Need some advice

[deek05]

Bro-in-law (BIL) and I have only been archery elk for 4 years. Our first year out someone told him to go to a certain area (can't figure out why this guy wasn't hunting there). This unit was spike/antlerless. We did see a couple of bulls but no spikes. This guy really gave BIL some bad advice too and he won't listen to anybody else. Like, if you see and elk take 2 steps back, drop to the ground on your belly. And make as much noise as you want. The elk will think it's more elk...I could go on. Just nonsense that I can't get out of BIL's head. Every year it's gotten worse for seeing anything. I usually go off on my own and have had luck calling something in or have seen elk every year thanks to all of you on the forum. I'm learning. The last 2 years BIL hasn't seen any elk in that unit and complains so we always come home early.
 
Last year we hunted a different unit closer to home. Spike only. We were in elk every day but didn't see any spikes. My BIL complained constantly because we didn't see any spikes (which I know they are there).

My question is, which unit to hunt? Hunting without him will cause too many family issues so that's not an option...LOL

Thanks a bunch

[vandeman17]

If you have spots you like in the original area and it is cow or spike, I would be hunting there so I have more options. Let your BIL know how long you will be there and he is welcome to stay for as little or as long as he wants. 

[greenhead_killer]

Hunt without him. Camp sure, but I’d avoid like the plague as soon as I was in hunt mode

[Stein]

I like to hunt where there are animals.  Tell him to bring a separate rig as you don't intend to come home early.  Hunt how you want and if he wants to stay in camp or leave early, that's his choice.

Vacation time and hunting is so limited it's almost a crime to waste it with someone who complains the entire time.

[kselkhunter]

I like to hunt where there are animals.  Tell him to bring a separate rig as you don't intend to come home early.  Hunt how you want and if he wants to stay in camp or leave early, that's his choice.

Vacation time and hunting is so limited it's almost a crime to waste it with someone who complains the entire time.

 

Always take separate rigs.  Gives him freedom to bug out early if he chooses. 

[ghosthunter]

I have a bunch of guys that hunt out of our camp. I tell them first thing I am not going home early. If you ride with me you leave with me or find a ride.

I got one guy I know will leave as soon he gets his deer. He’s on his way home. I plan for it make sure I am self sufficient.

I enjoy being in camp alone. And have a week of alone time planned this year.

Let Bil pick the unit. From a list you both decide on.

[buckfvr]

Ditch BIL

[deek05]

can't ditch BIL...leaning toward the second unit. More elk although spike only and 60-90 min drive opposed to 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Maybe I introduce him to a couple books and a pound of bacon? LOL

[vandeman17]

can't ditch BIL...leaning toward the second unit. More elk although spike only and 60-90 min drive opposed to 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Maybe I introduce him to a couple books and a pound of bacon? LOL

take your own rig. He is welcome to stay as little or as long as he wants. If he leaves early, its him ditching you. 

[TheStovePipeKid]

I started out hunting with two brothers and my dad ten years ago. After the  first year one brother decided he didn't like hunting and stopped coming. Other brother kept coming but decided he didn't like the actual work necessary to hunt. Our trips got shorter and the time in the field was less and less. I finally stopped carpooling with them and told them where I would be and when. They were free to join me if they wanted. I cover alot of ground and don't mind the physicality. I've managed to get my dad out a couple of times just him and me. Good times. When he's done I drop him at camp and go out and kill things solo. I cherish my limited hunting time so I won't get stuck anymore. As others have said, take your own rig and gear and when he's done wave at him as he drives home.

[birddogdad]

Ditch BIL

 

[2MANY]

Divorce Bil's sister.