I do my own because I actually like doing it. I do feel better knowing how my deer is handled, but that really isn't that big of a difference maker for me. I personally know the butcher I would take them to (good friend of mine) and they run a good outfit. I wouldn't worry about it being mishandled or not getting my meat back etc... For me it completes the hunt so to speak. I also like the fact that I can portion it out however I want to.Make the cuts in whatever way tickles my fancy that particular day. And there just aint nothing like ripping a backstrap out of a deer while it's hanging and throwing it on the grill while you're butchering the rest at the same time [8D]