What to do when your hunting buddy isn't as commited?

[BGhunter]

I use to have the same problem as you. My partner was my brother and he introduced me to hunting so there was no dumping him.  He loves to hunt and hunts hard but when its not hunting season he is unwilling to do the prep work so I've always felt that I was doing all the work and he was benefiting from it. I ended up finding some more partners who spend a little more prep time and that makes up for it. I do still hunt with him. I see no reason not to talk to your partner about it but I wouldn't give any ultimatums. Hunting not worth losing friends over. If hes unwilling then find another additional partner or two that are willing to do the prep work that you are. Although that can be harder than you think.

[emac]

Been there done that! Find Someone like yourself that has the same drive and passion! You will have so much more fun. It's always good to have someone to push you to go the extra mile.

That's why i hunt with you.

For elk season i hunt with my little brother my dad and my dads best friend who have been hunting together since high school. For my dad and his friend it is just about getting away from the life and enjoying themselves. For my little brother it is kinda of the same. He doesn't really care about the hunting. He says he does cause i do. But he is willing to do anything for me. If i dive off into a canyon and there's a road at the bottom he will pick me up. If i get a animal down he will be right there with me packing it out. If i want him to get up at 4 and hike into an area he will even if he doesn't want too. With all that said i wouldn't have it any other way. I don't mind going by myself and putting in all the leg work. The best part is being around family and friends when i do get back to camp. It is all what you make of it.

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[sakoshooter]

Keep your buddy as he is.

Look at it this way....you are talking about a hunting party of two. If you had a hunting group of five guys showing up each year, they would all participate at a different level. You happen to have one of four that is showing a bit less interest. You need to go find another buddy to add to your group, hopefully one that is more interested.

No reason to throw your friend away cause he does not share exactly your dedication level. Add a new more interested friend.

No group of guys all display the same amount of excitement and dedication as you.

I agree with Ice as long as he's your friend when it's not hunting season. If that's the only time you guys get together - bye, bye. I've had my share over the years. They always seem to get excited after you've done all the work and supplied all the gear.

[TheHunt]

Bring one other into your hunting.

You can do this bring the one on as temporary. 

If it works out you now have three in your party.  The one who is not into it will only participate as he can and the one more aggressive in hunting will team with you.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

I agree that this has definitely shed some light on the scenario.  I feel a lot better about the situation knowing that a lot of people have gone through the same thing.  Thanks guys for the input.

There have been a lot worse hunting partners.  Be glad you have a buddy who enjoys hunting with you.  If he shoots his first bull he'll probably buy game cams, tune his bow, practice more and just show more interest in general.

I'd be pissed too if I was always packing your elk!

[Elkstuffer]

Dear Abby would tell you to send him a copy of your original thread. He'll either show up ready to hunt or you will never hear from him again . Problem solved.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Hunt alone and this is never a problem ...

[Watimberghost]

I have multiple friends that I hunt with. Some come with me to the high country, some buddies are just cut out for simpler day trips. And I've learned the hard way on that. One thing that I've learned to deal with is that I have more drive and passion than all of them. It consumes me, and that just comes naturally. I used to get frustrated when my hunting partners didn't put forth the effort and planning that I did. But now, I know what to expect. And when its all said and done, I would much rather share my hunting experiences with family and good friends than leave them behind because they aren't as passionate as I am. There is a line though. And some flaky buddies have been dropped off the list. Sounds like your situation isn't too bad... You shoot elk and he helps you pack them out, not bad at all

[swwaoutdoorsman]

Take up hound hunting. The only hunting partner that'll want to hunt as much or more than you. They never quit and are always prepared.

[xXLojackXx]

I have this same problem. No buddies of mine take elk hunting as serious as i do. They don't stay in shape, practice calling and shooting, scout, research, etc. They won't come hunt the areas I bivy hunt in, not because of populations but because of the terrain. They're content with killing  an elk every 6-10 years instead of every year. They've acquired a taste for tag soup.

I'll be looking for new hunting partners shortly.

[kselkhunter]

If he's a good friend, and has helped pack out elk then that is not that bad.  I'm the over-planning hunting-addicted backpack hunter of my group, and regularly have to push the others along (some years ending up solo).  Here's another vote for keeping the buddy, and just consider adding another more committed member to the party.  Having an extra back to pack the elk quarters out is worth some tolerance.

[Thehowler]

Pondered the same question on hunting partners for probably 10 years. They never seem to get any  better,just lazier.
Had one guy take a shot and miss at a cow elk, he got so discouraged he gave up for the season with a week left. He showed up the following season with the rifle he never even got around to cleaning.
Trying to shake these dudes this year.

[Nick 139]

My party hunts with 7 guys for elk,  some old some young,  we all bring different things to the table..   but the true measure of friends.... Will they leave their stump to walk miles to help you pack it out?  And number two is... is the food hot when i get back to camp after they do?  I'm lucky as hell to have both...    Scouting and Rhinos are very over rated!   Judge your friends on the important things.

[Styles]

A less then determined partner can be detrimental to all of your hard work and also your hunt!! My motto is...I will be in better shape and have a better attitude than any of my hunting partners!! I will not hold anyone back or be the reason for a failed season!! I just hope anyone that wants to hunt with me will at least attempt to carry the same passion.   

[asl20bball]

I've been hunting with my best friend for about 6 or 7 years. We're both big guys and need exercise to get ready for elk season. For me, elk hunting is something for which I wait all year. I think for him, the time off and getting away is what he gets out of it, although he does like the hunting. In the past, he hasn't been doing the workouts and getting conditioned for the elk hunt. We'll get to camp and if we hunt together, it has to be easier terrain and going slower up the hills. Sometimes he doesn't want to get up and he'll sleep in. This still bugs me a bit but I have to remember that we're both out here for different reasons and with different levels of commitment, and I get to spend 10 days with my best friend without the phones or home issues or email. So, I hunt hard by myself sometimes and I hunt with him not-so-hard others. What we also really enjoy is our time together back in camp around the fire, at dinner, so on. You have to decide first which is more important; your friendship or your hunting. Can you do both? We can.

Well said Pianoman. I needed to hear that. Thanks