I have never used an outfitter but am close friends with a few. For the most part, it comes down to time. There are alot of hunters out there that just do not have the time to do all of the legwork for the opportunity to hunt. I think of all the hours that I spend scouting, setting stands, trimming up shooting lanes etc. and in hindsight I know there are many that just do not have this time. I've already put in 8 trips to an area that I hunt and at $30 gas per trip the cost of scouting is going up every year. Add on the 8 days that I was away time is also a factor.Bow season starts in a month and I know that I'll be up there a couple more times. I feel very fortunate that I have the time to put in but I know there are many that don't. Some hunters luck into that bigbuck but if you want to do it yourself and have consistant results you have to put time in.If you don't have the time then perhaps an outfitter is the way to go. In some cases though, as here in Manitoba, it is the law for non-Canadian hunters to hire the services of an outfitter.