Camping buddies

[Fridaythe13th]

We have 3 people that own a 12x20 tent, a 14x16 mess tent, and bunch of other stuff. (freezer, tables. pot, pans) almost every thing a base camp needs. Is it wrong to charge other people that come with us elk hunting, say $50 bucks per person to use this equipment.
We were talking about charging this year, not just to take money from them for using are stuff. We would use it to buy more equipment like a enclosed trailer or a Honda generator.
Does anybody else charge???

[easeup]

Would you charge them to take them fishing?

[LckyTylr]

I get where you are coming from, that it's a LOT of stuff to acquire, store, upkeep, etc . . . but I don't think it will be well-received by those that you ask money of. I'm not saying I blame you, as it's only fair that everyone contribute. But rather than charging them $xx each, how about assigning each of the typical non-contributors with a new piece of gear/equipment that they are responsible for bringing this year. For expensive items like generators and such, maybe say that by the end of July, there will be a collection for that particular item by camp members. Generator costs $1,500, there's 10 people in camp, everyone needs to pitch in $150.

If you tell me that you have a specific purpose in mind for my money, and I'm a previous non-contributor . . . I'll be MUCH MORE LIKELY to pitch in than if you tell me that you are charging me for "future gear". How do I know that's not going to your beer fund post season . . . not that there is anything wrong with that.

Just my thoughts

[Swede]

Nobody charges, but everyone contributes fully, and does their part.

[under H2O hunter]

I rented my equipment out last year for 50 a day in other seasons I wasn't hunting. But I never charge my friends to stay in my camp. I usually ask them to bring things like a meal or two perhaps soda and beer. Help off set the cost so I am not picking up to much of the expense. However I look at my wall tents, cots, tables, coolers, and so on as an investment in my comfort and I treat my equipment with care so It should last for sometime. If you hunt regularly with the same guys then bring it up over a campfire about how the piece of equipment will make all of your guys/gals hunting camp that much better. And ask around who would be willing to contribute to that purchase and workout what other details would concern that piece. I think that approach would be more welcomed then charging your buddies for using your equipment. You can't put a price on friendship.

[twinkieman]

I have a wall tent, with a cookshack attachment, lanterns , all the stuff needed for a base camp. I don't ask anyone for money. I'm happy to share what I have with others. Everyone does their part in camp, and we do share expenses on food, etc.

[BRazz]

We don't charge anybody anything, and usually everyone pitches in with manual labor. The guys that don't have any gear to contribute to the group effort are usually guests or noobs, and I don't want to put either through a lousy experience. If they don't pitch in around camp or hauling meat they don't get invited back.

[Lefty]

Nobody charges, but everyone contributes fully, and does their part.

I agree


But maybe there part might be to drive out a day early, supply other items

I kind of do what my dad use to do. My dad converted a school buss and made a very nice "camper". Everyone split gas. Those that didn't have anything to contribute were in charge of meals, A plan for each day and purchasing the food. Still a bargain, Not food but meals,.. While others may cook a definite plan for food
I take a lot of guys goose hunting, I take care of the gas, have all the gear, some guys I supply the gun, shells and waterfowl stamp
I let them know what is expected. I do expect them to bring good breakfast sandwiches and morning hot chocolate or Mt. Dew

Have the guys without gear fill the propane, bring their wife and spend the evening cleaning your camper before and after camp. Find a spare tire for the trailer of truck, all that chasing around stuff
Put them fully in charge of " meals" and be very clear on your expectations.
You're the host Youre in charge

20 years ago I was invited on an elk hunt, At the end of the hunt the one fellow commented He wanted me along next year because I helped around camp. I knew what needed to be done and did it, And when things seemed slow I asked what else could be done. Not all guest know how much work is envolved, and dont know how to help. You need to let them know

[Mikeha33]

If you start charging your "friends" to use your gear, that you seem ready to use with other people, or you wouldn't have that much/type of gear, then sooner or later, someone will want to use it when you aren't around or can't make a trip, and expect that it be OK, since they helped "pay" for it.

When I bring a bottle of whiskey to sip around a bonfire, I gladly pass it around, expecting no reimbursement whatsoever. It's not about the dollar amount, money will come and money will go, just like my whiskey, but the memories will live on.

[Fridaythe13th]

Thank you for the reply's
I agree help is better than money.
One of member did all the meal planning went and bought all of the food (split the cost) and he cooked every night. The second helper did most of the map work found 9 possible camping site, copy maps off of google earth laminated them and spent hundred of hours on line. The third was in high school, how does one charge a kid. and he did his part around the camp. the only thing bad was he brought 2 pairs of socks for 10 days. holy carp his feet stunk
I just seen the post about charging to bring out people stuff when they fly and it got me thinking.

[Wyo67]

Never crossed my mind... IMO a good hunting buddy who is there to help you pack out an elk is priceless.

[elk.addict]

My buddies come out and stay in my trailer, use my propane, drive my UTV, etc each year. I wouldn't dream of charging them, they're my friends and they would do the same for me if our situations were reversed.