Taking a girl to elk camp. . .

[DLIP]

100% take her even if it means having to find new buddies.

 

[Slickhill]

I’d ask your buddies depending on “who’s” camp it is.

We’ve never had women in our elk camp. And it isn’t that any of us are doing anything too bad, a little cussing around the domino table, a few drinks but no drunks, dudes scratching their nuts, the occasional joke of a nature I wouldn’t tell around a teenage girl or probably any girl besides my wife.

But it isn’t just my camp, there’s about 10 of us that are every year diehards who always schedule work off and plan a big part of our lives around the trip to elk camp. It may be the only vacation some of us get and guys like to cut loose a little and just hang with the guys. And for the record boys don’t get to come until they’re old enough to hear a dirty joke and maybe have a beer they aren’t allowed to tell Mom about.

Absolutely take your kids hunting, regardless of their sex. But there might be a right place and right time that doesn’t involve making it awkward for anyone or causing a rift with any friends. Worst case scenario you get to go on an extra hunting trip with your daughter.

 

[Pony Soldier]

I started my camps with my wife hunting with me.
Over time my so called buddies walked away and I replaced them with my kids.

My daughter justrd turned 41 and at least every other year she comes home to hunt with me and her brother. We don't camp much but everyone in the family hunts with me.

My old buddies? They play golf and I don't miss them.

 

[Phaseolus]

My Wife grew up going to the Elk camp that her Family and a couple of other groups had. It shaped her life and makes me happy.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

There are lots of ways to ruin a hunting trip. Bringing kids along is one of them….

 

[TaperPin]

One of the niece’s put the kabosh on an elk while dad watched from the side by side with their toddler daughter. Girls don’t mind elk camp and most guys naturally adjust a little. Some guys enjoy having it all dudes, so they won’t be happy. I’d rather take a daughter even if it meant having to find new hunting buddies.

 

[EastHumboldt]

We have the same situation with my niece. She’s a bit older than your daughter, but when she wants to go, she’s more important than how free I am to toss around f bombs. I think it would be a compromise of we’ll clean up our language somewhat, and she’ll lower her expectations some and we’ll meet in the middle. But yeah… if there’s a girl in camp certain hilarious conversations simply will not happen. But it’s worth it for family.

 

[Blowdowner]

Everyone at camp would say yes without hesitation, but I also know this is their annual getaway too and don't want to completely change things up on them.

I will take her out one way or another, but just weighing options! Thanks for the input

Set up a little distance away. Do your own thing with her and of course you both go help if someone gets one etc. The guys won't blame you for being distant. Your still there and that's way better than no showing up at all. Do bring your son, extra eyes on her.

 

[Yoder]

I would take her and write off the hunt as just having fun. I would pretty much give up the idea of killing something myself and just focus on her having a good time. I wouldn't ask my friends, I would just tell them she was coming.

 

[Mattt]

Everyone involved will be happier in the long run if u have the family hunt and then the “you” hunt.

 

[MallardSX2]

^^^ solid advice.

Your kids will be there for you long after your friends have all left your side.

Make a new camp for your family if your friends buck the idea and can’t behave themselves.

Hunt with your buddies separately.

 

[Scoot]

If you don’t take her someone else will…

Choose wisely

I'd read and reread that response. It's remarkably true. It'll almost certainly be the case either way, but you have a choice on the timeline and your current dilemma may be an important timepoint and decision. Good luck and have fun!