With the exception of only a few days, I've hunted solo for the past 30 years. It's more effective (in spot and stalk big game hunting) because you avoid the additional exposure, errors and miscommunication that inevitably happens when two or more hunters move together. Most hunters are not very aware and move poorly in the woods. I'm an experienced, confident outdoorsman with no fear of being alone in the wilderness. I'm serious about hunting and serious about taking home the game, so why handicap myself with someone who is less serious or less capable?

Certainly there are advantages to hunting with others, safety in the event of an accident being #1, but for me it doesn't outweigh the disadvantages.

I worked for an outfitter in the Flat Tops for 9 years and still camp near them. They pack out my meat when far from camp. In the evenings, I enjoy the camaraderie with the outfitter and guides, and enjoy talking with other hunters in the field, but complicating my hunt with someone else's issues is just not worth it.