Guides are required for nonresident hunters in the Yukon, so there wasn't an opportunity for me to have a choice. That being said, it in no way diminished the hunt. Quite honestly, it enhanced the hunt to be able to share the anticipation, sizing up the animal and he enjoyed the kill almost as much as I did. The guides were great to say the least and knew what they were doing. I would have ended up as grizzly bait without them. Big country up there.