I think that's why some of the better outfitters hunting on public land are taking you into statutory Wilderness Area - it's SO difficult to get you there that there's little to no chance you're going to be able to collect the pack animals, etc. required to DIY.

If the area you wish to hunt is public and it's reasonable for you to get there on your own, then it's open season as far as I'm concerned. Otherwise, you're implying that the outfitter has some kind of exclusive use of that particular piece of public property. They'd love for that to be true,and in factalmost had legislation introduced (Larry Craig- ID) that would allow them that restriction.

I kind of have issues though with the term "outfitter" and "guide". Not so much with those who haul you back into difficult parts of the country under primitive conditions (i.e. take risks, work their arses off), but the ones who pick you up at theBest Western in the morning in their F350 crew-cab, hand you a cup of hot Starbucks, then drive you out to Farmer Fred's field and coach you as you shoot a deer on a plot or salt lick. Rather than calling them "outfitters", they more deserve a term like "shooting chauffeur". I'm sure people would still pay themto do it.