Hunting club

[Just Lucky]

Over the years I have been a member of 2 hunting clubs. Both dissolved.

The first one was about 20 guys with about 800 acres. It was started with a few vietnam vets when they returned home. As time went one their kids and friends became part of the club. I joined the last 4 years. Great stories from the older guys, and,  nice camp. Some nice buck were taken.

Bickering, jealousy and childish behavior destroyed the group.

The 2nd was 8 guys with 200 acres. I was invited by a member because they needed the extra money for the lease. I met 4 of the other guys, but never got to know any of them. Really was not any bonding with any of the members. I killed a couple deer but the land didn't hold any quality deer and membership was short for all involved.  2 years for me and the club organizer let the land go.

Who has been or is a member of a successful club. What seems to be the key to success for the group, and what seems to make the club fail? 

[Four Seasons]

15 minutes ago, Just Lucky said:

Over the years I have been a member of 2 hunting clubs. Both dissolved.

The first one was about 20 guys with about 800 acres. It was started with a few vietnam vets when they returned home. As time went one their kids and friends became part of the club. I joined the last 4 years. Great stories from the older guys, and,  nice camp. Some nice buck were taken.

Bickering, jealousy and childish behavior destroyed the group.

The 2nd was 8 guys with 200 acres. I was invited by a member because they needed the extra money for the lease. I met 4 of the other guys, but never got to know any of them. Really was not any bonding with any of the members. I killed a couple deer but the land didn't hold any quality deer and membership was short for all involved.  2 years for me and the club organizer let the land go.

Who has been or is a member of a successful club. What seems to be the key to success for the group, and what seems to make the club fail? 

Human nature and age will ruin a group of people quickly. People always fighting about stands, size of animals to be shot, even as petty as chore weekends.   We had a family club up at Barney Pond in the Colton area and went thru it all. That place imploded from within.  Now it’s much easier with 1000 acres and the ability to bring friend , family on for a hunt or two.               When you have great hunting land friends and family are never very far away it seems    Sad that the old days of hunting camp will never be again for most.  

[mowin]

Any hunting "club" around here is a business, but tax free do to some non profit BS.. "Club" is used to get members. Clubhouse, bar, pool tables, full kitchen, events including weddings and other family gathering's. The farthest thing from a hunting club. Charge to use the rifle range, charge to use the indoor pistol range, charge to play pool. The only thing you get for your dues, is a key card to the clubhouse.  Everything else your paying for. 

 

[Just Lucky]

You are  correct about that. We had rules set in the first club, for some members, but not others. Rules would change mid season, camp prep chores were always about 6 of us. Myself, the old guys, and one of the club presidents sons.

The club president had 2 sons. The bickering from within seemed to always start with them.

[SilentStalker]

My personal experience:

I have been in an ADK club as a paying member since 2004. 1000+ acres and 7 landowners. Least dense deer numbers in the state. The club has withstood the test of time since shortly after WWII. There is a bit of an unwritten pecking order mostly based upon the amount of work those at the top actually put into the camp. I think people understanding that, being respectful, and lending a helping hand are key factors in a club's success. I'm the only "city" boy in this club and catch crap for it constantly, but i have earned their respect out of shear willingness to learn and pitch in with any and all chores. Some guys are skilled carpenters, loggers, electricians, engineers, etc. and can do things I simply can't. So I take pride in ensuring the miles and miles of trails we have are cleared as are the paths to their stands. Mae sure the firewood is cut, split, and stacked as a couple examples.

There have been people that come and go and definitely some issues amongst members but the key is recognizing that no one person or click of guys is above the club. For example, I wont shoot a 4 or less buck unless my family was starving. I have done so in the past, just choose not to at this point in my life. Many guys will shoot the first 3" legal buck they see. While I don't necessarily agree with their choices, I know they want the meat before anything else and who am i to pass judgement. Seeing the big picture rather than my short term hunting goals is more important, ie. the friendships, the memories, the card games etc. Example: As deer drives are becoming a thing of the past, some of my fondest memories are getting the older guys out to sit on some watches while we bust some brush trying to get one of them a deer.       

 In my opinion, too many people today like to speak before spoken to and that never ends well...

Edited September 9, 2021 by SilentStalker