Not all of us are lucky enough to have a parent/grandparent or any other family member for that matter, that are keen hunters. My father although a successful cattleman and one of the best bushmen, was not the slightest bit interested in hunting and my grandfather passed away when I was seven and again was not interested in hunting. Although both were reasonable shots and were more than capable of disposing of any dingo or wild pig that was silly enough to cross their paths, I would not regard either of them as Hunters as such. I regard myself as a good hunter for the species and country I am familiar with. But I freely admit that I prefer to hunt with a guide as I am time poor. Especially when it comes to hunting overseas or for a game animal or an area that I am unfamiliar with. I feel by hunting with a guide I have more than a better chance of having a successful hunt than if I was to attempt the same venture on my own. A friend of mine responded to me informing him of an upcoming deer hunt in horror as to what I was being charged for a five day hunt at Charters Towers North Queensland in pursuit of a Chital stag. He claimed that I was being ripped off. My response was anybody could travel to Charters Towers but not everybody had access to a property to hunt on, knew the location of the best stags and could provide accommodation, good company and good food and at least guarantee me that I wouldn't come home empty handed and as it turned out it is an adventure that my son and I will never forget and we have made a new friendship in the process and remember these times fondly and with more than the occasional smile. I have also hunted Buffalo in the Northern Territory with a great guide that put me on to a bull that I could of only dreamt of, so my vote goes well and truly for guided hunts. And yes I would be proud and honoured to hunt with both of these guides again, anytime, anywhere and more than happy to pay them for their time.
Regards
BB