Getting Harder to find younger hunters to commit?

[GW11]

I've been following this thread with interest. My feeling is that it's not really a young/old thing. When it comes to hunting, people break into two categories. There are "hunters" and people who "go hunting".

Take a look at your average hunting camp out there. You might find 3 or 4 real hunters in a group of 12. They might be 21 years old or they might be 70, but they are the guys who are thinking, living, and breathing hunting year round. The bulk of people on this forum would fall into this group, otherwise you wouldn't be here talking about it. The rest of the gang, the guys that "go hunting" are usually just along for the ride. They don't think about it much, just one or two weeks a year at deer or moose camp. You're never going to get the same kind of commitment out of these guys that you would from a true hunter. It's not just camps either. Most of us know a guy or two that will go hunting "if you're going" but never on his own.

If you want commitment, you have to get together with a group of "hunters". These are not the guys who will blow their potential hunting budget for the year on the latest i-phone or the next gaming console. They might have a cell phone, but it's usually a couple of years behind everyone else's. Likely the "free" phone that came with the plan. Their disposable income will be set aside to make sure they have the equipment and money they need to hunt. They've made it a priority. This is true of young and older people alike. I know guys (who consider themselves hunters) much older than me who would rather spend their cash on a faster computer or a better TV than commit to a moose hunting trip. Beware though, if your group consists of all "hunters", everyone has a different opinion on how things should be done. The "go hunting" guys, if you can get them to commit, are a great addition to a group because they go along with the plan.

Even the guys who truly are hunters have to adjust their priorities once in a while. I used to get out every chance I could. Lately, with two kids under 6, getting into the field is a little tougher. Still, I make time for it. I've never missed my week in deer camp, college or high school didn't get in the way of that either. Now, I'm looking to the future and planning for my kids to get into it so I can maximize my time in the bush once again.

[impact]

^^^^^

Well said and an accurate recap.

[HuntCamp'r]

As a kid I remember my dad going on a 1 week hunting trip most years. Either Moose or Deer - Never both. and that was it. Never heard him complain or even mention not being able to do more, even though he probably would have liked to. He was happy for his one week away. and he'd spend his other week of vacation taking us camping. Now it seems we want and think we should be able to do it all.... and somewhat disappointed when we can't, instead of being grateful.

[duckduckgoose]

That's a great post GW11! Using your terms and relating them to this thread, I would say that I am a real hunter, but I'd never have the ability to commit to a moose hunting trip. I hunt hard and within very limited means; I can't afford (time or money) to drive up to moose country to hunt and maybe get some portion of an animal or two. I hunt mostly deer and ducks and geese because it's what's within half an hour from my house and I can't afford to travel to hunt (and, of course, locally my success rate is going to be 100% or damn near - I like that bang for my buck - It might feel like a long drive home if I'd wasted all of my precious vacation time without killng something).

[MikePal]

Nicley put GW11..great analogy !!!

[Gilroy]

Nicley put GW11..great analogy !!!

My version is shorter "Hunters with a vocation and hunters looking for a vacation"

[canthitathing]

You might want to apply for this position under another forum "name".

Nobody said you had to be a good shot, lol. No sense taking yourself so seriously that you can't be self-depricating from time to time.

[Fionn]

My version is shorter "Hunters with a vocation and hunters looking for a vacation"

Well put Gilroy and Gw11.

[CaseyMcIntyre]

I'm a 24 year old hunter and I have a harder time finding a group that doesn't mind bringing other people in

[ChrisM23]

I'm a 24 year old hunter and I have a harder time finding a group that doesn't mind bringing other people in

I am 33 and in same position, can't seem to find anyone that has a camp with openings, can't afford to buy my own land (YET), and or the older/established hunters in this area aren't willing to mentor/show the ropes to anyone on the land they have access too, but since I live in WMU # 80, I know there is not a lot of spots that allow hunting on private land and the people that have them, guard them, keep them quiet and don't let others in

So if anyone has a opening in Deer/Moose Camp - I am 33 years old, married with 2 kids under 6, been hunting for a few years (never killed anything yet), I enjoy a few beers every now and then. I have a 4x4 truck, my own ATV, Boat & Snowmobile. I am also an avid fisherman (not good one, but avid). Anyway if anyone has a camp space, I would love to apply, so that I can learn and eventually teach to my own kids!

Vacation time is not really a problem for me and Depending on how far camp is away, I am willing to put in some weekends, etc. for pre-season prep.

Cheers!