Hunt camp question,,, sharing costs? and meat???

kodiakjack said:
I'd split the cost amongst those that go. I'd split the meat amongst everyone, rookie and no-go included.

You're starting from scratch here. You wanna build a group that supports and values each other for years to come. Sacrificing a few roasts is an inexpensive way to do that.
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X2 - Yes this

(if you are worried about sharing meat/splitting cost etc - you alway's have the option of hunting by yourself)
 
As above. You are just starting out with a new group. As one of the experienced guys you have a good chance to set up the atmosphere for years to come. Have a startup meeting, let everyone know where you stand, then take it from there. This could turn into something with a bright future. These young guys will do some heavy lifting for you down the road (this coming from another retired 'old guy') and be happy to do it as you have brought them into the fold.
 
I just got back from a hunt with a fairly similar situation as the OP.
We had one experience hunter who was the leader, an experienced outdoorsman but not a hunter and 2 noobs, including me. The difference is we are all firearms and CORE qualified. We split the cost and I'm giving up 1/4 of my share of the moose that we got as I had the least experience to the 5th guy that could not make the trip. I did my share around camp, and helped with the skinning and hanging and quartering but compared to the other guys, I felt I did the least so I have no issues giving up some of my meat.

In the end, I think the OP should sit down with the group and have an agreement on what is expected in terms of the cost and the spoils. Have it signed and stored. This avoids bad blood down the road and also avoids resentment in the camp.
 
Equal input gets equal rewards. Not all things are the same equal. You and your wife are equal in your relationship, but you play to each others strengths.
if their hearts are in it and they are rookies, I would not have an issue shouldering most of the cost as long as they are not scared of getting dirty. Then we would share the rewards equally.
Next year I would expect better however. Make the first hunt enjoyable and you will have partners for many more.
 
My hunting buddies have changed over the years, due to relocation, and others due to natural causes, regardless, before the seasons start we have all agreed, equal share even for those such as my brother in law who cannot hunt, retired but has severe COPD, but enjoys the meat. Also, if anyone in the group who cannot make it, due to unforseen circumstances, will also get an equal share....remember it could happen to anyone in the group. Enjoy the outdoors, camaraderie and the harvest.
 
ronecol said:
Let's say for discussion purposes there are 2 or even 3 unlicensed would-be hunters along for the experience and to learn the ropes who will share the work and costs. Do they share in the meat also? If you say "no" then why not, the same principle must apply. If you say "yes" then extrapolate it out with more non-hunters, where does it end?

In my young experience there was one older man who came along as the cook. That was his sole purpose of being there. He didn't share in the costs. And he did often get a few hours hunting in close to the camp. He also shared in the meat.
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I do say yes. And it ends by next season. Showing up to hunt camp without a license is a one time introductory session. For any newby who enjoyed themselves and didn't show signs of laziness or a lack of safety, I'd spend the off season personally mentoring them, getting them through the HSC, and helping them obtain the equipment and paraphernalia they'll need to be full fledged member by next season.

Those that are lazy or dangerous will be gently told that it's a one time gig for non hunters. That said, I've never had someone fall into category B.
 
Dezol said:
My hunting buddies have changed over the years, due to relocation, and others due to natural causes, regardless, before the seasons start we have all agreed, equal share even for those such as my brother in law who cannot hunt, retired but has severe COPD, but enjoys the meat. Also, if anyone in the group who cannot make it, due to unforseen circumstances, will also get an equal share....remember it could happen to anyone in the group. Enjoy the outdoors, camaraderie and the harvest.
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Exact same situation in our gang, and we handle it the exact same way.

My heart breaks for the guy who's hunted every year for 40 years, but now the Doc says no. Setting some meat aside is the least I can do.
 
If you're concerned enough about it to start this thread, then by all means make sure that it is discussed and agreed upon beforehand. I hunted with several guys and groups of guys who put a great deal of emphasis on this topic. Personally, whether I get 40 or 60 pounds of meat...or none...is not going to make or break my enjoyment of the trip. To me, it's reminiscent of the guys who choose cartridge A over cartridge B because B will ruin a couple pounds of meat on an adult moose.

The awkward part of this discussion is your standing with this group. Were you invited more as a favour to you...or simply because your buddy couldn't go and they feel they need you as a replacement. If they're making you feel as though you're on probation, then I'd probably go along with their suggestions as to meat-sharing...but I'd also make sure they got the impression that they were on probation in my books as well. Believe me, you don't need them, and hunting with people who make it unpleasant isn't worth doing.
 
Originally Posted by Dezol View Post
My hunting buddies have changed over the years, due to relocation, and others due to natural causes, regardless, before the seasons start we have all agreed, equal share even for those such as my brother in law who cannot hunt, retired but has severe COPD, but enjoys the meat. Also, if anyone in the group who cannot make it, due to unforseen circumstances, will also get an equal share....remember it could happen to anyone in the group. Enjoy the outdoors, camaraderie and the harvest.
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kodiakjack said:
Exact same situation in our gang, and we handle it the exact same way.

My heart breaks for the guy who's hunted every year for 40 years, but now the Doc says no. Setting some meat aside is the least I can do.
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The OP is not speaking of someone who has contributed for 40 years, or 4 years or 4 months for that matter. The circumstance are not at all the same or even remotely comparable to the newbie with no license who is essentially there for a holiday and to learn. Should he prove an asset by contributing to the chores etc then a bit of the meat would be fine after the fact, but to decided ahead of time that he gets a full share or any at all would not get my vote.
 
I think you should get the truck good and stuck and see whom gits their arse the dirtyist.

The O.P., you are going to be setting an example to those in that group.
Share and share alike and then you'll know how many will be in the group
next season.

Good luck and sure hope this trip works out well for you and the newbies.
 
When I first got to AB, I looked for a group to join. I didn't hold out much hope since most groups are decades old and new members come in only through death, it seemed. I finally cajoled a work mate into asking his group about letting me join. My "offered rules" were: I'll do all the cooking. I'll do all the camp chores. I'll do ZERO hunting, but get to walk around the camp (NOT the hunting areas), and happily take what meat I earn.
I got to go. I love being camp cook, anyway! I cooked for 2 weeks. Did all the dishes, cut, split, and hauled all the wood, guys never even waited for a meal. Went out for tracking duty. Went out for gutting and hauling.
I had a decent time, but decided I did not want to return, they drank all day, which I don't consider safe. Their other hunting practices I don't know anything about, but that was enough in my opinion. At the end, I had learned just how heavy a moose was. How different it was to gut than a deer. How nice the meat was.
I got meat from 5 of the 6 guys (he didn't actually shoot a moose). There were 5 guys hunting and 6 shares (one guy was now too old to hunt) so 4 moose got shot.
Meat was divided into 6 piles. I got a "free-will offering" from 5 of those. No complaints on my end, I had a great time. But I found my own spots after that.
Now, I shoot a moose, usually alone. By the time help arrives, it is gutted. Help drags it out whichever way is best. Help gets it to the shop and hangs it. Help butchers it. I get half. Help splits the other half. I ALWAYS have plenty of help.
 
this is how our group does it
if four of us go we split the costs four ways
if in the hunt four of us get four animals the meat is split four ways
if one leaves early and three get animals or one gets an animal the meat is split 3 ways same as the costs its done that way until one hunter is left by himself
if he gets an animal
its all his same as the expenses
if that makes sense
the guy that cant hunt is designated the camp ##### and does all the cooking cleaning wood gathering etc
those kinda guys are very useful around camp and as well as helping with expenses we share our meat equaly with that person as they do all the extra work
 
ruger22 said:
So I recently retired, moved with the hope to find good local guys to hunt with.
I have over 30 years experience hunting in several provinces and territories.

A friend asked me to join his buddy hunting moose and deer this fall
Many years and success betweent them...
Excellent

Buddy has a young family member that may join us
Limited experience, good guy and willing to work
Still excellent

Buddy has another family member that may join in
No licence, experience, intends to get hunting licence
All still good

We leave in a few days
My friend cannot go, unfortunately, since he is the group leader
And both young inexperienced guys are going on the trip
But the one never did get around to his hunting course, and pass his hunting test, WTF?
So he will just be along to experience things and help with the chores
All still good with me

The tradition with these guys is to share major expenses equally, that being cabin, food, butchering and gas
And share meat equally too

How would you guys share meat and costs with the guy who cannot hunt?
Be nice to help a young guy, but as far as tracking and scouting he will be more in the way

Would you guys share some meat with with lead guy who cannot go?
Last minute and no fault of his

My mind is open on finding a fair compromise
However I do feel it prudent to agree on such details at the start
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New or long time member I would give him equal share. Why?, because I generally give most of my animals away to the needy, neighbors, co-workers, and other family members. I know that there is a principal involved in hunting camps about equal sharing, however for me, I hunt to hunt (for trophies), and not for the meat.
 
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