Scouting Etiquette

[Bean Counter]

I have a coworker who was drawn for a coveted September archery bull elk tag in a draw only unit. One of those unit that takes 5+ years to draw. I have an interest in hunting the same unit. In fact, he and I put in for the same units without even talking about it before hand--we learned that after the draw results. 

I am considering accompanying him for some scouting trips and possibly the hunt itself. I will help call, glass, etc. I have a little more hunting experience and acumen than he does.

If I go I will bring my own food and gear and what not, but I'm wondering if I hop in his truck if I should offer to help chip in for gas. If I took my own truck, naturally I'd pay for gas, but if we just take his I'm not sure what the proper etiquette is. If it were my hunt and someone were going to come help me scout I wouldn't ask them to pay for gas when they're taking their time to do something that is going to help me. What do you all do in such situations?

[Bshiftbc]

I have been in this scenario several times...

When I am the helper, I always offer to pay, but my buddies look at me like I am a psycho! I am doing them a favor by helping, so they always pay. Some of them pay for the food as well.

This year I drew a good tag. Some of these guys will be helping me. I would never dream of asking them for gas money! I am honored they think highly enough of me to want to give up their time for me.

Keep in mind these are good buddies that are all serious about their hunting. We help each other...no money needed.

[CedarPants]

If I'm riding shotgun I always offer to chip in or to at least buy lunch at the very least.  You'll be out doing something you love at half the price of going it alone, and you won't be incurring any of the expenses associated with putting the wear and tear on your own vehicle 

[Bean Counter]

Good points guys. More ideas welcome.

Keep in mind these are good buddies that are all serious about their hunting. We help each other...no money needed.

I know how this goes. Many of us have had the 'bad' hunting partners who don't get invited back the next year. I've only had a small few that are trusted and dedicated. I haven't hunted with this guy before even though I know he's a good worker (on the job). just not sure how dedicated he will be to filling his tag and bagging that 340" bull we're both dreaming about.

[washelkhunter]

Everything is expensive these days and i just heard gas will rise significantly in the near future. The way i like to work it out is if your going to drive then ill take care of lunch, snacks and drinks for the day and vis-a-viy. And i put it out there right up front; seems to work out nicely and no one has feelings like they're being taken advantage of.

[Button Nubbs]

Is it gonna break the bank? An offer NEVER hurts...

[Bean Counter]

Nope, we're both well paid. And we both have families. Time away from my family to help someone else on their hunt is more of a sacrifice than gas money. I guess its about what I mention above--I've been frustrated on several rifle deer hunts in which I put in with guys and later found their commitments to be half assed. Many of them I wish I had gone at it alone. I think I'm going to try to rifle deer hunt myself this year but I can't imagine getting an elk out of the back country by myself. 

On the other hand, last year one of my buddies let me hunt on his family property with him. I bought him a bow (for him to keep) and accessories so he could hunt with me as all he had before was just a rifle. I'd like to think I take care of my good pals.

Lots to think about..

[Button Nubbs]

You should be able to tell pretty quick within the first couple scouting trips if the guy is up to it or not.

I don't know, I ALWAYS offer gas money to my friends. Sometimes they take it sometimes they don't.

[Bean Counter]

I know he will be up to it physically. He's in great shape and we've hiked before.

I guess this is more about me being butt hurt about prior bad partners and feeling like they wasted my time AND money. I've had more bad than good.

Now that I know I haven't drawn an AZ bighorn or deer tag, I'll only have one deer hunt this fall I think I'm going to go with him, and also offer to pitch in for gas 

[TMortensen]

Always offer to pay, for 1 its sets a standard if the other party is riding shotgun and 2 its just the right thing to do!

[boneaddict]

I'd make the offer.  He'll probably laugh at you and graciously say no.   

[CoryTDF]

Just ran into that the other day. Deal was that it was 105 out and we had planned on taking my buddy's truck as it gets better fuel milage. He offered to chip in for fuel if we could take mine with the A/C. I let him help as he was insistant on it. I am driving for about 3 to 4 hours every other day so the help was nice. My other buddy came and picked me up the other night and said " You will be spending enough on this hunt. We can take my truck and burn my gas this time." I bought us dinner on the way out of town and off we went. I NEVER EVER expect help in a situation like this but if somebody wants to help out and it's their idea I'll take it. It's just karma paying me back for all the times I've done the exact same thing. But as a rule if I ask you to come scout with me I just assume I'm paying for gas and that is that. 

[CedarPants]

I guess this is more about me being butt hurt about prior bad partners and feeling like they wasted my time AND money. I've had more bad than good.

Man isn't that the truth.  That topic alone could be a multi-page thread

[xd2005]

I'd like to think I take care of my good pals.

  Hey there good buddy. 

[smartazz171]

You should expect to pay or provide your own food, but offer gas money.  Most likely he'll say no cause he'd be burning it with or without you there.  Maybe cut the difference and offer your rig up for wear and tear if he'll pay for gas?..... always offer for anything.  oh and camp chores is a must!  I hate when I'm doing all the cooking and cleaning while everyone else is relaxing...

[GregE]

Some good comments.

When you find someone who is helpful, cheerful and willing to spend time helping, keep them close.  I drew for Colorado Archery in '06 when noone else in my normal group did.  Mike vounteered to go with me and split the costs of everything including the rental horses ( no way one guy could have done this solo)  I owe him a lot.