No lay offs since I went out on my own 10 years ago (after getting laid off). My heart goes out to all those folks who are getting the shaft while politicians and so called kingpins of industry rape the land and everyone in it!
As for hunting my son and I hope to be fortunate enough to take an Elk hunt or two this fall depending on whether or not the lottery god smiles on us. There are still some over the counter opportinities too-something will work out!

I will always go hunting. It's not a hobby for me, it's a huge part of my life so it obviously is part of my budget. I mostly do do'it yourself hunts but go outfitted when a bargain arises.
TMI here but I didn't clear 20,000 last year yet I went on a caribou hunt and hog hunted multiple times 600 + miles from my home. I even moved into a new home I built myself with the help of family and friends. I even went as far as to go to work for an outfitter for 3 months in CO. so I got my hunting fix more than you could imagine. No kids or wife so that helps but there are still no excuses if you really want it. I have no vehicle payments or any payments for that matter save mortgage, elect, you know the normal stuff. No big stupid toys. Where theres a will theres a way.
Sorry for the length.

I`m lucky to be working. I got layed off 8 years ago from a 15 year old job. Took a small cut in pay with a job more stable.Good decision cause we booming.I`m blessed with some exceptional public land 15-45 minutes away. Over 280,000 acres in about ten tracts.A mile deep or access by boat and you got it to yourself.

  God provides, you just gotta stop looking around at problems and look up for answers.RC

Bummer for the guys who got screwed for sharing hunting spots with others. I hold dear to the faith that most people are good at heart, and this website has sincerely helped facilitate that. If EVER any of you are in California, round abouts Santa Rosa, drop me a line, and I'll get you on a 'yote/turkey/deer as best I can. Share the meat, give thanks to the Almighty, and when I'm in your neck of the woods hopefully you'll return the favor.

Now in my defense, I hadn't thought about the effort put in by guides and the other factors that make up the cost of a guided hunt, like lodging and food. That considered, and God willing, perhaps I will pay for an out-of-state guided hunt someday and hopefully it'll be along side some of you great fellows.

I'm self-employed...no bailouts here! But I have enough points in out of state draws that I will continue trying. If Oregon managed our wildlife better I wouldn't have to try for a "dream hunt" out of state...but that's for another thread.

As for showing others your hunting territory, I have been burned before also. More and more it is getting harder to find country that is not overrun with hunters anyway. I was shown a pretty good spot for elk and I don't talk about it or hunt it unless I am with the man that turned me on to it. Period.

times are heting me hard,i will be staying verry close to home in all of my hunting adventures this year.  but on the other hand i have never had thes other things happen to me.. i must have a great bunch of friends,, for sure!!!

This year is no different. One trip very close to Mexico chasing Javelina and then back to BC in May for my #1 love,, spot n stalk bears.

The future is uncertain no matter what the talking heads say on the news everynight.. They don't help scaring the hell out of everyone nightly...

spend the money if your able,, "time" you will never get back. I decided the spring of 2001 that I would stop wishing and start doing.. I've spent alot of money on out of state and out of the USA bow trips.. The best return on my dollars in life.  
Once your family/home is taken care of,,, go do what you dream about...

Do NOT become an old man and say "I wish I would have...."


John III

I'm not going to risk paying the bills or keeping food in the house, but I for sure will find a way to hunt out of State.  I've done a few guided hunts and have come to realize that I much prefer do it yourself.  I can do more hunts and spend far less doing them and have even more fun.  

We all have a limited amount of time on this great planet, and I try hard to make the best of it while I can.  Obviously basic family needs come first, but there is usually a way somehow to do the others things you love so much.

QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
I'm not saving a dime for my kids, they can make their own way! Sign me up! I'll go!

DITTO!!!!!!!!! Life's too short I'd rather be old and broke than be old regretting the things I never did!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daren