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

[deerhunter_98520]

I'm in the same boat....I do all the scouting and preparing but when season comes around its hard to find another person willing to hike more than him and he more than makes up for it packing animals out....it can be frustrating preseason scouting by yourself but I've just dealt with it...now he tells me he's not sure what he's going to do with weyco charging now....I may end up hunting by myself

[tonymiller7]

I had the same thing happen to me only to make things worse it was my Dad.  So he got the altimatum, I'm going to go with these guys and do this... you are more than welcome to come with me and continue to be my hunting partner... he CHOOSES not to.  I still deer hunt with him but I now elk hunt with guys who put out the same effort I do.

[pianoman9701]

I had the same thing happen to me only to make things worse it was my Dad.  So he got the altimatum, I'm going to go with these guys and do this... you are more than welcome to come with me and continue to be my hunting partner... he CHOOSES not to.  I still deer hunt with him but I now elk hunt with guys who put out the same effort I do.

That's tough with your dad, Tony. He knows he's welcome in your camp, no conditions? You guys don't necessarily have to run up and down hills together to enjoy spending time with each other. 

[tonymiller7]

Oh yeah, he knows.  We've talked about it at length.  He chooses not to go elk hunting with me.  He only lives 15 minutes away so it's not like we don't hang out.  I just had to find other people to elk hunt with.

[blindluck]

5 years ago on a Saturday morning my phone rings my buddy is in eastern wa. with a big bull archery tag he tells me he shot a big 6x6 last night right before dark gutted skinned quartered him then packed the head out of the canyon back to camp by then it was 2am. I congradulated him and told him to call me when he gets home for the rest of the story. we hung up, I was so excited I couldn't take it. I threw my back pack some food and water in my truck and made the 4 hour journey to his camp to help him. when I pulled up he had just packed one quarter out. He could not believe his eyes when he saw me. It was 1pm we packed the rest of the elk out and both went home. I pulled in my driveway at midnight. Congrads again on a nice bull with archery gear.

[MtgHunter]

I have the same issue and think that's the norm.  I've always had the passion, but only had one friend who is the same and he lives in Oregon so we haven't hunted together in 4 years.  I like to bow hunt for Elk, rifle for deer and my best friend is more for the outdoor experience which is fine.  He is great at camp and there to pack an animal, but has a new job and little time so he isn't gonna hunt this year accept maybe deer season.  I think you discuss what your goals of a particular hunt are and find out his so your own expectations are realistic and that way it will be more enjoyable for you and maybe him.  Having said that I would look to add another person or two depending on the hunt that share your vison so it's more enjoyable for you.  Since I didn't draw anything in Washington I'm heading to Montana and of course been spending a lot of time this week researching units because I'm the planner.  Convinced another friend to join so I don't have to go alone.  Not sure where you live, but if you ever want to meet or shoot up at the Kenmore range pm me.

[pianoman9701]

I did go through 3 or 4 partners until I realized that most people don't form their whole year around a week in the fall.

[nw_bowhunter]

This is really a tough decision. If your unhappy about the situation you really need to talk with your friend first! The longer you wait the worse things can get so personally I would  do it now since it bothering you. Based on the conversation you can decide what you are willing to tolerate. Often times one hunting partner is more committed through out the whole year vs other hunting partner likes to show up for the hunt. I can say I have dealt with the same situation. I had a partner for years who only wanted to show up, have a good time and put very little effort in but was happy. After ten years it bothered me enough I moved on. Was a decent friend but not passionate about bowhunting. I spent several years hunting on my own which is fine but having someone to BS with, share camp, etc is something I want more. I linked up with a new partner for the last few years for elk who hunts very hard, but try and get him to shoot his bow before August forget about it.. always says he is busy, haven't thought about it, etc. Great guy but makes me wonder if he really that busy, or just  doesn't want to make the time. Since he is a good guy and like hunting with him I will deal with it. Besides I have been shooting with a couple of great guys from HW and that's been nice. I guess the bottom line is have the conversation so you can know where you stand and not worry about it.")

[hogslayer]

The weird thing about it is that for some reason I feel a little responsible for getting him his first elk.  I am afraid that when he shot opportunity comes he will miss and that could be the end of the season.  When we do get into the woods he is hard at it for hiking and setting up camp and hauling meat so I can't complain to much. Just wish my buddy was more into it with prep.  I believe that having the right gear and being a confident shooter and scouting helps with your success in killing big game.  Seems like a lot of people just think I will show up and give it my best and see if I get one.... It is just like fishing.  If you tie your own leaders and have good gear you will catch more fish.  Little things do add up..

[pianoman9701]

The weird thing about it is that for some reason I feel a little responsible for getting him his first elk.  I am afraid that when he shot opportunity comes he will miss and that could be the end of the season.  When we do get into the woods he is hard at it for hiking and setting up camp and hauling meat so I can't complain to much. Just wish my buddy was more into it with prep.  I believe that having the right gear and being a confident shooter and scouting helps with your success in killing big game.  Seems like a lot of people just think I will show up and give it my best and see if I get one.... It is just like fishing.  If you tie your own leaders and have good gear you will catch more fish.  Little things do add up..

This is such a personal decision that depends on a lot of different factors. Just because he's not as committed as you doesn't mean you have to slough him off. If he's showing and you all have a good time together, that might be enough. 

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

It wouldn't be as much fun if your priorities were the same, enjoy the differences you guys have, it makes the trips much better.  It takes a special type of person to live a breath only one activity and you will be hard pressed to find someone else who feels the same.  There is no formula for shooting animals and every person finds their own way to enjoy this sport.  You like spending your whole year planning for a week, he might enjoy looking forward to that 1 week he gets to spend with his buddy in the woods. 

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

And if he isnt as experienced and this is his first big game animal, I guarantee you guys will cherish that first elk he gets and he will be very thankful to have learned from you.  Then you will see his intensity pick up!

[pd]

This has turned out to be an interesting thread.  There are a lot of guys (and ladies, too) whose opinions I really respect, and many of them have posted excellent comments here.  I have learned a lot.  Thanks for the original post.

And, finally, did we decide which one Coach was?

[hogslayer]

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.

[runamuk]

I am OCD and have anxiety...I am a planner if I cant go over something in my head half a million times I freak the ef out. 
Its me take it or leave it.  I hunt alone and with people if I hunt with people who are more fly by the seat of their pants I plan for myself and let them do their thing.  I want to be a spontaneous person I really do but it always turns me into a panicked wreck.  Currently I am planning how to live in my truck in the event that becomes a scenario I face, I will have it all planned out and it wont scare me......I will just consider it scouting while figuring out housing it will be another adventure to add to my story.