When you hire an outfitter, you are paying for his knowledge and expertise, and to do a lot of the homework for you before you show up, and maybe food & lodging.

There are bad apples in every business one can think of, I've hired lousy electricians, lawyers, and carpenters before. And I'm sure there are lousy guides as well, I've been lucky so far in that respect. With the internet available these days and forums like this, if an outfitter is a scammer, it won't be very long before word gets out & he/she is blackballed. Best thing to do is read reviews, check references, and pick the guides brain before you give a deposit. Anyone who brags too much or seems "too busy" to answer questions gets a red flag from me.

There are a lot of expenses that go on behind the scenes, I don't know any guides that are living the lifestyles of the rich & famous. My advice would be if paying an outfitter & the possibility of coming home empty-handed is a problem, go with DIY or get your meat at a high-fence ranch.