For a noob, I think a benefit would be ease of communicating with others from the group beforehand. I tried to get my friends to join in my first hunt, but no one could. With my military background I wasn't too concerned about going alone, but I'm teeming with confidence.
I think it would have been a benefit to have another friendly face for the traveling part. Also, to have someone to give you a little confidence boost to take a shot. I chose to hold on a couple of opportunities because I wasn't sure of myself. Firing at targets I would have never hesitated, but toward a real animal I acted differently. That may be a result of never having hunted before. I did, however, appreciate that Patrick wasn't pushy even one time in those situations.