How many is TOO many hunters in camp?

[2rocky]

So with elk season rapidly approaching, in a general season, back country unit, we are adding up the bodies in camp and it is getting to be kinda big.

What do you find is an optimum number of people to have together when it is a group, and the location is remote?

My feeling is 4 is optimum 6 is maximum.

Here is why:

Food requirements. You can serve up to 6 folks out of a one pot (4 qt.) meal. Add more and you are going to need more burners.

Two 12x12 tents will fit up to 6 people if you cook outside or under a fly.

Multiple trips or more packstock for duffle.

Seldom is there good hunting in 4 directions from camp. I've been places where 270 degrees was about the best direction to head to un tracked country. Seems like 180 degrees from camp is more likely

how many hunt together? 2 seems optimum but seldom do 3 hunters get an opportunity or stay out of each other's way...


What works for you in a hunting group?

 

[SWMontana1]

2 other people is too big of a crowd for me...

 

[nbell]

Personally I like to hunt by my self. That being said I think 3 or 4 would be max. Most of my camps consist of one or two others, and then we all venture out on our own from there.

 

[havgunwilltravel]

Having a few in camp is always fun, even on a back country hunt, but if you can all hunt independantly or at least branch out in pairs and hunt different systems or areas with the capabilities to fly camp over night to be on animals or in fresh ground i wouldn't think having a few in a base camp would be any issue.

The problem will arise if people want to all hunt the same areas or don't feel capable to spend a day or two on their own. If you are in good country with plenty of options, then having an extra pair of hands or two can be ideal. Like first one back to camp of an evening gets dinner ready, (more reason to stay out and come back in the dark..) or if somebody tags out early, then they are the number person to help pack the next animal down etc etc.

Choose wisely those in camp and if they are all good keen men it will be fine.

 

[steamfitter]

I think 4 is good. Elk hunting it works good with a caller and a shooter. Although 2 is better cause less gear to pack in.

 

[noharleyyet]

4 is great when you have meat to pack in but I'd wager we've all had that one who can ruin it.

Right Draftstud?

 

[spook12]

Two is one too many. Remember in grade school they had that box on your report card that said ''Doesn't play well with others''. Mine was always checked!

 

[Gerald Martin]

Three guys is fine, four is max for me.

 

[sreekers]

3 is my max usually

 

[JohnCushman]

My shrink at the VA says I need to be more social, so this year I'm hunting a couple times with groups in camp. I'm actually looking forward to hanging out with a campfire in the evenings and drinking coffee in the mornings with new friends that I've found on here.

 

[THWAK1]

4 is max in my camps! I prefere no more than 2 to 3 hunters though and solo is always a good number for me!

 

[Sawtooth]

It used to be just me and one other hunting buddy. We had plenty of room to spread out and had enough ground to keep us busy for several days. This all changed when each of our sons got old enough to join us on our hunts. This will be our fourth year with them in camp and each year has been better than the last. The first couple years I spent most of my time trying to get my son in position to get his first elk. Last year both boys where able to hold their own and were a great help when we needed to pack out their elk. This year my buddy will also have his daughter hunting with him, and next year my daughter wants to join the group. Having the girls in camp will definitely change the dynamics of camp life, not to mention getting all the gear up the backpack trail. It is alot of work, but all worth it when they get their first deer or elk.

 

[idelkhntr]

Two is plenty and sometimes one is the perfect number. Then again I like hunting alone. Hanging out with your buddies is for football on Sundays after hunting season, not when you are trying to bag an Elk.

 

[noharleyyet]

It used to be just me and one other hunting buddy. We had plenty of room to spread out and had enough ground to keep us busy for several days. This all changed when each of our sons got old enough to join us on our hunts. This will be our fourth year with them in camp and each year has been better than the last. The first couple years I spent most of my time trying to get my son in position to get his first elk. Last year both boys where able to hold their own and were a great help when we needed to pack out their elk. This year my buddy will also have his daughter hunting with him, and next year my daughter wants to join the group. Having the girls in camp will definitely change the dynamics of camp life, not to mention getting all the gear up the backpack trail. It is alot of work, but all worth it when they get their first deer or elk.

Good post Sawtooth...taking my son and son in law on their first is definitely on the list.

 

[Zach]

2 California/Texas/Utah plates in the same camp is too many...



I kid, kinda.

 

[Much2hunt]

Two is plenty and sometimes one is the perfect number. Then again I like hunting alone. Hanging out with your buddies is for football on Sundays after hunting season, not when you are trying to bag an Elk.

Very well said!!

 

[noharleyyet]

2 California/Texas/Utah plates in the same camp is too many...



I kid, kinda.

60 subsidized resident tags is too many?

I kid, kinda

 

[bjtc_brian]

My shrink at the VA says I need to be more social, so this year I'm hunting a couple times with groups in camp. I'm actually looking forward to hanging out with a campfire in the evenings and drinking coffee in the mornings with new friends that I've found on here.

You better boot that shrink he is full of shit.... Just kidding. Most of my hunting is alone, except for when I hunt with my uncle. I love those hunts more than most because when we get back to camp, it is story time and a great way to pass the time! Those November hunts have a lot of hours where it is past/before shooting light!

 

[putm2sleep]

Love that pic, and I like 5 for/in my elk camps! A good horse, and yer golden!
Archery deer is solo.
Speed Gaots = 2, each guy takes off in a different direction.

 

[DreaminofMT6X6s]

I'm with everyone else on this one 2 or maybe 3 other guys in camp. Not only do the camp requirements increase, but the hunting experience changes significantly. I won't say it's not as fun, but opportunities significantly decrease for sure.