I had a guy back out on me due to being accepted to an educational program a few years ago in July and I'd already bought my license (OTC bowhunt).I was asking around on another forum about considerations for a solo trip when a few responded and asked me to join a group from the forum. They were meeting in Colorado to camp/hunt together. It turned into a great experience and everyone in camp was helpful, considerate, and loved to hunt elk. Although I didn't get an elk on that first bowhunt, I made friends and one of them is just a great guy. He turned me onto another area on the 2nd hunt and I managed to arrow a small bull. Met his family who were some of the nicest people you'd want to meet and reminded me of home!

On the other hand, I try to pick my hunting partners very carefully as I've been on some hunts where we weren't on the same page. Nothing worse than having someone in camp that either doesn't want to pull their weight or are just plain AH's. I always try to make it the best trip possibly for the people around me and I do expect the same. Communication can be a big issue.I love planning the hunt, scouring the topos, working my butt off to get my body in the best shape possible, and just love the whole experience. When you start hauling quarters on your back is when you find out how hard or not you'd worked!!!