Post by: Bareback on August 14, 2020, 08:11:03 PM
What are some of your most memorable encounters you have had at trailheads?
Post by: jk78 on August 14, 2020, 09:41:55 PM
Post by: Colville on August 14, 2020, 10:55:58 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on August 15, 2020, 06:44:09 AM
Up in the Alpine Lakes earlier in the week and all the people wearing masks while hiking was mind blowing. Of course my group wasn't and we couldn't even get a hello from most people. They looked at us like we had two heads.
Post by: Cougartail on August 15, 2020, 07:35:14 AM
More like no comments.
Up in the Alpine Lakes earlier in the week and all the people wearing masks while hiking was mind blowing. Of course my group wasn't and we couldn't even get a hello from most people. They looked at us like we had two heads.
Ignorance and fear are the greatest threat to democracy. I see people out walking by themselves all the time with masks on. Haven't done this much head shaking ever before in my life..
Post by: elkrack on August 15, 2020, 08:01:18 AM
Back in 2007 we were in the goat rocks wilderness for my brothers goat tag and after successfully filling his tag we were on our was back to base camp and ran into some very granola hikers. I was new to back country hunting so I only had a day pack which meant I didn’t have very much room and ended up having to carrying the back straps and scraps cradled in my arms. I was covered in blood and the looks on their faces was priceless. The guy responds “ you got some fresh game” 🤣🤣🤣 they almost ran away from us
Post by: TooTallMike on August 15, 2020, 08:34:49 AM
As I was the only one wearing camo they were like what are you hunting for??
I said bear... But mainly just trying to scout for elk...
Then one told me good thing there is no hunting here with a smirk
I replied with a smirk of my own and said oh yes there absolutely is hunting allowed here 😂😂
Their demeanor changed when I shattered their little safe space with camo and a gun on my pack.
Also threw them off to how polite I was to them and even helped one get their pack on.
I don't think they'll take my offer up on some game meat to try.
Best wishes Helen and Margaret 😁
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on August 15, 2020, 09:43:04 AM
Post by: Russ McDonald on August 15, 2020, 11:30:34 AM
I rolled up to a branch road gate in the Cle Elum area right at the tail end of spring turkey this year. While donning my official turkey hunting uniform another rig rolled up with some bikes on the back. I walked over and introduced myself and asked if they planned to bike the same road, which they did. I let them know I would be moving slow and would give them plenty of time to get some distance before considering a shot. I also enjoy mountain biking and began a discussion on the local trails in my area. They started asking about my equipment and the tactics of turkey hunting. I ended up giving a ten minute intro to turkey hunting seminar right there at the gate. One of the gals was tickled pink when I fired off a turkey call. Russ would have been proud. They even waved as they went by up the road. Hunting, or not hunting, is a personal choice we all make. I feel like the community as a whole tends to be more understanding and polite than we are given credit. I talk of hunting with passion to hopefully ignite a spark in people that may just open a new door in their lives.To funny. That is awesome though. I try to avoid places with people. I do get lots of questions at work though. Sometimes in the office i am practicing calls whether it is turkey or elk. I will get some of the non hunting people coming into the office wondering what I am doing. I don't mind that they don't hunt but they go away with a little more understanding of what we do as hunters.
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Post by: Sandberm on August 15, 2020, 11:59:32 AM
I rolled up to a branch road gate in the Cle Elum area right at the tail end of spring turkey this year. While donning my official turkey hunting uniform another rig rolled up with some bikes on the back. I walked over and introduced myself and asked if they planned to bike the same road, which they did. I let them know I would be moving slow and would give them plenty of time to get some distance before considering a shot. I also enjoy mountain biking and began a discussion on the local trails in my area. They started asking about my equipment and the tactics of turkey hunting. I ended up giving a ten minute intro to turkey hunting seminar right there at the gate. One of the gals was tickled pink when I fired off a turkey call. Russ would have been proud. They even waved as they went by up the road. Hunting, or not hunting, is a personal choice we all make. I feel like the community as a whole tends to be more understanding and polite than we are given credit. I talk of hunting with passion to hopefully ignite a spark in people that may just open a new door in their lives.
Way to be a great ambassador for hunting :tup:
Post by: Sandberm on August 17, 2020, 01:44:52 PM
More like no comments.
Up in the Alpine Lakes earlier in the week and all the people wearing masks while hiking was mind blowing. Of course my group wasn't and we couldn't even get a hello from most people. They looked at us like we had two heads.
Go to the Washington Trails Association Trip reports section and read the reports. https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trip-reports (https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trip-reports)
Lots of mask talk. How wide the trail is to avoid people, how many people wear them/don't wear them. One person claimed that non mask wearing is really bad in eastern washington vs western Wa. One person didnt like seeing a couple guys with holstered handguns, made a snide comment.
I dont even feel like bothering to do any popular hikes this summer. Screw it, the mask crowd in the great outdoors wins.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on August 17, 2020, 02:04:36 PM
Post by: HillHound on August 17, 2020, 02:21:42 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 17, 2020, 02:33:01 PM
Hollywood didn't do us an favors with that stupid movie "Wild" staring Reese Witherspoon. They made hunters all look like creepy rapists. Probably why I got such weird looks from people.
Post by: WSU on August 17, 2020, 02:35:07 PM
Post by: Bill W on August 17, 2020, 02:39:20 PM
Post by: theleo on August 17, 2020, 03:02:26 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 17, 2020, 03:04:42 PM
Years back I decided to try my had at ML hunting on the wet side. I was hunting elk off the PCT and I was all done up in my camo and bee bopping down the PCT as it was the best way to access the land I wanted to get into. Several days I ran into hikers and they all seemed really weirded out. I just smiled and said "thank you" as they stepped aside to let me pass.
Hollywood didn't do us an favors with that stupid movie "Wild" staring Reese Witherspoon. They made hunters all look like creepy rapists. Probably why I got such weird looks from people.
No doubt! I was actually excited to see that movie but what a disappointment. Almost "every" dude she ran into seemed to be a slobbering pervert, particularly the hunters with large cans of beer in the wilderness :o. Stupid movie.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 17, 2020, 03:09:49 PM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 17, 2020, 03:48:07 PM
Post by: cbond3318 on August 17, 2020, 03:58:45 PM
I've had a few dirty looks but honestly never a nasty verbal interaction. Most nonhunters I've talked with have been cordial, about half are genuinely friendly. I've spoken with quite a few who are very curious about hunting, meat care, and how to get started in hunting. Since I was a self-taught adult hunter with no mentors initially, I've really enjoyed passing on how I got started. We all love the backcountry, that's a lot of common ground - most people are decent if you treat them the same - but not all!
This has been my experience as well. Gave a ride to a few wildcats that had been doing a 3 week primitive survival course up out of twisp. Rawhide outfits and all, eased my way into asking about any seen critters as they had come out where I was intending to head in, they offered up great intel and even described one deer as having 6 or 7 “pokies” on one side.
Treat right , be treated right.
Post by: Special T on August 18, 2020, 01:00:56 AM
Post by: Onewhohikes on August 18, 2020, 05:28:57 AM
Post by: GASoline71 on August 18, 2020, 07:17:12 AM
If you really wanna read hatred for hunters... just go check out the Washington Trails Association website and read the comments on trails that are in popular hunting areas as well. There can be some very narrow minded individuals on there.
Gary
Post by: Skyvalhunter on August 18, 2020, 08:10:39 AM
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on August 18, 2020, 08:53:31 AM
My friend did get chewed out by a hiker... can't imagine the balls of steal to tear into someone legally hunting and holding a rifle, 3 hours away from cell service. My friend simply said "Ill enjoy the woods the way I want, you enjoy them the way you want", and left the guy standing in the trail throwing a fit.
There is only going to be more interactions every year, hopefully we as hunters can use that to our advantage and show these people that we can coexist, and change the stigma for hunters. Cause we know who controls the vote in this state...
Post by: KNOPHISH on August 18, 2020, 09:14:25 AM
Post by: fireweed on August 18, 2020, 09:23:54 AM
When I used to use different parts of the PCT to access some of my hunting areas, I would oftentimes run into the "through" hikers. They always seems pretty decent. A few times, my buddy and I would stop to chat with them and ask where they came from, how far do they travel per day, how do they work there resupply needs, etc. Some of them were a bit stinky but overall, pretty nice. Most of them would ask what I was hunting and if I'd seen anything. I remember one time, I offered a hiker a couple of mini snickers bars and I thought he was gonna kiss me. He was so excited to actually get a few bites of hollow, sugary calories he was beside himself :chuckle:
During a special October elk hunt there was early heavy snow on the PCT. We ran into some miserable through hikers in the rain and directed them to the nearest road. A few days later, when rain had turned to blizzard, we ended up basically "rescuing" five of them and got them to town. These wet, very cold semi-hypothermic hikers were glad to meet up with elk hunters that knew the area, were on their way back out for the day..and had a warm camper stocked with food. Good PR for hunters!
Post by: GASoline71 on August 18, 2020, 10:09:56 AM
Thats because most of the people on WTA are from Seattle. Look at wa hikers and climbers on FB and how they despise hunters
There was a thread on WTA about how one rock licker was telling everyone to stop posting on WTA about what wildlife they see on the trails, because hunters can use that info to kill more animals. Uh... okay? Because hunters are going to rush up to an area that a report of a bear or deer was seen on a trail? :dunno: :chuckle: The logic is flat out comical.
I was on WTA looking for trail condition reports and stumbled on that circus. That was the last time I checked trail conditions on that website.
Gary
Post by: Special T on August 18, 2020, 10:25:05 AM
Heard of thru hikers but not thru hunters
Fixed :chuckle:
Post by: KP-Skagit on August 18, 2020, 10:48:08 AM
All said they were pretty good about it, even excited to learn more about things.
Like has been said earlier there is actually A LOT of common ground between hunters and the granola crowd whether they realize it or not. I try to be a good ambassador of the sport and think I have helped the perception.
Post by: Hillbilly Zen on August 18, 2020, 10:55:14 AM
When I used to use different parts of the PCT to access some of my hunting areas, I would oftentimes run into the "through" hikers. They always seems pretty decent. A few times, my buddy and I would stop to chat with them and ask where they came from, how far do they travel per day, how do they work there resupply needs, etc. Some of them were a bit stinky but overall, pretty nice. Most of them would ask what I was hunting and if I'd seen anything. I remember one time, I offered a hiker a couple of mini snickers bars and I thought he was gonna kiss me. He was so excited to actually get a few bites of hollow, sugary calories he was beside himself :chuckle:
In other forums I have lurked on, Some of the most respected ultralight Long distance and through hikers are also hunters. Theres a lot of common purpose behind both tasks, and a shared willingness to be uncomfortable in the wilderness not just for weekend pinterest points.
I hike and backpack with two kids under 9 years old. Sometimes my oldest hunts grouse with me, and in bear season we’ll toss a rifle over the shoulder (tags in the pocket anyway so why not). We spend a lot of time off trail and I think that is what shocks people more than anything. “You brought your kids down THAT?” Kind of comments. Or maybe they’re just surprised because I look fat and slow? Either way, never had any serious issues or hang ups with anyone while hiking. The hwy2 and I-90 corridor are not frequent destinations for us anymore though.
Post by: 2MANY on August 18, 2020, 11:01:21 AM
or
A plate full of bacon, eggs, potatoes or steak, salad, beans, and garlic bread.
Poor buggars.
Post by: nohea on August 18, 2020, 11:08:51 AM
Post by: Odell on August 18, 2020, 11:09:19 AM
When I used to use different parts of the PCT to access some of my hunting areas, I would oftentimes run into the "through" hikers. They always seems pretty decent. A few times, my buddy and I would stop to chat with them and ask where they came from, how far do they travel per day, how do they work there resupply needs, etc. Some of them were a bit stinky but overall, pretty nice. Most of them would ask what I was hunting and if I'd seen anything. I remember one time, I offered a hiker a couple of mini snickers bars and I thought he was gonna kiss me. He was so excited to actually get a few bites of hollow, sugary calories he was beside himself :chuckle:
Yeah that’s actually pretty fun talking with them. More than once I’ve thought of dragging a bunch of cold beer and candy bars up to a pass on a hot summer day just for the fun of handing them out
Post by: b0bbyg on August 18, 2020, 11:55:58 AM
When I used to use different parts of the PCT to access some of my hunting areas, I would oftentimes run into the "through" hikers. They always seems pretty decent. A few times, my buddy and I would stop to chat with them and ask where they came from, how far do they travel per day, how do they work there resupply needs, etc. Some of them were a bit stinky but overall, pretty nice. Most of them would ask what I was hunting and if I'd seen anything. I remember one time, I offered a hiker a couple of mini snickers bars and I thought he was gonna kiss me. He was so excited to actually get a few bites of hollow, sugary calories he was beside himself :chuckle:
Yeah that’s actually pretty fun talking with them. More than once I’ve thought of dragging a bunch of cold beer and candy bars up to a pass on a hot summer day just for the fun of handing them out
I know someone who did that at a trailhead one of the last few summers. Said they had lots of interesting conversation and everyone was really happy for the grub they were handing out.
Post by: 2MANY on August 18, 2020, 12:45:45 PM
Post by: ganghis on August 18, 2020, 12:50:11 PM
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
Post by: b0bbyg on August 18, 2020, 12:55:55 PM
Should hand out shovels so they can bury their feces.
:tup:
Ditto for many of the hunters out there.
Post by: WSU on August 18, 2020, 01:03:52 PM
Post by: NitRally on August 18, 2020, 01:47:21 PM
Quote from: ganghis
link=topic=252054.msg3410904#msg3410904 date=1597780211
link=topic=252054.msg3410904#msg3410904 date=1597780211
By and large, I've had mostly positive interactions, but try to avoid areas that get gobs of hikers. The worst was when I went up towards Ingalls Lake for the high hunt (I wasn't actually hunting at the lake, but used that trail for access). I went in at night and didn't see anyone but when I went out I probably passed a hundred hikers on the way out - definitely got some strange looks and at least one "Oh, no...."
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
Post by: 2MANY on August 18, 2020, 02:29:25 PM
Should hand out shovels so they can bury their feces.
:tup:
Ditto for many of the hunters out there.
AND
The USFS day hikers.
Post by: HillHound on August 18, 2020, 03:39:39 PM
Post by: cougforester on August 18, 2020, 04:19:30 PM
Post by: cb1989 on August 18, 2020, 07:54:50 PM
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
*facepalm*
luckily that hasn't been my experience, though I make a lot of effort to not use popular trails for access. But that is getting harder and harder to do, especially this year.
Post by: Bill W on August 19, 2020, 08:25:07 AM
By and large, I've had mostly positive interactions, but try to avoid areas that get gobs of hikers. The worst was when I went up towards Ingalls Lake for the high hunt (I wasn't actually hunting at the lake, but used that trail for access). I went in at night and didn't see anyone but when I went out I probably passed a hundred hikers on the way out - definitely got some strange looks and at least one "Oh, no...."
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
Further down in the write up by the irate hiker it says " Please report the clueless idiot.". I don't think the irate hiker really knows who is the clueless idiot.
Post by: 2MANY on August 19, 2020, 08:50:07 AM
Post by: GASoline71 on August 19, 2020, 09:02:19 AM
Gary
Post by: Onewhohikes on August 19, 2020, 09:10:11 AM
Post by: NitRally on August 19, 2020, 10:32:53 AM
Well I made my comment so she/he can chew on that a while
Likewise.
Post by: KP-Skagit on August 19, 2020, 10:36:33 AM
Personally, I do just about everything I can to avoid non-hunters, actually even hunters, in the woods. But with decreasing accessibility comes increased density. What we need is the USFS to start selling some timber, get these roads repaired and let folks spread out. :twocents:
Post by: salt n sage90 on August 19, 2020, 11:54:12 AM
By and large, I've had mostly positive interactions, but try to avoid areas that get gobs of hikers. The worst was when I went up towards Ingalls Lake for the high hunt (I wasn't actually hunting at the lake, but used that trail for access). I went in at night and didn't see anyone but when I went out I probably passed a hundred hikers on the way out - definitely got some strange looks and at least one "Oh, no...."
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
What a doozie of a thread. Love the outrage. Sums up seattle to perfection
Post by: stlusn30-06 on August 19, 2020, 03:53:05 PM
By and large, I've had mostly positive interactions, but try to avoid areas that get gobs of hikers. The worst was when I went up towards Ingalls Lake for the high hunt (I wasn't actually hunting at the lake, but used that trail for access). I went in at night and didn't see anyone but when I went out I probably passed a hundred hikers on the way out - definitely got some strange looks and at least one "Oh, no...."
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
What a doozie of a thread. Love the outrage. Sums up seattle to perfection
I appreciate the irony of one group of people in a forum thread, knocking another a group of people a forum thread, for knocking them in a forum thread. I try to just stay in my lane and call it good.
Post by: NitRally on August 19, 2020, 04:39:10 PM
By and large, I've had mostly positive interactions, but try to avoid areas that get gobs of hikers. The worst was when I went up towards Ingalls Lake for the high hunt (I wasn't actually hunting at the lake, but used that trail for access). I went in at night and didn't see anyone but when I went out I probably passed a hundred hikers on the way out - definitely got some strange looks and at least one "Oh, no...."
Just found this gem on WTA when doing some e-scouting
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-08-12-6114641073
Curious about people's opinions. I probably would have drug that bear out of sight somewhere and quartered it... I also probably wouldn't have been hunting right on a popular trail either, but wouldn't have passed on a shot either - assuming it was a bear I wanted anyway.
What a doozie of a thread. Love the outrage. Sums up seattle to perfection
I appreciate the irony of one group of people in a forum thread, knocking another a group of people a forum thread, for knocking them in a forum thread. I try to just stay in my lane and call it good.
Forumception. In all honesty it is helpful posting on wta or all trails to inform people that its legal.