Struggling to find western hunting partners

[WestTexasBestTexas]

I live out in North Florida and most of the people I hunt whitetail or Turkey with out here are content with that and have no interest in heading out west. My TX friends who would be interested have young kids and this is not an option for them fiscally, or timing-wise. I’d rather not go solo but worry I’m missing out on valuable time in the mountains…would like to take advantage of my 30s.

Anyone else in a similar boat or tips for finding western hunting pals?


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[southLA]

Same. Most folks in Louisiana are more than happy to shoot whitetail in a shootbox in Texas. I have just gone out West and will commit to go solo regardless of company.

 

[MightyWhitey]

Same. Do it by yourself, you’ll be much better off.

 

[Mikido]

My advice is go solo. Much more rewarding.

 

[CRJR45]

Yup , live in SE Florida myself , just drove 5000 miles round trip for a Elk hunt , tagged out the first day , LOL .
Guided hunt because of the time constraint and lack of know how on my part .

 

[TracksWapiti]

I have the same problem finding hunting partners that want to push themselves in the backcountry. Very few people I’ve met are wired this way.

Solo backcountry hunting is dangerous tho. A lot can go wrong even with being 100% prepared and doing everything right. Much smaller margin of error safety-wise than going with a hunting partner.

But I second previous opinions that going solo is still better than staying home or going with the wrong partner. Just prep like your life depends on it and be careful out there!

 

[jimh406]

Join archery or gun ranges and hang out with those who spend a lot of time doing it. You'll find people who won't mind gong on far away hunts.

 

[bascott1]

Driving to work and the grocery store can be dangerous. But you do it every single day!!!!

 

[eaglemountainman]

My friends either have the time but no finances, or finances and no time. I ask them each year, as a courtesy, but its always the same excuses. I go by myself to Wyoming every year since I retired (5 years) and have a blast.
I meet some great people in camp every year.

 

[TracksWapiti]

Driving to work and the grocery store can be dangerous. But you do it every single day!!!!

Good for you if you’ve never had a close call in the backcountry. Most folks aren’t out there every single day. Minimizing the safety risks is dangerous, especially for those new to the game.

 

[*zap*]

It is hard for me to find a person to have a decent conversation with no less someone to go backcountry hunting for a few weeks with..

 

[Ghanson4]

I’m having trouble breaking in to the western big game world. I live in Washington and have been hunting solo for a few years in state without success.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I’m in FL and gave up for the most part. I do almost everything solo.
The last time I went on a hunt with someone I sent them on a stalk and they ended up hitting the panic button and calling a chopper to pick them up. I didn’t know this and spent quite some time looking for him, found his pack, assumed I was searching for his body…. Was not a good time

 

[BravoNovember]

Pretty much the same boat. I’ll likely be solo for the first several years. I anticipate if I have success I’ll have people asking to go along. I can’t even get people to vomit to buying points or gear.

 

[dtrkyman]

I hunt solo mostly, sucks but got sick of guys saying they would go only to weazle out!

Drive across half the country solo regularly. I can knock out 14 hrs pretty easy, leave early AM and take advantage of all the day light possible, try not to drive too far after dark anymore though!

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Even if you don't fill your tag, a week alone in the backcountry will teach you more about yourself than you could ever expect. That week can be life-altering.

 

[Poser]

Even living in a Western Mountain town, it’s very difficult to find partners who’s motivations, fitness and sensibilities align with yours. I have a total of 4 people I’ll hunt with and only 2 of them are even local. It is what it is.

 

[MuleyFever]

I live out west and cant find western hunting partners.

 

[Packin_packout]

I lived in Dallas Texas most of my adult life and in 15 years of going out west only got one guy my age who came out and he was too nervous to hike in bear country after dark. Only one other willing to go and he is 20+ years my senior. Finding someone with the work ethic to do it is a nightmare. Let alone with the means to get out there and skills to hang.

 

[trophyhill]

Good for you if you’ve never had a close call in the backcountry. Most folks aren’t out there every single day. Minimizing the safety risks is dangerous, especially for those new to the game.

You can go solo and not do a backcountry style hunt. Truck camp is highly underrated