mrbb I have to agree with you about hunting with my dog. Every hunter deserves one good hunting dog in his life. I was fortunate enough to have a couple including one exceptional one - all labs.
As for a human hunting companion, many years ago I met this man in the local coffee shop. We started talking about hunting and we agreed we should go out together one time. Well that one time turned into a lifelong hunting companionship. We've been all over the country and now are not only hunting companions but good friends and next door neighbors. My son never took to hunting but my grandson appears to like it. He just doesn't seem to comprehend the fact that there is a lot of patience required. He thinks he can get out of the vehicle, and there are birds and deer behind every other tree!
I think this is due to all the technology of today and the fast pace.