need your opinion

[Axis II]

So about 3-4yrs ago I struck up a friendship with a guy who worked at a local gun/hunting store and we have become pretty good friends. He has helped me tremendously with knocking on doors for private hunting permission, advice on hunting and the last 3yrs invited me to hunt with him on a farm he leases. The first year I was somewhat successful on my very first time on the farm but the deer wasn't recovered due to acts of mother nature. The next year I was unsuccessful and hunted there a few time and last year took my very first buck and a big one at that and this year a doe and my recent buck. He leases this place with 3 friends he's been friends with for 20+yrs but one guy hasn't hunted in the last 3-4yrs hence why I get to go out there so much. I never ask, always invited. I feel rude asking.

We were together the other night and he mentioned he had to pay or buy something for the farmer and needed to get with the other 2 guys before the new year for something to give to him and that they would probably pitch in $100 each for him for now. Usually they buy gates, fence, chain saws, beef, etc for him. I don't know if that was a hint as too hey you've been deer hunting there the last 3yrs and taken 3 deer and 2 big bucks you need to pitch in or what. Do you guys think I should offer something up and if so how much? I don't want him to think me offering up money towards the farmers gift is me trying to weasel in either.

what would you do? Ask my buddy if he would like me to pitch in, just offer up what I can afford towards the farmers gift or don't worry about it?

 

[gspn]

Do you guys think I should offer something up and if so how much? I don't want him to think me offering up money towards the farmers gift is me trying to weasel in either.

I think it's very thoughtful of you to consider the various ways this conversation could take place, and the ways in which those conversations could be viewed. He brought it up in front of you, so I think you'd be just fine saying "Hey man, I'd be happy to pitch in for the stuff you were talking about the other day."

It looks thoughtful, not presumptuous; and it gives him the option to politely accept or decline the offer. I think you'll look like a good dude for offering, rather than like someone trying to insert yourself where you don't belong.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I think offering to pitch in would be an honorable thing to do.

 

[Axis II]

I think it's very thoughtful of you to consider the various ways this conversation could take place, and the ways in which those conversations could be viewed. He brought it up in front of you, so I think you'd be just fine saying "Hey man, I'd be happy to pitch in for the stuff you were talking about the other day."

It looks thoughtful, not presumptuous; and it gives him the option to politely accept or decline the offer. I think you'll look like a good dude for offering, rather than like someone trying to insert yourself where you don't belong.

That's exactly what I planned but didn't want him to think I was trying to weasel in which I'm NOT trying to do. The last 3 yrs I've went out and helped take down stands, hang stands, clear trails, etc. I figured try and find out what they are planning on doing first so I don't open my wallet and get myself in something I can't afford just don't know how to do it without coming off the wrong way. He mentioned last year he needed to replace a few stands but two of my buddies said don't get myself into all that it might bite me.

 

[horsey300]

That's exactly what I planned but didn't want him to think I was trying to weasel in which I'm NOT trying to do. The last 3 yrs I've went out and helped take down stands, hang stands, clear trails, etc. I figured try and find out what they are planning on doing first so I don't open my wallet and get myself in something I can't afford just don't know how to do it without coming off the wrong way. He mentioned last year he needed to replace a few stands but two of my buddies said don't get myself into all that it might bite me.

"Hey I'd like to do something in appreciation of all the opportunities over the last couple of years, is there anything I can pitch in to help you guys out?"
I like that you're being considerate on this point!

 

[red rick]

I would offer him $100 dollars and let him take it or say no . If he says no , I would say , I want to contribute because of all of the times that I have hunted with you there and I appreciate it very much .

 

[LoonWulf]

"Hey I'd like to do something in appreciation of all the opportunities over the last couple of years, is there anything I can pitch in to help you guys out?"
I like that you're being considerate on this point!

Thats exactly how id handle it.

That's exactly what I planned but didn't want him to think I was trying to weasel in which I'm NOT trying to do. The last 3 yrs I've went out and helped take down stands, hang stands, clear trails, etc. I figured try and find out what they are planning on doing first so I don't open my wallet and get myself in something I can't afford just don't know how to do it without coming off the wrong way. He mentioned last year he needed to replace a few stands but two of my buddies said don't get myself into all that it might bite me.

From what was relayed of the conversion, I dosent sound like he was fishing for a chip in, more like making conversation. I think its good of you to offer to chip in, and consider how to approach the conversation.

 

[Mike472]

By all means offer to chip in. And if you would like to continue hunting ask if they need a fourth person to help out on the lease.

 

[eastbank]

make him take the money, a farm leased for hunting cost a whole lot more than 100 dollars. for a good place to hunt some here would give their eye teeth and maybe a little more. I know I would if I didn,t have good place to hunt. could be he would like to you to be in on the lease and I would take it. eastbank.

 

[Axis II]

I don't think he wants me in on it because I've been reminded through the years i'm not allowed to go without him or tell anyone else about this place, location, etc. They have offered to do like a signed lease and the farmer declined so each year all 3 pitch in cash, gates, tools, etc and give to him so its pretty much leasing it cause he wont let anyone else hunt but those 3 guys. They have been there since like 2005. I'm happy to be invited and if i get brought in that's fine too. I just feel greedy by being able to hunt there with him and not offering anything up.

 

[buck460XVR]

I don't think he wants me in on it because I've been reminded through the years i'm not allowed to go without him or tell anyone else about this place, location, etc. They have offered to do like a signed lease and the farmer declined so each year all 3 pitch in cash, gates, tools, etc and give to him so its pretty much leasing it cause he wont let anyone else hunt but those 3 guys. They have been there since like 2005. I'm happy to be invited and if i get brought in that's fine too. I just feel greedy by being able to hunt there with him and not offering anything up.

Whether or not he "wants you in on it", you do owe it to him and the farmer, to pitch in something. I'm thinking the fact he even mentioned that they "had" to "pay or buy something" and brought up a specific dollar amount means he's looking for you to "man up". I surprised he had to ask.

 

[Axis II]

Whether or not he "wants you in on it", you do owe it to him and the farmer, to pitch in something. I'm thinking the fact he even mentioned that they "had" to "pay or buy something" and brought up a specific dollar amount means he's looking for you to "man up". I surprised he had to ask.

He never wants to take anything. I offer to pay for lunch, gas, etc and always No! We were talking about my buck and he mentioned hunting next year and losing the farm. I asked if there were issues and he said no but the guys getting up there in age and then says they need to get together and get him something. I didn't know they did it until a few days ago otherwise i would have offered awhile ago.

 

[Victoratsea]

I would insist that he accept your contribution. And I would point out that it would be only fair and right that I contribute for my use of the land. If he still won't take it; I would tell him I would feel like a leach or a freeloader if I didn't kick in. He wouldn't want that would he? That's what I would tell him. It's the right thing to do.

 

[1stmarine]

go to him look at him in the eyes and say... I wan to help with this. What is the best way I can help? I am happy to give $X chash, go buy Y and bring it here, help repair fences, clear brush... whatever is needed... just let me know what you
guys think is appropriate and more helpful. I am here. I am very thankful for this privilege and I want to help.

sounds good?

 

[Axis II]

go to him look at him in the eyes and say... I wan to help with this. What is the best way I can help? I am happy to give $X chash, go buy Y and bring it here, help repair fences, clear brush... whatever is needed... just let me know what you
guys think is appropriate and more helpful. I am here. I am very thankful for this privilege and I want to help.

sounds good?

Yes and I've thought about all this. I don't mean to sound argumentative when i say that.

I think he takes it the wrong way when i say hey you want me to buy a stand or go half or something like that. I honestly am not doing it to weasel my way in cause i'm not that type of person i just feel if i'm invited, using his stands, fuel, etc ill pitch in someway and i think he takes it the wrong way or at least it seems that way. I was just introduced to the 2nd guy who leases it 2 weeks ago and got to hunt with him and shot a 150'' non typical out there which is bigger then the other 2 have ever shot. I even asked before pulling the trigger if it was okay and he said whatever makes me happy. He then tells me the other two have not shot anything that big since they started in like 2005 and i said yep these guys are going to hate me!

I think this week when we finish up my euro mount ill just ask him what the plan is for taking care of the farmer and say i don't want this to sound out of the way but you have invited me there the last 3-4yrs and I've taken more deer there then ever in the 16yrs I've been doing this so i would like to help with a portion of the cost. I am not trying to weasel in on you guys just feel i need to offer something to offset your guys cost.

Im just so afraid him and the others will think that im trying to buy my way in. They have been friends for like 25-30yrs and I've only know the one guy 3-4yrs.

 

[matrem]

Not really able to put two and two together on how or why you have the invite you have, but it really doesn't matter. Enjoy the benefits of hunting prime land and do whatever necessary (if at all possible) to continue the opportunity.

 

[Art Eatman]

Given what a lot of people have to pay for a deer lease, I'd sure be willing to throw a couple of hundred bucks into the kitty.

I'd just ask what would be an appropriate amount, and what physical help would be needed.

 

[Axis II]

Not really able to put two and two together on how or why you have the invite you have, but it really doesn't matter. Enjoy the benefits of hunting prime land and do whatever necessary (if at all possible) to continue the opportunity.

Sorry I don't understand what you mean? How or why I have an invite

 

[matrem]

Pretty much mean: the details aren't important, just do your best to hang on to it.Even at a few hundred bux a year, sounds as if you're quite fortunate.

 

[Sniper66]

Be direct and offer to contribute the $100. Don't try mind reading. If he says no, then offer to buy all three of the guys a steak dinner. Just tell him you would feel better knowing you have thanked all of them in some tangible way.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

So about 3-4yrs ago I struck up a friendship with a guy who worked at a local gun/hunting store and we have become pretty good friends. He has helped me tremendously with knocking on doors for private hunting permission, advice on hunting and the last 3yrs invited me to hunt with him on a farm he leases. The first year I was somewhat successful on my very first time on the farm but the deer wasn't recovered due to acts of mother nature. The next year I was unsuccessful and hunted there a few time and last year took my very first buck and a big one at that and this year a doe and my recent buck. He leases this place with 3 friends he's been friends with for 20+yrs but one guy hasn't hunted in the last 3-4yrs hence why I get to go out there so much. I never ask, always invited. I feel rude asking.

We were together the other night and he mentioned he had to pay or buy something for the farmer and needed to get with the other 2 guys before the new year for something to give to him and that they would probably pitch in $100 each for him for now. Usually they buy gates, fence, chain saws, beef, etc for him. I don't know if that was a hint as too hey you've been deer hunting there the last 3yrs and taken 3 deer and 2 big bucks you need to pitch in or what. Do you guys think I should offer something up and if so how much? I don't want him to think me offering up money towards the farmers gift is me trying to weasel in either.

I wouldn't ask my friend if he'd like me to chip-in, I'd just offer him a C-note, and tell him I'd like to "contribute". Ponying up $100 for the past four years on private land and having venison in the freezer, ..., is a bargain. So yeah I'd offer him the money ..., and see what your friend says. You're not muscling-in, you're showing appreciation, and a team spirit. After a few years, they may ask you to become a full partner on the lease...., they may ask next year, who knows? It's also possible that one or both of the other two guys hasn't been out much if at all, and isn't chipping in this year so your cash will be greatly appreciated.

LD

 

[buck460XVR]

He never wants to take anything. I offer to pay for lunch, gas, etc and always No!

That's completely different....that was offering to repay your friend for the invite. What you need to do is to repay the landowner for the privilege of harvesting or the chance of harvesting game on their property. Last Saturday, I spent the afternoon knocking on the doors of property owners that allow me to hunt their land. Gave them a gift box of cheese/sausage, a gift certificate to a nice local restaurant and a nice personalized note(one got a picture of me and a nice Tom taken off his property). All of them said the same thing......"you didn't have to do that", but I thought it was the least I could do. Over the years I have helped cut wood, fix fences, fill silo, stack hay, etc. for landowners. I have given them some of my game if they wanted. None of it was lease payments, and none of them, asked for anything, I gave it only as a small token of thanks. Most of them didn't need the box of cheese(altho I have bought Christmas Hams for some landowners in the past that were struggling), but they still appreciated the thought behind it. It was also a great way to keep in touch and catch up on the lives of folks I sometimes see only during hunting season. Even got asked at one of my stops, to take a grandson of one of the landowners turkey hunting next spring........that tells me I have a good spot reserved come next April!

You don't have to pay part of the "lease" payment or whatever gift the others are getting, but you should at least offer to pay or give something on top of what they give. That way you are not "barging" in on them or their spot, but adding to the overall show of appreciation.

 

[Danoobie]

Many times somebody who owns a large piece of land is short on manpower.
So taking care of a roof on an outbuilding, or clearing some trees or brush,
or working on the culverts or roads will make you a welcome group of people,
in their eyes.

 

[marksman13]

My personal response would be to offer some money towards the gift and make it very clear that it was my way of showing my appreciation for the hunting I had done in the past and in no way was I pitching in with the belief that it would give me any rights going forward.

 

[eastbank]

I have hunted the last 34 years on a very close friends farm and we go to gun shows and flee markets when he can and as I lived on a farm for over 13 years on my farthers farm I help out any time he needs wood cut, fences repaired or other things he may need and he is also a gun nut just like me. at we hunt together when time permits. we are going out in the morning with the flintlocks for a morning hunt. eastbank.