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

[hogslayer]

I have a really good friend who has been my archey elk hunting buddy for the last few years.  He has been with me when I have shot two elk.  He is really into it and hunts hard (not smart) when we go together but, during the off season he just doesn't want to do any prep work.  I bought him some calls doesn't use them.  Doesn't want to buy any gear, we both bought garmin rino's to hunt with and returns his.  Says he doesn't want to start shooting tell August and now can't make it to go scout a new area .  So what have you guys done when something like this comes up?  Just let it go and realize your good buddies and that's that.  Or call them out on there commitment?

[lostbackpacker]

Either sink to his level or step up and find another partner

[Stump]

My thought also find a new one. I have had the same problem and not much else you can do.

[pd]

Either sink to his level or step up and find another partner

 

It is time to make a decision.

[ICEMAN]

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.

[syoungs]

Well put iceman 

[bowhunterwa87]

  good advice

[REHJWA]

Find other ways he can contribute to the hunt.
If he wants you to do all the scouting, let him do the cooking...

[BOOM!!]

I have a really good friend who has been my archey elk hunting buddy for the last few years.  He has been with me when I have shot two elk.  He is really into it and hunts hard (not smart) when we go together but, during the off season he just doesn't want to do any prep work.  I bought him some calls doesn't use them.  Doesn't want to buy any gear, we both bought garmin rino's to hunt with and returns his.  Says he doesn't want to start shooting tell August and now can't make it to go scout a new area .  So what have you guys done when something like this comes up?  Just let it go and realize your good buddies and that's that.  Or call them out on there commitment?

. 


Take all that and then add that my partner would then turn around and take all the credit for his and my success, l couldn't take it any more. I hunt solely with my son now and l have much more fun. My buddy and l are still friends though.

[Bean Counter]

 

That's me planning with  my two hunting partners. They're good guys, just don't seem to give an S when it comes to planning logistics and what not. In years past I've gotten frustrated enough to just go myself. However, as it has turned out, I have always had a partner, and usually one less committed at that, when I put an animal down. I guess it's God's way of teaching me patience and teamwork. 

[idahohuntr]

Good hunting partners are worth their weight in gold.  But all too often its just miscommunication (or failure to communicate) about goals and objectives that cause problems in hunting camps.  I have some friends who show extreme dedication, have desires to kill trophies and I know this and when I commit to hunt with them I know what I'm getting into.

I have other buddies who just like to have a good time.  They want to spend some time around a campfire and catch-up and if we don't kill anything, well, its not that big of a deal.

I like hunting with all of them...but most importantly, the hunts are enjoyable because I can match my expectations to theirs.   

I have a very good group that I elk hunt with in Idaho every year...we all have the same objectives, but bring different skill sets and we just work well together.  Elk hunting can be tough, mentally and physically, and so it is easy to strain relationships.  Our group has been together for a long time and I am so fortunate to be a part of it...I know it won't last forever and every year I get to spend with those guys I am grateful.  Its one hunt I just wouldn't miss for anything in the world.  One of our guys actually couldn't make it last year and it was seriously one of the worst pieces of news I had to deal with...it was truly depressing...but his wife was diagnosed with cancer and scheduled for her first treatment on opening day.  She is doing well now and appears to have beat it...it was a somber reminder to not taking anything for granted.

[ghosthunter]

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.

Great advice but why stop with one more.?
I hunt turkey's with one or two.
Elk with several .
Ducks with others.
Every group has a planner,sounds like that is you. Bringing in other partners also might get the other guy more interested.

I have one partner who wants to go all the time, wants a plan months ahead, but gets bored at the hunt if he doesn't see any thing soon. And hunts half hearted.
I often have hard time finding folks as committed as I am.

Cultivate some more partners.

[bowguy]

I'd say try to find another guy you can both get along with and increase the group to 3. Like the guys said earlier split duties to make differences.

[RadSav]

Hey, you have shot two elk.  Time to pay your taxes, sign up for Obama care and spread the wealth man!  Didn't you get the government memo?  We don't spread work ethic any more!  You must be a horrible friend and a racist!  C'mon, pay your fair share you selfish... 


Embrace Solo hunting.  Then the only person who can let you down is yourself.  Problem solved

If you want to keep your friend and hunting partner ask yourself this question;  Which is worse? -
Having someone force you into hunting in a way that you do not like. 
Forcing someone to hunt in a way that they do not like.

Sounds to me like you may need to stop being the dominator and start being the communicator.  Find out if he really wants to hunt with you.  Maybe he has been hunting your way just because you are his friend.  If that is the case he may feel relief by being let off the hook while you go find a new hunting partner. 

My best friend and I rarely hunt together anymore now that I have the ball and chain bolted on.  Hasn't changed the power of our friendship at all!  He's been my best friend for more than 25 years and I expect, God willing, he will be my best friend for the next 25 years.

[Ranger91298]

Seems like you have received some great feedback from the other members. I do have a question for you, was your friend there to help you pack out the two elk YOU shot? The way I see it if he has been there to help dress, quarter, or pack out the animals he seems to be a pretty good hunting partner. He may not be as hard core as you are but if he has helped pack your animals out, sounds like he is loyal to me.  Gotta way the pros & cons, but that is just me... I try to see the positive in everything......