Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    Hello Rick,
    
    Glad you can join us. 
    
    as for the subject of alcohol use while on a hunting trip, it's
    sort of like anything else; abuse brings trouble. I have seen some
    of the guys bring more beer than food. It's a matter of common sense.
    Obviously hunting while intoxicated is not to be tolerated. I have
    also had the displeasure of hunting with some folks who were pretty
    hung over in the morning and they were in no shape to carry a gun
    or hunt effectively. If the people can use common sense, I do not
    mind them drinking alcoholic beverages.
    
      There's nothing like coming back from a long days hunt and sitting
    before a fire with a glass of Harvey's shooting sherry or hunting
    port while you pack away a good supper and talk about the days activity
    and plan for the following day.
    
                        Mike

    I use to think There's nothing wrong with having a beer after
    a days hunt. I use to think as long as you put the gun away
    there would be nothing wrong with a drink.
    
    Thats what I use to think.. Now I am of a different opinion
    
    Rick, like you I preach ""NO BOOSE""
    
    I really like hunting, guns and everthing associated with it.
    I see our sport slowly but surely beeing removed thru urban
    encroachment.
    
    I also see a change in societies views.
    
    I feel we have an image problem and if we look like a bunch of
    drunks by standing around at the end of a days hunt with one
    light beer in our hand the public is going to consider us
    all drunks.
    
    How many times have you heard " I'm not going out opening day"
    There a bunch of crazies. ( another image problem )
    
    If we want to continue hunting we will have to police our own.
    
    I ask what kind of impression do we make when we are down at the
    country store ( while away a deer camp ) half drunk buying another
    case of beer.
    
    What kind of impression do we make on a 13 year old even at the
    end of a day and everone opens a beer or passes a botle of wine.
    
    "Oh you can't have any son"
    
    No Rich, You may have trouble finding alot people who agree with
    you but maybe we can change somethings and we should work on our image
    by example.
    
    bear         
    

      I personally won't drink at all when on a hunting trip.  I don't
    like to and I feel that I'm not at my best the next day.  I don't
    mind if the guys whom I'm with have _one or two_ at night.  I won't
    hunt with them again if it goes beyond that.  I won't hunt with
    guys who bring a flask of brandy out on the stand or in a blind.   
      Bear brings up a good point about image.  Whether we like it or
    not we are viewed in a negitive nature if someone see's us having
    a beer by the side of the road.  We have to be super-sensitive to
    these things if we expect to keep hunting.                   
      If someone wants to have a nightcap before turning in, I don't
    care.  But I do object to those who do it in public or to those
    who get drunk.
    Jeff

    It takes a special type of man to take a stand as you have, My hat
    is off to you.
    
    Keep your rule, Its excellent !
    
    I love three fingers of scotch at the end of the day, dont like
    to forgo when hunting or in camp but, if ya wanna drink den go
    to da bar dar pilgram.

    I'm pert of Rick's hunting party and what said is true and also
    LAW, if you don't like it leave! It is hard to find people to
    hunt with that you don't have to look over your shoulder, or 
    our favorite term "Which way you going, well I'm going the other
    way". If you LOVE the sport PROTECT IT AND ITS IMAGE!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
                                                      Ricks Bro,
    
                                                         GUY

	There has been a lot of good information in the previous opinions
expressed here. My own experiences have resulted in a different approach
to camp rules however. The biggest problem I have experienced has not been
with alcohol it has been with the absense of common sense. One individual 
was a total non drinker but fired at an unknown target (a white flash),
got lost (through carelessness) and fired a handgun at a passing Raven 
(while the rest of us hit the dirt all around him). Another individual
was not invited back because his camp activities bordered on infantile.

	All of the small group that hunts with me have been hunting together
for years. Most of us enjoy our beer back at camp after a day of hunting. 
We each know enough to manage our consumption so that it does not interfere 
with hunting or safety. At the end of the trip we all enjoy the Saturday night 
blast and a late sleep in on Sunday. 

	I own the camp and therefore can impose the rules, but I don't
try to restrict activitiies unnecessarily ( I do ask the smokers to consider
others in the camp however). People who show themselves to be competent, safe 
woodsmen and considerate camp guests are always welcome. The group members are 
treated as adults and are expected to manage their activities accordingly. 
If they don't, they don't get invited back. In my particular group, this 
approach has resulted in a relaxed atmosphere while at camp, it has enhanced 
the enjoyment of the trip considerably and has not resulted in any reduction 
in safety. 

    Re:0
    	I'll probably regret touching this one at all but..... I think
    you are being to hard. I'm not saying that you don't have a right
    to do what you do but that's not the question. 
    	My reasoning around this is that by telling people you will
    not allow them in your hunting party if they bring booze is in effect
    making a statement. That statement could be interpreted as such....
    
    	You are not mature enough to handle it, or.........
    
    	I don't trust your judgement, or........
    
    	........any number of other negative things. I agree without
    a doubt that hunting and alcohol/drugs don't mix, but if someone
    wants a couple beers after the hunt and is mature and uses good
    judgement it really shouldn't concern you. If you KNOW from previous
    experience that someone is going to be a problem if they drink then
    that's different, but that's not what you're saying.

    	I hope this isn't taken as flaming. You simply asked for
    an opinion and I simply gave you one. Maybe someday we can discuss
    this at length over a couple beers :-)
    
    RAYJ

    I pretty much go along with what the party's rules are. My problem
    is that I am an avid deer hunter, and would not miss a season on
    a bet, but I am ALWAYS trying to round up who wants to go this year.
    (I would LOVE to get in with a group who love to hunt deer as much
    as I do.) 
    
    As far as the booze is concerned, I feel to each there own. I can't
    imagine getting drunk the night before a hunt, because I for one
    couldn't get up in the morning. I do, however, look forward to a
    few beers each evening. .0 - If that's a rule, I think it's a bit
    hard, assuming everyone stays under control, and obviously, if someone
    got out of control, you wouldn't have to worry about this peron
    next year. But, it's your camp, and if you don't want any booze,
    then so be it.
    
      good luck to you and your party....
    
     Smitty