Strategies for hunting with a partner

[Bull_Fighter]

I've been hunting solo pretty much all of my life. When I go with family, we still pretty much split up and go our own separate ways. This year will be the first time archery hunting with partners (2 brothers and Dad). We plan to split into 2 groups of 2 each day, alternating partners every other day. I'm interested to hear about different strategies/setups from those of you who have experience hunting with partners.

One thing that concerns me is over-working the area too quickly. As I mentioned, I'm usually hunting solo, so I can take my time slowly covering my hunt area. I'm worried that having 4 of us in there is going to put pressure on the area too quickly. I was thinking that doing a LOT of glassing/spot & stalk is going to be the best option, so we don't go trekking all over the area and spook game.

What are some of the things you all do while hunting with a partner, to ensure the best results?

 

[cohunter14]

Lots of options for hunting with a partner, but although I share a camp with many guys, I typically hunt on my own so I'll let others chime in on that. One thing I want to throw out there though is don't be afraid of covering too much ground. The number one thing in elk hunting is finding the elk. Do what it takes to find them, then figure out a plan to hunt them. But don't be afraid of covering the area too quick because there are four of you. Instead, take advantage of having four guys and come up with some Plan B, C, and D spots to check out as well if you aren't finding elk in your A spot.

 

[DTP]

Take this with a grain of salt because my response is based off hunting NM which is much different from pressured areas, but......


For the past 3 years I've had 3-4 guys in camp. It actually worked more to our benefit to have people spread out hunting multiple areas verse keeping a reduced footprint and just glassing.


It gave us more coverage and a better idea of where the elk were. If someone tagged out and the area was hot, then someone could move to that area from a slower one.




I'd say the BIGGEST benefit and something you need to establish early.... is the benefit of a "camp helper" once someone tags out. It may sound silly, but coming back to camp to already cooked meals and someone who can do dishes is GREAT. It's one less thing you have to worry about after chasing elk all day and gets you into bed quicker. Only reason I touched on this is because these little things that the camp helper can do for everyone else adds up over time. That way the remaining hunters have energy to still hunt hard at the end of the hunt!




Food for thought!

 

[Bull_Fighter]

Great points here. Thanks guys.

 

[Elk101 Admin]

Good stuff. I hunt in a group of 3, although a group of 4 might be idea to cover different areas. We stick together and notice it works well having 1 callers back, one guy up front and one guy back a bit down wind. If first guy doesn't have a shot, a possible second guy (who swings low down wind) might have one but mainly their for addition set up in case the bull swings down.
Last year we had one guy whack a bull and another bull came in, second guy whacked that bull and original caller (myself) had no idea he was coming in. It was also nice to have everyone there to pack the elk out. We can then head to other areas mentioned days later knowing non of use have already been there. Hunting solo is harder then with two guys. We feel if we screw an area up hunting solo, that spot gets eliminated for a day or two.
I feel its best to maximize one area at a time with a team and keep moving as a unit. Just what works for us. Id rather go into battle prepared then to spread my team and missing opportunities that could have been maximized with a quality set up. 

 

[Bull_Fighter]

I hadn't really thought about adding a 3rd person to sit further downwind in case the bull drops down. I like the idea of keeping everyone in the same area so you can maximize opportunity before moving to the next spot. This gives me something to really put some thought into before we head out. Thanks for the tips!