks" and lease up all the land so they can charge thousands for chance at the next world record"... well I find it bad for hunting.I feel sorry for the local folks who lost a lifestyle and heritage to a carpet bagger. Wilderness outfitters, fishing guides etc.... well they aren't depriving others a chance really. They're using a resource that probably wouldn't get used if it weren't for them. Places like Canada and Alaska where you're required to have an outfitter/guide... well it's the law and probably a good thing.