When you run into another hunter?

[Toby]

What do you do? Let's say you have spent two hours getting back in to this place and you see or hear other hunters? It is a big drainage with several smaller drain ages feeding it?

[JPD350]

Not a problem just take em out of the equation, JK!

I would give them plenty of room and use them to my advantage, since I would already know the terrain I would get myself in a higher position as fast as possible and hunt above them, later I would carry my bull right past them!

[Migolito]

The reality is, when I run in to another hunter in the places I go during archery season, I go to location #2. They beat me there, they win. During rifle season, even when I hike in to some side canyon that shows on no map( ) I will use the other hunter(s) to push the animals. Elk, I go immediately to escapes routes, deer, I simply go high and glass.

[Swede]

If I see them up close I will talk with them and see what their plans are so I can hunt without interfering. If I see them far away or recognize their plastic bugles, I will slip away and try not to be detected. I change my hunt plans so they do not mess me up, as much as I try not to bother them.

[easeup]

If I see them up close I will talk with them and see what their plans are so I can hunt without interfering. If I see them far away or recognize their plastic bugles, I will slip away and try not to be detected. I change my hunt plans so they do not mess me up, as much as I try not to bother them.

same here............and wish them good luck

[zpd307]

i have ran into other hunters twice. first were locals and very good callers. they were definately friendly and gave us some pointers. second time was some wisconsiners.... they were cordial also. we spent some time chewing the fat.

[Gselkhunter]

If I see them up close I will talk with them and see what their plans are so I can hunt without interfering. If I see them far away or recognize their plastic bugles, I will slip away and try not to be detected. I change my hunt plans so they do not mess me up, as much as I try not to bother them.

Best plan. They have as much right to be there as I do and they were there first.

[Indian Summer]

I'll confess: I play dumb. That way they don't ask too many questions or expect too much information. In the meantime I ask questions. Not a lot but some very key ones. I also absorb as much info as I can about them. From where they live to how they are dressed. What kind of gear they have.... anything that helps me size up how much experience they have, how serious they are.... and how much effort I think they are willing to put in. That can tell me volumes about where they will or won't hunt.

But I will come right out and ask which direction they were planning to head. I'll be nice enough about it and tell them I'd like to put some ground between us so we don't hut the same elk. But it's not likely I'll actually tell them much including where I plan to hunt. IF it appears that we are on the same exact level that can change things. if they talk in detail about the area and seem to know as much about the local elk as me then I'll open up more and we'll gain some mutual respect. Then try to make sure we aren't hitting up the same drainages. As long as you are in the lower 48 there's a chance of running into someone. it's not the end of the world but I do take crossing paths with other hunters pretty serious. If one if my guides tells me he ran into someone and he can't tell me their age, what they were wearing, what kind of pack they had, and how much they seemed to know I'll shake my head and scoff at him saying man you don't pay much attention to the world around you huh? I actually tell them ahead of time how to handle conversations with anyone they run into.

[Toby]

Gselkhunter, how would I know if they were there first, we may have come in from different directions?

Indian Summer, you are a wise one. I also try to gather as much info as possible, not only to see what they know, but to try to avoid crossing paths again. I don't want to screw up someone's hunt, but the area I have hunted the past two years has more hunting pressure, so human encounters are going to be more frequent.

[BRazz]

I believe in karma for these situations. When I was first learning to elk hunt with my dad, I recall a few times running into folks who were really friendly and helpful. These fella's had a major effect on me and my approach to other hunters afield. You never know how the karma will pay off. Maybe you'll even have a meat-packing buddy when you thought you'd be solo (I've been on either end of that one).

That doesn't mean I announce everything about my plan, or where I've seen elk, etc. But as long as each of us can separate and hunt, I'm happy to share some intel.

[Gutpile]

I usually ask them how long they've hunted there and the plan as we part ways. Best info I get and give is when both parties know the area pretty well. Otherwise -I give an encouraging word and head in a direction that gives both of us some space.

[Trophyhill]

I don't know many hunters afield that willingly give good information to strangers, so I'll exchange hellos and be on my way to find another area

[idahoghost]

Watched another bow hunter for about twenty minutes from my tree stand two years ago. He was 17 yards from me. He made as much noise as any one hunter could. I thought there was a herd coming into me. He took gps readings, drank water looked all around, then walked off. I thought about saying "Hi" but decided not too.

[Screaming_btf]

If I can hear them from a ways off either talking or doing some calling I am out of the area asap until I feel I am alone again. If I actually run into them then I will try and avoid where they are hunting. If someone is setup in the spot I have hiked into, well to bad for me.. I will relocate. I'll share some small talk and be on my way if directly confronted.

[Lefty]

I have run into one pair of archery hunters. I was tracking a bull I had shot"at". they were entertained and impressed that I was tracking. They had watched me for a long time. instead of taking off they glassed in front of me looking. Until I was 200 yards away I thought they were rocks. Nice guys very good archery hunters. that part of the day was gone and we visited for an hour.
I have seen guys glassing from advantage points 1 or miles away. I go another direction
Overall I avoid people while hunting. But certainly willing to help those in need.

Last fall some fellow walked in towards my camp 2 hours before sunrise. I was 600 yards from camp, just listening to morning sounds. I think he had been walking so long he was walking out and didn't know it.He had his head light on , I cow called. He stopped. I said "Dave turn your light off" knowing Dave was at home still in bed hours away

Last fallI had been glassing from an advantage point it was just minutes before sunrise. Three guys pulled in a UHV got out glassed for thirty minutes and drove away . First I think that was rude. I wouldn't have done that. nor anyone I know. They never came over and said a word. Parked 20 feet away, Ethically bottom of the barrel by my standards

My experience most guys are not up front about what they are and plan on doing. Too many times with other game animals I said I was going one place, they were going another , and I ended up seeing them where I said I was going.
Im more of a don't ask don't tell and friendly . Depending on distance , A "Hi, how you doing",! Everything OK?" further A friendly wave and a smile, maybe a nod of my head,.. If they are good hunters they don't want to play the games either .
Once in Washington rifel hunting, two of us were on the same herd. thru hand signals we both dogged the herd, respecting the other. and we never spoke a word.


Im friendly with guys at the road but move on quickly,
I move away from active hunters; there is plenty of country

[BRazz]

Good post Lefty. I will only add that one of my main reasons for disclosing general plans is I figure I have a high likelihood of finding some seclusion again. That's why, if I see another hunter, I kinda want to chat briefly - just to make sure we are giving each other space.

[elkmtngear]

I read their "body language"...and if they seem receptive, I start B.S.ing with them. Always fun to meet anyone who loves to elk hunt. Last Season, I put in on a trailhead one Morning, and ran into two old dudes (bowhunters/ brothers) in their 80s about a mile down They were so great to talk with...they had been hunting the unit for many years!

[Lefty]

I read their "body language"...and if they seem receptive, I start B.S.ing with them. Always fun to meet anyone who loves to elk hunt. Last Season, I put in on a trailhead one Morning, and ran into two old dudes (bowhunters/ brothers) in their 80s about a mile down They were so great to talk with...they had been hunting the unit for many years!

At the trailhead on the walk in Im a bit different,.
wow I wouldnt pass up on a couple 80 year olds anywhere

Good post Lefty. I will only add that one of my main reasons for disclosing general plans is I figure I have a high likelihood of finding some seclusion again. That's why, if I see another hunter, I kinda want to chat briefly - just to make sure we are giving each other space.

I think most good hunters( my definition) will give each other room or stay out of each others way.
My encounters: most guys really arent straight up where they are hunting. And Im one of them. So I avoid the question. Im not sharing where Im going and how I will hunt . All of what seems a bit harsh. I dont walk away from many encounters without thinking, they're good guys. But some info Im not willing to share

[BRazz]

Good post Lefty. I will only add that one of my main reasons for disclosing general plans is I figure I have a high likelihood of finding some seclusion again. That's why, if I see another hunter, I kinda want to chat briefly - just to make sure we are giving each other space.

I think most good hunters( my definition) will give each other room or stay out of each others way.[/quote]

I hear you. But it's tricky to give each other room unless you have some general idea where the other person is headed. Although elk country is really big, sometimes good spots are known by more than just myself. The folks I tell it to may think I'm full of it, but I'm honest (in general terms - not specifics) and will say that "I'm headed up that drainage" or something to that effect.