Good Luck?? Bad Luck?? Dumb Luck!!

[Mr.Redneck]

I had originally planned to head to CO this fall with 6 guys, they were all Gung-Ho, and really ready to do it. Each of us had been wanting to try this for 10-15 yrs., and we finally made the plans. Well like everything else that requires money and a committment, we ended up being just the 2 of us who originally planned out the trip anyway. Well...... Yesterday morning my buddy headed into town to buy a new pair of boots, and our local boot man, who we'd hunted with in the past, but due to 50miles between us we hadn't hunted with in about 8 yrs. or so said he'd be interested. By noon yesterday afternoon, I had 3 more guys chomping at the bit wanting to go, now we'll see who really wants to go and who talks alot. So we may end up with a group of 6 heading out to CO anyhow. I just thought it was interesting how things change so quickly in a matter of a few hours that have fallen apart over a matter of 6 months. Anybody else have stories of the endless backer-outers??????

 

[wmidbrook]

Well, sort of. But, it's understandable that things can change for folks---they may want to go but then run into a conflict with the wife, finances, job conflicts or whatever the case might be. But, it can be frustrating. Have ended up going by myself before but that's okay too.

I had a buddy bail on me this year because he and his wife found out about unplanned pregnancy after he had committed to this years CO trip. But, that's okay. Fortunately, Bubba can go. So, thank goodness for JHO bretheren.

You can usually meet folks through here or similar sites if you don't have local hunting buddies willing to go out of state with you. I hunted with 5 guys in NM in 2003 from all over--all had met through this site and another one. I had only met one in the party from SoCal but hadn't met the 2 from Southern Utah, the 2 from Missouri and the fellow from South Dakota. All in all, it was a great trip.

Glad you've got your party filled up again for the hunt.

 

[FTTPOW]

There's a lot of risk involved in taking on new hunting partners. I'm not saying you can't make lifelong friends/hunting partners, but be cautious. The urge to have more company needs to be weighed against having your hunt turn into something "less than pleasant". Just remember that this is the hunt you've planned and dreamed of for a long time and you'll be spending not only your hard-earned cash, but your vacation as well. A good hunting partner has to be researched as much as you would for a car, house or anything else you'd make a large investment in. It's similar to a spouse. If you find the right one you'll do anything to keep them. If you find out you've made a mistake, it takes a lot to get rid of them and you'll have too many bad memories. Do you believe in Love at First Sight? This is basically what you're doing. Kind of a corny analogy, but see how it fits?
You wanna quick test? All of you go the the shooting range to sight in your rifles/bows/spears, whatever. After a reasonable shooting session require that everyone put $50, or whatever seems extrordinary, in the kitty for a winner-take-all one shot match. Watch for their reactions. See who cries the loudest and after the match, see who gloats, makes excuses or whines. If the winner offers to donate the $$$ to the trip, keep him. If the losers demand that he donates or refunds, either dump them or at least be wary of them. Don't let them know they're being put to the test. This can give you a good read on their personality and how well they deal with adversity. I'd rather know now than to find out in the back country 6 states from home!

 

[tmoniz]

Been down that road many times. Now I don't offer. Just me and my boys.

 

[Mr.Redneck]

Lucky for You Tmoniz,
I have a couple of good hunting buddies that I've hunted with since middle school, otherwise, most of the guys I know are more aquaintances than anything. I do have a 17 yo kid who I took hunting with me for the first time 3 yrs. ago, and he's killed 5 deer in that time, and I think in the not too distant future, I may be taking him out West. My daughter is only 10 months today, so it will be a while for me to take her!!!

 

[upperEA]

Great idea FTTPOW

This kinda happened to us in Wyoming last year five us went and one guy was only known by one of the five about half way thru the trip he got jelous or felt left out or something we still don't know, but he turned into a real dink. He and the guy he came with left early and it was a good thing. So this year it's just three of us and we have all hunted together and been friends for some time.

 

[oneclearshot]

Hey Tom,
How you been Ol' Son? How's that little business project o' yours comin' along? I'm going to Colo. this year for the second season, Rifle Elk with three brothers I grew up with down in Central MI. near yer old "Stompin' Grounds" ! Haven't hunted with them in many years since I'm in CA. now, but we're lookin' forward to Old Times! Nice avatar you got there....is that one o' them "Banded Throat", "Multi-Tined", "Swampelopes"....you got up there in the Cedar marshes? Take care pard' n' drop me a line when you have time!

Bob