Hi Sage, to answer your question, about the guide, they do come in handy, but you would be fine. The week we were there, the guided hunters on the pauns were cleaning up on the 28" variety, from blinds and tree stands over the water holes. The other three, which included myself, hunted the CWMU. There is alot of improved water on the CWMU, and thats where we always found good bucks. The guided hunters struck out that week, at least one of them was invited back the next week, and he shot the gateway buck, a 200 trophy.(picture in muledeer forum). I am sure that others and myself could prepare you for this hunt. You will have a great time down there. you will see so many quality deer, that alone is worth the hunt. The 200+ deer that we saw were 25 yds to 150 yds away. If I had been ready with a brush gun, I would have connected. But instead, I settled with my 35inch bruiser. I could have shot numerous 160,s with a hand gun, they were so close. You would be fine without a guide. Stay in touch, we will help. justachipshot. Yelum that was not me, but I wish that it was, I would have liked to have met you. Let me know if I can help