Should I take my DAD?

[Herd Bill]

Hey Guys

Well it looks like I will be hunting solo this year. Its not the first time and I do enjoy the solitude. However, over dinner a couple of days ago my wife and I were talking and she said you should bring your dad. It has really never occurred to me since he is not a hunter. Then I starting thinking about what a memorable time we could have together. I would love to hear how everyone feels about this because I do have my concerns........

Pros:
1) Dads in good shape
2) Would love to spend 7-10 days in the woods hanging out with him
3) Who knows if I will have the chance again
4) He would help out anyway he could

Cons:
1) He's never hunted before (more of a car guy but always been supportive)
2) 73 years old
3) Doesn't cook or have any gear
4) What if day 2 he wants to head back

Appreciate any words of advice

Thank you

[Old school]

I would say it has to do with expectations and clearly communicating before hand. No doubt the time with him in the mountains could be a great memory. I'd just make sure he understands what it will be like physically, etc... so he doesn't say "let's pack up and leave" after day 2 or 3. Maybe another option would be 2 vehicles depending on how far you are driving.

--Mitch

[Indian Summer]

I would say yes but assuming one thing he enjoys the outdoors. City slickers would see no enjoyment in elk hunting or even hanging out n elk camp. if he does fine but plan accordingly. I would plan on not interfering with each others fun. In other words don't plan on dragging a 73 year old non hunter around with hopes of killing elk. And make sure he is n a scenic place with something enjoyable to do all day until you get back. Make sure he understands the realities of an elk hunt and make sure you anticipate the realities of him being on a camping trip spending quite a few hours alone. Then one day when you need a break take him onto the hill for an "easy day" of elk hunting where you have no expectations. The key is to be pen and honest and communicate so both of you know what to expect. Oh and cmon..... anyone can apply heat to food! Teach him to cook a little maybe. Or at least how to build a fire so you can shoot the bull a bit when you get back to camp. Does he fish?

[WapitiTalk1]

Sure, why the hell not with a cautionary caveat (much like what IS mentioned). Nothing better than spending quality time with your dad, especially away from the rat race! I'd recommend a sit down discussion with him sooner than later and make sure he (and you) understand what the game plan and expectations are. You're there to kill an elk, up and outa camp before the birds start chirping and oftentimes back after dark for an all day hunt, there may not be a lot of evening campfire/quality time as you'll be beat and ready to grab some chow and rack out, it'll be long days by himself (is he OK/would he enjoy just hanging out at camp with just nature as entertainment). Not sure how far you'll be hunting from camp but perhaps a check in via two way radios a few times a day may be a consideration?

I hunted one spot in ID a few years ago with Elkonthebrain from this forum (Ed), and we ran across a pretty large camp during a mid day break. There was an old codger at the camp that said he really hasn't hunted in many years but would not miss elk camp for the world. He had sons and grandsons out hunting in all different directions and was just fine and dandy just hanging out at camp and enjoying the pleasure that is elk camp. It may be just one of your pop's best experiences ever, but again, just discuss with him and get a feel for what he is comfortable with. Would hate to see you cut your hunt short (or your pop not enjoy himself) if all the details aren't discussed and agreed upon up front.

[Swede]

I agree with all that is written before on this subject. Your dad and my brother have a lot in common. We go together every year. He doesn't hunt, but will take drives around and look at different things while I am out. My brother has health issues, so he does not help pack into or out of difficult areas or help me set up. We just have a good time. Sure I would take my dad. I would advise against trying to drag him around when you are hunting unless he is totally into it. Just make sure he is having a good time. My brother is a great cook, but I am sure your dad can peel a spud or make a salad. You can barbeque a steak or burger when you get back in camp. I would come back to camp daily.

[cohunter]

I hunted with my dad (who didn't hunt) for years... He bought his first tag and harvested his first elk 2 years ago... wouldn't trade it for the world!

[js80138]

I think extending the offer is a wonderful way to tell your Dad that this is an important part of your life and you want him to share in the experience. The worst that could happen is to receive a "NO" the best would be to hear "Yes". If he stays at camp all day so be it. His limitations may prevent him from hunting but not sharing the hunt. Good Luck either way.

[saddlesore]

Just do it.I'd be thrilled to be able to hunt with my son.

[Swede]

I would be thrilled to hunt with my dad just once more. You will forever regret passing on an opportunity to go out with yours. Don't miss out. I am thrilled I can still go with my son. If the Lord decides to wait long enough on me, maybe I will get to go with some grand kids too. I have no idea why He would want me in heaven with Him. Sovereign love is quantified by no accountant and argued by any attorney.

[ElkNut1]

Talk with your dad! You'll know real quick where you stand with your thoughts & if you should take it any further.

ElkNut1

[Fridaythe13th]

One of the best things I've ever done you might have to change a few things we stayed in a condo and if he wanted to take the day off he could relax on the couch watching TV. food was easy we just plug in a Crock-Pot or grilled some steaks up. Dad retired at sixty-five and went on his first trip and had a great time. My advice is go for it.

[Waygoner]

How about planning a short scouting trip with your dad to see how it goes?

[RAMMONT]

First I'd say that you need to ask yourself if you really want to do this or if guilt is making you think that you should ask him. I say that because in the beginning you avoided even thinking of asking your dad along, your wife had to bring it up, and now you are talking with a bunch of strangers on the Internet rather than talking with him. As a father, I'd really be upset if my son asked me along and then he was in a bad mood the whole time because he kept feeling like he had to adjust his hunt to make me feel happy - nobody can make anybody else feel happy, that comes from inside of us, not the outside. I want my sons to BE happy, I don't want them to pretend to be happy while catering to my needs.

How about actually talking with him, talk about your concerns and see how it plays out. Even if he says yes, I'd arrange a scouting trip so that you can both get a better idea of how you two will handle the situation. Agree to having an honest discussion about how the two of you fit together after you finish the scouting trip. One or both of you might find that some aspect of the scouting trip didn't meet your expectations and decide that the idea wouldn't work. In the end, if one or both of you decide it wont work then don't take it as a rejection of either of you as individuals, rather recognize that you've both learned something new about each other's ideas of what's enjoyable. I'd bet that regardless of what happens the two of you will actually become closer since you'll understand each other better.

[jmez]

I would look at it exactly how I look at it when I take my kids to the woods. If you go into it with the attitude that you are going to spend quality time with your dad then it should be a great experience. If you look at it as and elk hunt you will probably regret it.

[>>>---WW---->]

I was only 28 years old when I lost my dad. What I wouldn't give to see him one more time again. Regardless of how the hunt goes, you'll never regret the time shared with you dad. JUST DO IT!!!

[T.B.]

Lost my dad as well at an early age (I was 20). Look at #3 of your pros. I believe that sums it up . Go and enjoy the time spent!

[Lonnie]

I don't take my dad. For some reason he tries to play me for his brush breaker. It took me years to catch on to his cleverness. Lol. He would tell me that he say a elk in the bottom of a nasty draw. I would scare everything out while he waited in a good shooting spot. He doesn't hunt anymore to old. But they were good times. I think when my boy is old enough I will play the same trick on him.

[Wahpeton]

This is a hard question to answer on this forum. I've been staring at this post since you first posted it a few days ago.

I spent 15 days total with my youngest son (graduating next week from high school) last year in Colorado Archery Elk hunting. I pulled him out of school for 8 total school days and caught hell from my wife and the principal.........I know that there are at least 4-5 years before college is behind him and we are able to possibly do the same hunt again, hopefully he wants to. We've archery hunted deer together since he was 11 every fall. As he gets older, it's feels like it's harder to stay close.


My dad passed away 13 years ago........

I believe that there are pretty much 100% of us on this post that have lost our dad and if our DAD was around we would love the opportunity to ask him.

You won't understand that until you have to go through that experience, and those of us that have had to would give anything to be able to say "hey do you want to?......"

[Herd Bill]

Thank you for the advice and thoughts. We will try a scouting trip.

Rammont- you shouldn't talk to strangers.

[DenverCountryBoy]

I wouldn't ask my dad. But that is because he is an obese, bi-polar, alcoholic, narcissistic, asshole. A week in the woods with him would be hell.

On the other hand, my uncle is coming out for ML season. He is a great hunter and a better man. He didn't even put in for his own tag because he just wants to help me get my first elk.

I would also love to have my father-in-law in a hunt camp even though his hips are bad. He's another good man that loves the outdoors.

[>>>---WW---->]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lefty]

I would be thrilled to hunt with my dad just once more. You will forever regret passing on an opportunity to go out with yours. Don't miss out. I.

Not much more can be dded to the above. But dead on how I feel.

Make it a great experience. My wife and daughter grew up hunting together.
Age,.. doesnt matter, Each of my daughters were on hunts before their first birthday, My 88 year old father-in law was with my nephew last fall where they killed a 350 bull.
You will likely need to do all the work. My father in law did with my wife, and I did with my daughters. Make sure and have a comfortable camp,..let him sleep in if he wants, have a few books that he should have read if he wants to stay in camp
My wife killed 12 larger bucks that aren't on this wall, I dont think she ever hiked 500 foot of elevation in a day and likely never walked a mile either.

You will be the guide,.. and maybe at the expense of missing out on some game opportunities,..