looking for a waterfowl group to join

[Frosty]

I asked originally what the OP has to offer, not to be a d!ck or an elitist, but waterfowling is our sport and it's dang hard work, it's not a club to be invited into, it's a sport where hard work and effort pays off and .......it's expensive with hundreds of hours of scouting and preparation that are put in by most.

I take lots of new people out every year, just like lots of people took me out when I started, but these are people that I come across in my travels who seem to be potential hard working waterfowlers, you can't sit on your hands and expect people to offer you the world, people that you don't know.

Sure I could take you out, but what skin do you have in the game? If you don't have any tools or equipment at least go and knock on some doors in your area, get a permission or two, your permissions, and I'll be quite happy to bring a rig over and share a hunt with you.

[Doug]

Frosty, hope you noticed I never found fault with your post, and for the others, if I misinterpreted the meaning of you post I apologize. I have recently joined a forum in another province, one in which I will be leaving to go hunt waterfowl in another week. I found this 'out of province' forum so obviously different in the treatment of newbies and guys asking questions such as the OP asked, the members are helpful, encouraging, 'ell there has even been a 'new' hunting group formed in the short time I have been a member. I posted explaining that I was from Ontario and asked conditions... it lead to 3 pages of dialogue. I find that many times on this board there seems to be someone willing to make a cut. or wise-assed answer, then many more people jump on the wagon.

IMO a forum should be the place to ask question, to ask for help, to ask to join a group, one should not be cut for asking. A forum should be a teaching and sharing place, not a place to ridicule and run down. I am a relatively newbie to waterfowling, I have read and watched everything I could get my hands on. I learned a lot of my skill from a forum, not this one, another, the guys there were extremely helpful and encouraging. As I grew as a hunter I was able to post photos of my hunts and write stories of the hunts, I was able to share what I had learned with those who taught me.

Can I take the OP out, no, due to proximity, and my dance card usually being full with local boys. Could I give him advice if he has a problem, sure I could try; but I also know there are many more on here more qualified then me, if they would only choose to share.

It is the criticism that I have problems with.

[Frosty]

I'd put it to you Doug that you have success and got invited out initially because you actually worked at it, you sound like the kind of person that I would hunt with.....it doesn't take much, I'll warm to even a small effort!

[finsfurfeathers]

Frosty, hope you noticed I never found fault with your post, and for the others, if I misinterpreted the meaning of you post I apologize. I have recently joined a forum in another province, one in which I will be leaving to go hunt waterfowl in another week. I found this 'out of province' forum so obviously different in the treatment of newbies and guys asking questions such as the OP asked, the members are helpful, encouraging, 'ell there has even been a 'new' hunting group formed in the short time I have been a member. I posted explaining that I was from Ontario and asked conditions... it lead to 3 pages of dialogue. I find that many times on this board there seems to be someone willing to make a cut. or wise-assed answer, then many more people jump on the wagon.

IMO a forum should be the place to ask question, to ask for help, to ask to join a group, one should not be cut for asking. A forum should be a teaching and sharing place, not a place to ridicule and run down. I am a relatively newbie to waterfowling, I have read and watched everything I could get my hands on. I learned a lot of my skill from a forum, not this one, another, the guys there were extremely helpful and encouraging. As I grew as a hunter I was able to post photos of my hunts and write stories of the hunts, I was able to share what I had learned with those who taught me.

Can I take the OP out, no, due to proximity, and my dance card usually being full with local boys. Could I give him advice if he has a problem, sure I could try; but I also know there are many more on here more qualified then me, if they would only choose to share.

It is the criticism that I have problems with.

Apology accepted. I just found it odd that you criticised people for what you perceived as criticism. Sure would be nice to welcome all with open arms however as you know in todays society you get as good as you give and on the internet you never know who is genuine and those who just want to take you for a ride.

[Sinker]

Frosty, hope you noticed I never found fault with your post, and for the others, if I misinterpreted the meaning of you post I apologize. I have recently joined a forum in another province, one in which I will be leaving to go hunt waterfowl in another week. I found this 'out of province' forum so obviously different in the treatment of newbies and guys asking questions such as the OP asked, the members are helpful, encouraging, 'ell there has even been a 'new' hunting group formed in the short time I have been a member. I posted explaining that I was from Ontario and asked conditions... it lead to 3 pages of dialogue. I find that many times on this board there seems to be someone willing to make a cut. or wise-assed answer, then many more people jump on the wagon.

IMO a forum should be the place to ask question, to ask for help, to ask to join a group, one should not be cut for asking. A forum should be a teaching and sharing place, not a place to ridicule and run down. I am a relatively newbie to waterfowling, I have read and watched everything I could get my hands on. I learned a lot of my skill from a forum, not this one, another, the guys there were extremely helpful and encouraging. As I grew as a hunter I was able to post photos of my hunts and write stories of the hunts, I was able to share what I had learned with those who taught me.

Can I take the OP out, no, due to proximity, and my dance card usually being full with local boys. Could I give him advice if he has a problem, sure I could try; but I also know there are many more on here more qualified then me, if they would only choose to share.

It is the criticism that I have problems with.

I agree about the criticism. No need.

The problem is a lot of people will burn you for being a good guy. Been there, don't that, have the T-shirt.

People suck.

I have a core group of guys I hunt with, and invites are shared between that group, and that's it from now on. A lot of them are guys I've met here, or other online places.

I've taken MANY guys out, from newbies, to hardcore guys, and been burnt by both types, so I've come to the conclusion I'm better off to keep my mouth shut, and stick with guys I know. I love sharing hunts, and teaching new guys, but I've been jaded by a enough guys now that I've learned my lessons. If someone asked for help with set up, rigging, scouting etc....I have no problem sharing advice or experience, but I'm not handing out invites to any Joe blow off the internet.

Now, If Hat had done some scouting, burnt some gas, had bleeding knuckles from knocking on doors, and secured permission somewhere, I'd be happy to help, and we could trade some hunts from there and see where it goes....but....the way its been posted, he needs to hunt with a guide and see if he "likes" waterfowling first.

S.

[terrym]

Hunting with a guide would definitely be money well spent. It would teach him proper use of decoys, blind positioning that type of thing. Could save him a couple seasons of making mistakes I would think?

[hat]

I appreciate everyone's opinions. I have been in contact with a few members on PM. I put allot of time and effort in bow season for deer and can appreciate the passion people have for their water-fowling. I am always open to meeting new potential "outdoor buddies" whom are as passionate as I am and exploring new opportunities.

Yes my knuckles are red and sore from knocking on doors. I have worked very hard for the permission and friendships with landowners that i have developed. (with the focus traditionally being for deer). I wish you all a successful pursuit for what ever game you chase.

I have to schedule a meet and greet with these guys..

[Snip]

Hat another way to meet guys is to join a local club like DU or Delta and become a committee member, this will let guys get to know you a bit and may generate some invites.

[hat]

ty snip I am a member of BDAHCC i will ask around at next meeting as well.

[topher]

ty snip I am a member of BDAHCC i will ask around at next meeting as well.

What's the bdahcc?