Importance of Dependable Hunting Partners

[ppine]

I just returned from a week long hunt in the Ruby Mtns of Nevada, probably the hardest place to hunt in my career. My partner Mr C, has been a dependable although somewhat pushy partner on many other trips. While camped at 7200 feet with no one within 10 miles of our camp he proceeded to drink a lot of gin and went into a tirade about how I think and I all the things I need to do. I avoided the issue for awhile, then told to shut up or I would close his mouth for him. I outwiegh the guy by a lot and about 8 inches. I told him if it ever happens again I would wear him out and there would be no one to help him. I knew where all the firearms were located. We each had a rifle and a pistol. It started to feel like one of those old cabin fever episodes in the Klondike. Two guys living together 24 hours a day in tough conditions and arguements fueled by alcohol. I left the next day and did not return for another day. When I returned he was my new best friend.

I used to hunt with family and a few other individuals. I have never missed my Dad and 2 brothers as much as I did on this trip. Hunting was tough. Mr. C missed a 3 pt buck at about 375 yards and that was it. Has anyone else had a similar experience? It is one I would not like to repeat.

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by ppine

I just returned from a week long hunt in the Ruby Mtns of Nevada, probably the hardest place to hunt in my career. My partner Mr C, has been a dependable although somewhat pushy partner on many other trips. While camped at 7200 feet with no one within 10 miles of our camp he proceeded to drink a lot of gin and went into a tirade about how I think and I all the things I need to do. I avoided the issue for awhile, then told to shut up or I would close his mouth for him. I outwiegh the guy by a lot and about 8 inches. I told him if it ever happens again I would wear him out and there would be no one to help him. I knew where all the firearms were located. We each had a rifle and a pistol. It started to feel like one of those old cabin fever episodes in the Klondike. Two guys living together 24 hours a day in tough conditions and arguements fueled by alcohol. I left the next day and did not return for another day. When I returned he was my new best friend.

I used to hunt with family and a few other individuals. I have never missed my Dad and 2 brothers as much as I did on this trip. Hunting was tough. Mr. C missed a 3 pt buck at about 375 yards and that was it. Has anyone else had a similar experience? It is one I would not like to repeat.

Hi...


I'm glad to say I've never had such an experience. I know alcohol can do a lot of 'talking' for another person...which can ruin friendships, among other things.

I've hunted many times with friends, but never overnighted with any.

[Grandpa]

I pulled out once when I wasn't happy about the alcohol. But my partners then were nothing as bad as Mr. C. In fact, they were all downright jovial and fun loving. I just didn't want any hazy minded mistakes taking place the morning after. Since then, I have kept my hunting partners close family or trusted friends.

[Barney]

I use to go with a lot of friends as a kid in the woods but most of them were too juvenile, throwing matches everywhere, trying to hit anything that moves with a knife and similar.

[Gondor]

Usually alcohol releases a lot of unspoken feelings which may be a good thing sometimes but not when people generating those feeling are plain miserable individuals unhappy with their own lives.

[wvbreamfisherman]

The guys I hunt with never drink enough to get drunk- at least they never have, so that hasn't been a problem.

I'd have seriously considered pulling out if I'd gotten in that situation.

[carmen]

I think I would have left as well, you know alcohol changes different people in different ways. For me if I have a sip I am ready to go to bed and be snoozing within minutes. For others they get rowdy and that is a very bad mix in the woods.

[dinosaur]

If I am hunting, I won't have more than a few beers before bed. The after affects of a good drunk are not apropos to a good hunt. Too much alcohol will make you unsteady the next day and blur your vision.

[Cappy]

I am sure yall know by now that I do love a cold beer Most pics of us where ya see back yard activities and camping stuff ya see me with a beer in my hands. Here is something ya may not have noticed though, you have never seen a beer in one of our boat riding fishing pictures or videos. I been a Cappy way to long to let someone drink in my boat. Drinking on hunting trips is only allowed on 3 or more day trips religated to one night of camp fire activities. This night is pre aranged packed for and has strict rules.
1 no one can leave the camp site.
2 no guns, they must be all unloaded
3 no excessive rough housing or horse play.
4 any one complains about someone they are sent to bed
We set a curfew usually 1100 and at that point its sack time
We have fun we laugh joke tell stories, sing! have a ball
In the morning over coffee if anyone apears too hung over to make the morning hunt they are designated camp gofer and ahfta do my menial work as I clean up and get lunch ready, I am the camp cook
I am sure that comes as no surprise to yall though
Alochol, like guns is not at all dangerous when handled properly

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by ppine

I just returned from a week long hunt in the Ruby Mtns of Nevada, probably the hardest place to hunt in my career. My partner Mr C, has been a dependable although somewhat pushy partner on many other trips. While camped at 7200 feet with no one within 10 miles of our camp he proceeded to drink a lot of gin and went into a tirade about how I think and I all the things I need to do. I avoided the issue for awhile, then told to shut up or I would close his mouth for him. I outwiegh the guy by a lot and about 8 inches. I told him if it ever happens again I would wear him out and there would be no one to help him. I knew where all the firearms were located. We each had a rifle and a pistol. It started to feel like one of those old cabin fever episodes in the Klondike. Two guys living together 24 hours a day in tough conditions and arguements fueled by alcohol. I left the next day and did not return for another day. When I returned he was my new best friend.

I used to hunt with family and a few other individuals. I have never missed my Dad and 2 brothers as much as I did on this trip. Hunting was tough. Mr. C missed a 3 pt buck at about 375 yards and that was it. Has anyone else had a similar experience? It is one I would not like to repeat.

Sounds like your buddy has other issues than just alcohol. Sorry you had to experience something like this. It's got to put one on edge when you're out there with no real fast help.