Well, for me I've always hunted deer here in GA doing it the hard way!! I began to get an interest in bowhunting in Illinois a few years ago and began looking for an outfitter to try. But when I looked at prices and my desire to do it myself, I realized it wasn't going to happen.

Then a friend of mine turned me onto finding private land and help me to realize that IL was close enough to where I live to 'do-it-yourself'. 2006 was my first year hunting there.

For 2008, I have land I can hunt when ever I want for much less than a 1 week long outfitter experience. ANd I get to do it myself! It is really a great experience.

Having said all that, the 6 hour drive I make is a stretch for this type of hunting. If I ever get the money to go to some distanct places (out west or Canada, for example), I would not hesitate to use an outfitter. The outfitter is doing some of the legwork you don't have time to get done. That's OK by me.