Getting Harder to find younger hunters to commit?

[captain cotton]

A while ago a member posted a link to a website designed to connect hunters. It may be a good start to sourcing out new camp members.
www.huntclubber.com

[Oddmott]

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!

The more judgmental folks here would tell you to stop spouting excuses.

A truly dedicated hunter would a) pack up his whole family and move to an area where hunting lands are easier to beg or lease, b) rob a bank to acquire the funds to purchase your own hunting lands, or c) possibly take up poaching & trespassing to ensure you get your hunting fix.

There are all sorts of alternative opportunities as well. One could pimp his wife and children to raise the necessary funds. One could kill a wealthy land owner and assume his identity and assets. The opportunities abound... I leave it to you to find the one that works best.

Don't be afraid to get creative when finding your solution... but do remember that the most important thing is always hunting. If a single other thing trumps it on your list of priorities, you are not a hunter... you're a vacationer.

[Snowwalker]

Well as one that has learned at the knee of older hunters, and grow up with hunting, fishing, and time in the woods and on the water. This is the end of it. I will no longer be hunting or fishing. My camping will now be hanging out on the back deck watching the steaks cook on the BBQ.

I can no longer the BS. Although I do not have much time at home because of my job, I took every chance I could this year to get out and knock on doors and get permissions. Even though I was only home a day and a half, once every two and a half weeks. I spent my time driving around trying to get permission. I really worked on getting setup for geese this year, got permission on a few places around london. All but one farm around a good roost for geese.

Came to find out that every one of the places I " HAD" permission for I lost. Why did I lose it...Some Outfitter came along and paid the land owners to not let anyone else but their clients and them hunt there. Remember the Farm that I did not get permision for? Well turns out that guy and the outfitter have something going.

[hoggie5692]

Outfitters can be worse then used car salesmen.

[Oddmott]

A real tough break Snowwalker... but don't get too upset with the landowners, or burn any bridges.

Guides and outfitters start up and fail with as much frequency as restauranteurs. Chances are he won't be able to buy everyone off next year and you'll be able to go back to your old routine.

[Snowwalker]

A real tough break Snowwalker... but don't get too upset with the landowners, or burn any bridges.

Guides and outfitters start up and fail with as much frequency as restauranteurs. Chances are he won't be able to buy everyone off next year and you'll be able to go back to your old routine.

Well I don't think I will going to "jump to" and come running next time one of them calls about pests in the barn or garden. Sweated my rear off bowing for dirt pigs this summer in one lady's garden( more like a small vegge farm really) to get permission at one place. I did a few things for the others too. As for the outfitter, don't know maybe he'll think the drive from the southern states is too far next year. As for not having money....Don't think it's going to happen. His Clients are paying around $800 to $1000US a day. Seems they come up from the states for Early goose and then go home for goose season in their home state.

[roosterman]

I'd love to do a moose hunt. Before I even get started the cost of a tag and the current state of the draw system is a great big turn off. With the added cost of gas and gear. It has priced itself right out of my range. It's cheaper to buy lower bowl leaf tickets.

[barenn]

As for duck, goose and deer I have been quite fortunate to hunt with my son who is 19, he has more dedication then the guys I hunt with at my age. As well I hunt with my nephew when time permits for him and he has been quite diligent with the times not being late or bailing etc. The best part for me is that I have the opportunity to hunt with my son and I enjoy his company. He also has a good group of young guys that he hunts with and all appear to be dedicated.

[pmannat]

I'm standing on the outside looking in. I can't get an invite to go out for a day let alone a camp. Every hunter I've expressed an interest in hunting to has given me the cold shoulder. And I'm not that "weird" annoying Guy. Just an average 32yr old with a wife and kids. I'm a first Gen hunter. and so far between the mnr hoops I've had to jump through, and cold shoulders it just seems like an old boys club so far...

[blasted_saber]

The more judgmental folks here would tell you to stop spouting excuses.

A truly dedicated hunter would a) pack up his whole family and move to an area where hunting lands are easier to beg or lease, b) rob a bank to acquire the funds to purchase your own hunting lands, or c) possibly take up poaching & trespassing to ensure you get your hunting fix.

There are all sorts of alternative opportunities as well. One could pimp his wife and children to raise the necessary funds. One could kill a wealthy land owner and assume his identity and assets. The opportunities abound... I leave it to you to find the one that works best.

Don't be afraid to get creative when finding your solution... but do remember that the most important thing is always hunting. If a single other thing trumps it on your list of priorities, you are not a hunter... you're a vacationer.

Slow clap. Bravo!