New hunter, how do you find others for trips?

[HairyScandinavian]

OP, you could always create some hunting buddies by having a bunch of kids.

 

[DuckDawg22]

Where are you in the Bay? Tons of Ducks Unlimited chapters within a two hour drive and it's Banquet Season. Buy a ticket, sit at a random table, and start meeting folks. Duck hunters are the gateway drug and it's probably the most accessible hunting we have in the state. Big game is few and far between, but get in with some duck folk and the big game guys will follow. Cal Waterfowl is another good organization to check out.

 

[Shizam]

I've found it easier to meet bird hunters than big game hunters and many bird hunters are also into big game. You could try a pheasant club and/or public waterfowl areas.

Most of the population in the SF Bay Area is probably not familiar with hunting and so many hunters will keep to themselves; but if you discreetly let friends know that you are hunting then they might be able to connect you with others.

I go to a range in the north bay that seems to be frequented by many hunters; whereas another range in the east bay seems to be more shooters and fewer hunters. Glad to share these places if interested.

I’ll take that range recco, I have a friend who Action shoots at Richmond Rod and Gun club and since they do skeet there I’m hoping to run into some other hunters (I need to practice my shooting and rifle for hunting). Yea, love the 91 Syncro camper, should have plenty of space for coolers to haul anything home

Also to @EastHumboldt’s and others earlier points maybe I just go in myself a couple times, I thought The Way was to go in with an experienced person first but it’s sound like that isn’t strictly necessary.

 

[Shizam]

OP, you could always create some hunting buddies by having a bunch of kids.

Haha, have an 11yo who saves drowning bees from pools but loves meat & fish and enjoys anatomy so either I’m raising a serial killer or maybe I can direct this interest towards hunting

Where are you in the Bay? Tons of Ducks Unlimited chapters within a two hour drive and it's Banquet Season. Buy a ticket, sit at a random table, and start meeting folks. Duck hunters are the gateway drug and it's probably the most accessible hunting we have in the state. Big game is few and far between, but get in with some duck folk and the big game guys will follow. Cal Waterfowl is another good organization to check out.

Good to know! I got a 20g shotgun for quail and know a 12g is in the future for ducks so maybe I’ll just make some moves towards duck sooner than later.

 

[Jimmy]

Do you need a buddy?

I didn't have anyone really, so I went and learned on my own. It's not as hard as you might think! Learn on youtube, then go try it. I'm in CA too, if you want some tips on where to start, feel free to DM me.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Sounds dumb but YouTube and sights like this and a few other hunting forums you can really go from never hunting to pretty successful with just that. You don’t need someone else it’s all available right here

 

[Shizam]

Do you need a buddy?

I didn't have anyone really, so I went and learned on my own. It's not as hard as you might think! Learn on youtube, then go try it. I'm in CA too, if you want some tips on where to start, feel free to DM me.

Thanks man, tips will help, especially CA specific ones, will DM once I get that privilege

 

[fuzzymarindave]

I’ll take that range recco, I have a friend who Action shoots at Richmond Rod and Gun club and since they do skeet there I’m hoping to run into some other hunters (I need to practice my shooting and rifle for hunting). Yea, love the 91 Syncro camper, should have plenty of space for coolers to haul anything home

Also to @EastHumboldt’s and others earlier points maybe I just go in myself a couple times, I thought The Way was to go in with an experienced person first but it’s sound like that isn’t strictly necessary.

Circle S Ranch between Petaluma and Tomales. Bench shooting at 100/200/300 yards. I’m planning to go this Friday as I’m sorting a rig for upcoming NV muley hunt. Richmond club I use for skeet on occasion.

Funny my 25 year old son has no interest in birds but is into big game.

 

[DuckDawg22]

Plenty of ducks die via 20gauge

 

[cbat]

Sometimes you run across them in the woods. I happened into a guy on the side of the mountain. I was scouting for a NR buddy that his kid drew a moose tag. This guy was scouting for his own moose tag. We figured out that we live down the road from each other. We exchanged numbers and I told him to holler if he needed anything. 2 weeks later my phone rang and he asked if I could come help pack out his moose. I said what do you need me to bring ? We are hunting buddies now.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Plenty of ducks die via 20gauge

That’s all I use anymore

 

[Mattt]

I rarely do anymore. Just go.

This

 

[ianpadron]

When i was new to big game hunting i was in a similar boat, no in in my family hunted, and I had just moved across the country, so really didn't know anyone.

I hunted solo for a couple years and ran into some great dudes in the backcountry that became friends and hunting partners.

As my knowledge grew, I made a few friends on a local forum and made some great connections including a buddy who is now like a brother.

Definitely a good way to meet others with similar interests by spending time in the field doing that interest, lotta guys at the annual conservation banquets for nothing more but a tax write-off, booze, and chance at a free gun

 

[Sevens]

The comment about finding a wife is easier than a hunting buddy rings true. If you want someone to hunt with, be prepared to be flexible, disappointed, and frustrated.

If your goal is to go hunting, go hunting. Every time I’ve tried to get my group of friends together to do a “guys hunting trip,” I end up having to do all the legwork and have even had to cancel the trip because the group that was all “let’s do it” suddenly has commitment issues. Also, everyone has different interpretations of what a fun hunt is and what they want (and can) do. You might find you’ll have to compromise because you wanted to do a bull elk hunt out in Idaho, but your hunting buddy can only swing a weekend duck hunt. Is the time with your buddy more important or is hunting what you want most important.

I’d rather have my friend over to BBQ steaks from the elk I shot than shoot ducks with them.