Elk hunting partner dilemma

[Elkboy]

Long time stalker, new poster. Love this site and all the information it has.

Here is my dilemma. A couple years ago my current partner approached me and wanted to start hunting with me in the area I was hunting in. I didn't have a partner at the time and said sure. My frustration is that we have two different hunting styles. He doesn't really try to get in shape before the season starts so during the hunt I am constantly waiting for him to catch up. He is always last one up in the morning and several times I have just left camp as the sun isn't going to wait for us and he wasn't ready. I have yet to have him tell me of a spot he went and scouted or set up a trail cam. He doesn't practice his calling techniques so when he has tried to call during the season there are a lot of off notes.. (Not saying I'm perfect but I practice a lot to try and better my calling)

So my question is am I being to unrealistic or should I be happy that I have someone along in case I get in a bind and someone to help pack each other's elk out?

Thanks for any advise any of you Elknuts have.

[Trophyhill]

If he's a good friend and doesn't mind you leaving him in camp, take him along for the pack out.

[Indian Summer]

Your are wise to consider the fact that there is a value to having a dependable partner. Not just to pack elk or help you out of a bind either. To be honest I can think of things that are way worse than the problems you mentioned.

You cannot go on being unhappy. We wait too long for elk season not to enjoy it 100%. So what to do? Communication is usually the key. But I realize that sitting him down and saying "You suck as a hunting partner here's what I want you to consider" is not the way to go about it.

Your profile doesn't say where you live but it sounds like you're a resident of wherever you hunt. So throughout the year why don't you plan a scouting trip and ask him to come along. If he doesn't think it's necessary tell him you really think you can do better and there are a few spots you'd like to look at before it's time to hunt. Whatever you need to say to get him to come along. If he is just not cooperating then maybe push the envelope a little bit and say "Dude there is a lot of work involved in finding and learning an area and I would appreciate your help if you intend to hunt it with me in the future" Right there he is at a fork in the road right!

If he still says no then every time you are getting ready to head out call or text him and say "Leaving Saturday morning want to join me?" If he comes along even a few times I think you will fell a little better just knowing he put forth some effort. On a side note I'd really try to get him to go just before you hunt so he can loosen up a bit and remember what the hunting season is going to be like.

THAT prepares you for the fall. If he blew you off all summer it will be easy to send a message if you still hunt with him. When you get up and he isn't ready just say I'm going to the spots I scouted and roll. If he isn't in shape to the point where he is holding you back then just make plans to hunt on your own and discuss where each other will hunt the night before. You were already hunting solo so going out on your own isn't anything new unless you were really looking for a two man scenario. Sometimes having a partner means "See you in camp tonight good luck". It's usually always that way in gun hunting. That or head out together and split up at some point.

If you really are looking for an all day partner that's more of a problem. You are going to have to confront him and tell him what you think and then go from there. That or bring a 3rd man that you are sure has what it takes. Not just physical ability but commitment. But remember nobody is perfect. There will almost always be one that is faster than the other going up hills. One that gets up earlier etc. I see you didn't mention any personality conflicts so I think he has potential. Whatever you don't jeopardize the friendship over it. Good luck.

[welcher83]

Does he have any redeeming qualities as an elk hunter (i.e. access to horses, a wall tent or anything that makes up for the fact that that you put more into this)? Does he have a hot sister? J/K

Are you guys good friends? That would definitely make it harder.

My advice would be to stick it out this year (assuming you already have plans). At the end of the season this year I would be completely honest and lay out the reasons you stated here and tell him if he wants to continue to hunt with you he needs to improve in these areas. If he does then great and if not you can find someone else (could even find someone here on elknut forum).

Having a good hunting partner makes the whole experience better. My buddy and I have been hunting for 3 years together. He's bee n archery hunting longer while I have been elk hunting longer, we both have a lot to learn but we are on the same page and both put the same efforts into preparation and the hunt itself. In the past I have hunted with others that didn't get it and seemed like the whole trip was frustrating.

Good luck!

[husky390]

My good friends don't hunt with me, unless we've hunted first and have become good friends. The problems you listed are the exact reason for that statement as I've been burned by a guy who acted like a friend but was really looking for someone to do all of the legwork for him. Now the turd brings his buddies to the spots I showed him.

With that said, I would talk to him about it and let him know what you're all about. I've hunted with guy's who aren't as serious as me, are in it for the gear, or are in it just to say they do it. There's nothing wrong with that, just as long as there is a line of communication about it and some expectations set upfront. If it still bothers you or he is hindering you, tell him you're going to go solo.

[bald9eagle]

Me and my buddy discussed just such a thing last night. We were talking about the 2016 hunt we are planning. We both have realistic expectations and know what kind of shape we need to be in. We are on the same page about different hunting styles. He suggested us splitting up but keeping in touch with two-way radios.

I'm pretty blunt when it comes down to it. I will flat tell a turkey hunting partner that he needs to be at a certain place at a certain time or he will be hunting alone. I hunt with my brother a lot. I've told him several times "You do what you want. I'm going after that bird" when "that bird" was a country mile away.

I'm pretty sarcastic so when a hunting partner is not hanging in they get a sarcastic comment. "C'mon chubby." / "I've got a heart condition. What's your excuse?" / "Can't kill a turkey laying in bed." / "You just sit down and rest princess. I'll come back and get you after I killed the turkey." Those are all actual quotes I've made.

[bald9eagle]

One last suggestion....take me with you. When your partner realizes he's the odd man he will either step up or step out. Just kidding about taking me but if you can find someone that hunts a lot like you take them along. It becomes a subtle message.

[Olydog09]

Elkboy, in my humble opinion the most important piece of this equation is your relationship with your elk hunting partner. The question is if he is one of your very best friends or just a guy that you met to hunt elk with.

If he is one of your best friends that knows you and accepts you faults and all then you need to sit him down and explain how important this is to you and that you feel cheated because you are the one putting in all the work to ensure you guys have good areas to hunt. Also you mentioned that it was a difference in hunting STYLES that was a big difference. If that is the case tell him to do his own thing and you can do yours. However if what you desire in an elk hunting partner is someone who will be your partner sun up to sun down and later then you will need to explain that to him. If you two can not come up with a plan to hunt as a unit and that is what you are looking for then you will need to either bring in a third partner that can be that guy for you or disband the hunting relationship and find another partner.

If he is just an a guy you met and teamed up to hunt elk with I would recommend going your separate ways now so that you can find what you are looking for. Finding that one hunting partner is real similar to me as finding your wife or significant other. There are so many variables that come into play in making that perfect team.

Some more info on your end would also be helpful for us to give pertinent advice. Things like:

Is he a true friend or just an acquaintance that you met up with to hunt elk with
You said that you guys have different styles. What exactly are the differences?
As a team member what does he contribute to the team?

I am sure I am missing some questions but these would add to our ability to give you decent advice.

[Lefty]

I had a friend that would "shop" for the best Saturday morning hunting of fishing trip. So many times I was asking late Friday what his plans were.
It became easy one morning . He decided the weather was too bad.Twenty minutes later I tossed six drake mallards on his front yard.
After that event I suggested we meet at my place. ( He was 5 houses down from my place) I was very specific,.. be here at such a time or Ill be on my way, and was. And for me the weather always dictated where I would be hunting. We enjoyed each others company ,.. but he wasnt as committed to hunting as I was,.. I just never waited , and likely wasnt hunting the place we had talked about the previous days
Ive also had hunting partners that hunt like me,.. just hunting buddies,.. that works just fine.

If he is a good friend you are in a tough situation. And I really dont have good advise. My nearest friends hunt like me, have similar gear, are about the same level of fitness and commitment,.

[Elkboy]

LOL great responses and suggestions! Thanks everyone. To my knowledge he doesn't have a hot sister.. I need to look into that though..
He isn't one of my closest best friends but non the less we are still friends. I realize that there could be things far worse than what I have described. Heck for all I know he could be complaining that I am too serious.

I'm going to ride it out this year and see if he has been working on his calling and conditioning. Splitting up at camp sounds like a good idea. In the past we have hunted together but a day or two by ourselves could be just what the doctor ordered. I my through in some sarcastic responses.. Thanks bald9eagle,

One of my fears is that if we do split up he continues to hunt this area that I hunted before he asked to join me. And he brings his buddies to the area....

[realunlucky]

Yes I believe you are well founded in your fear that he will continue to hunt the area. After all he doesn't scout new areas

[CurlyTail]

I suspect you hunting partner has noticed the differences also. I know lots of guys who are truly happy to just go hunting, and don't really care if they bag game. He needs proper motivation. Try getting him a copy of Elknuts playbook - maybe that will get his fire burning a bit hotter. Most guys find being behind going up the ridge a bit demoralizing. Put your buddy out front and follow him closely - you will get to the top faster than him following you. Plus, going slow in the Elk woods is a virtue YOU may need to learn. Get him some Elk hunting porn like a Primos "The Truth" DVD - that might help motivate him a bit. Find out if he really eats and enjoys the elk meat. The thought of Elk steaks on the grill motivates me like nothing else. Maybe get together for some calling practice sessions in the offseason. Invite him over for some Elk tenderloin, watch a DVD, and practice calling, talk about the good times from last season and talk about gear. If he does not respond, you may need to recruit a third partner. Just some ideas.