I always said a big part of the cost is for the camp/outfitting not the guiding part. I think most of us if you dropped us in an area with game, we could get the job done.

But if hunting wilderness, how do you plan for a guy who doesn't live in that state to get it done? backpack all the gear in? and the animal out? rent horses? mules? also for a guy who has little to no experience with this stuff, good luck.

Also I think, are you looking to shoot just any animal? is an elk and elk? well then the DIY 'er has a much easier task than the guy who wants to DIY a 350" trophy bull elk.

Some species are more apt for DIY IMO.

If spending an extra $1000 vs. what it would cost you to outift yoru own hunt etc.....and if that means having a more enjoyable hunt and getting an animal vs, not that's cheap IMO. I don't want to take a elk hunting vacation, I want to be elk hunting when I go.

But certainly some insight on your skills for hunting other states would be interesting to know.

Also if DIY means hunting 2 weeks, just to get on game, vs. 1 week, well many guys that could mean going hunting vs. not going hunting.

But I do agree with you, and certainly the more I do it the easier it'll become, I think for many guys taking that plunge/chance to go on your own, to a new random area can be overwhelming, I get frustrated just looking at maps, seeing the miles and miles of forest/wilderness, its like where do you begin? will the be any game there?

I did read kinda a memoir once of this hunter, who had taken game all over the world, and taken mostly great trophies, and had been very successful, his advice, was, to never book a cheap hunt, he truly believed you go twhat yo paid for. and I think if you have the money and it's not much of an issue, you might as well pay for the best and have a great experience. Though if DIY gives your more satisfaction, then thats up to you as well.