Have you ever traded a trip?

[manford]

Just wondering if anyone here has ever traded a trip before? I've always wanted to but Am kind of afraid to commiting to something thats so far away. timewise and distance wise.Just curious what everyone else thinks or has done in the past.

[sir_huntsalot]

I did quite a few swaps but traded for hunting gear instead of a trip. I do have a free range boar hunt owed to me in northern California. I have made a couple real good friends through swaping. I got my Mathews bow and my Browning 300 mag and a Leapold scope through swaps. I think it is a good way to get stuff and get a chance to hunt in other places. The good thing is that you can ask for what ever you want on a swap and there is usually someone out there interested. Hunting Net is probably the best place to post a swap. I had so many offers that I had to turn most people away. I have a tenitive swap this fall in Sask for whitetail and I will be taking the guy out on a moose hunt. I want to do a swap for caribou in a couple years. Good way to cut the price of a hunt this swaping , give it a try but beware there are some weirdo's out there.

[brian81]

i`ve never swapped trips but I have traded work and parts for trips....

my trip to alaska this month for caribou was traded for suspension parts, basically I got a 4500$ hunt for parts that cost me about 500$ in materials and 80 hours of labor which was done on evenings and weekends over the course of two months.

I hunted whitetail in illinios in exchange for an engine that maybe cost me 1400$ in parts in exchange for a plane ticket accomadations and a guided hunt by a guy that became a really great hunting buddy.

I again went on a whitetail hunt in kansas in 2002 for free in exchange for backhalving and putting a cage in an internet aquaintances car, he even paid for the steel and materials! I just had to fly out and spend a week working before I spent two hunting.

[Reflex-bow]

I swaped a bear hunt for a turkey hunt with a guy from Pa and its been one of the best hunting partnerships I've had. We now hunt together most every year. Now saying that I'm sure you could find crappy ones as well. Ask lots of questions first! know what your getting into and what is expected of you.

[Grunter]

I'm curious guys - the swapped hunts... are they all guided hunts in exchage for another hunt, merchandise or service? Or do some swap personal hunts in exchange (eg. hosting a non-resident Canadian or non-resident American, etc.) rather than paying for a guided hunt. Just curious... I know a few people down south (Alabama and Florida) that are interested in hunting moose and elk up here in exchange for a deep sea fishing.

[calgarychef1]

You can swap with amreicans, europeans etc. But no money must change hands, no gratuities, no nothing except another hunt on the other end. Getting guns etc is illegal and if you do that maybe you should keep quiet about it. I sure wouldn't mind trading for a new quad though!!! I don't wanna go to jail for it because I'm too damned cute to be in jail--YIKES

the chef

[Grunter]

Thanks for clearing that up for everyone Chef... I didn't think that items such as firearms were allowed within the parameters of trading hunts/trips - but it is good to always bring these sorts of questions out in the open for all of our members.

[TBark]

This is a tough topic.
Reflex-bow had a good experience, hunts with this guy every year now, good to hear.
But it would be tough to swap with someone you don't know except through email or a forum. Does my hunt with the other guy come first ? What if it's a lousy hunt, bad area, bad weather, limited access. And what if it is a good trip. I'll feel obligated to make sure the return hunt is highly successful, or he will feel shorted.

TBark

[calgarychef1]

I'd be highly willing to take someone hunting. I'd have to spend a lot of time getting to know them and their abilities first. I've e-mailed a lot of guys about this and haven't found the right guy yet. I was pretty interested in doint the Austrailia/NZ thingy and had found a good guy but.......we sort of dropped the ball. You can find lots of people in the coastal states with gorgeous boats who would do a fishing trip for a hunt, I've chatted with a few.

Lots of Americans have poor land availability and want to trade turkey/pheasant hunting etc. for white tail or elk. Seems a little inequitable to me!! Many British can trade roe deer hunts ....but what does that equal in Alberta? A very small white tail.

I've also talked to some who would gladly trade equipment for the opportunity, but it's not legal.

I think it really boils down to trading freindship and good times rather than trading an equal hunt.

the chef

[TBark]

Ya, I guess the experience is what it's all about. And with the right person.
I'd hate to run into a situation where someone feels they are owed a trophy opportunity, and gets p oed because we didn't see a big un.

TBark

[bearbuck]

Ive traded some bear hunts for all kinds of stuff, and made some real good friends and still make one trade with them every year,(5 years now). The first year i was hunting bears and i needed a bow, so i posted on a site that had hunting trades to offer, the next day a guy gave me a call, and said he gladly trade a bow for a weeks hunt. Well without knowing this guys is one of the top dogs in a bowhunting equipment company. He came here had lots of fun and now we are 4 guys making the trade for bear hunt for a deer hunt in the most amazing spots in Missouri, all private land, manage and god there is allot of deer. Even better my bud always bring me lots of free stuff,(stands, cam trackers, bow, equipment ect...). Even better he nows allot of Bowhunting STARS lol, like all the PRIMOS gang, Double bull, and allot of other good hunting people, so its been interesting to me to know this guys, that i now consider a real friend. :teehee: :p

[Kirby]

Never "traded" a trip, I did do a bear hunt last spring that went rather sour. I invited a group of hunters up into one of my bear areas, there were two that I was particularly interested in hunting with as they had never gotten a bear, they both took 6' bears with great memories. However one of the hunters had "questionable" ethics, and really left a bad feeling. Having said that I've hunted with 8 people I've met off the net, and had great experinces except with that one fellow. I would do it again, but would more likely to do one on one hunts as appose to groups.

As for gratuities, I've been offered rifles, and gear in exchange for a hunt, never accepted and never would as it could be considered guiding fees, and is illegal in BC. Hopefully this spring though I'll be guiding proffesionally then I can accept! :hump: :)

Kirby

[Bitbywolf]

This sounds like fun I'd be interested in taking someone serious out for a Bow only zone Elk Hunt in B.C. for a ProngHorn Hunt in Alberta.

I have help many people out Elk Hunting without any trade (not including BEER) and made some good friends in the prosses.

[timba]

I would have no problem taking out a guy or two for a hunt if they did excpect alot.I love hunting with other people,If someone offered to take me out hunting some were,I would go to enjoy the different scenery and the fun of hunting with some one with the same interests and if I got some thing that would be a bonus.

tmba

[Bitbywolf]

if your interested in Elk hunting this fall send me a PM :D

[timba]

This sounds like fun I'd be interested in taking someone serious out for a Bow only zone Elk Hunt in B.C. for a ProngHorn Hunt in Alberta.

I have help many people out Elk Hunting without any trade (not including BEER) and made some good friends in the prosses.


I've got a few antelope around were I work in provost.The other day The buck was only 25 yards from the truck watching me,he wasn't to bad either.I would take you out but I'm a sask resident working on the alberta side.

timba

[Bitbywolf]

Hay Timba a Sask Antelope hunt would be alright too.

Hunting with a Bow for Elk starts on Sept. 1 2006

[timba]

Sask put antelope to draw,we used to have heards of hundreds at home and they all got shot out over the years.At dads farm he has a heard of about 15 and one really nice old buck thats been around the farm for years.But I haven't been able to get a draw for one.As soon as they are have an open season I'de be happy to take you out.

timba

[Travski]

The antelope here in alberta are also on a draw system and the ones you see around provost there is not a season in that area as of yet unfort.

[petew]

Guys:
Read the Alberta Regs.
You can not trade a hunt using the Hunter Host license.
This license is not to be used for any type of gain or reward. A free hunt in another place is gain.

[calgarychef1]

Pete is right guys. You can't trade a hunt what you have to do is become hunting buddies. One time you hunt one place together the next time you hunt the other place. You aren't actually trading hunts you're "hunting buddies," There are no expectations on either side and no gain financial or otherwise except for some good company.

the chef

[petew]

Here is what the regs say.
Seting up a so called aquaintance on the internet and trying to circumvent the laws by claiming to be "buddies" is just another form of breaking the game laws. We know what that is called.
When you sewar a declaration and have it notorized you are steping into dangerous territory if the person to be hosted is a bogus buddy.
Is it worth loosing your hunting license and paying a fine if you are found out?
Are there any wildlife officers reading these forums,and waiting to see who is aplying to be a hunter host?
Can they easily track your hunting in another state or province?

It is not worth the risk , just to hunt in a new state or province.
Keep your trades within the province unless the person you are hosting is legitimate.
Both parties can be charged .



A Hunter Host

Must be an adult resident, and be eligible to hold recreational hunting licences.

Must be the holder of a valid Hunter Host Licence (below).

may not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services.

may host a maximum of two (2) hunters/year, either Non-residents (Canadian), Non-resident Aliens or a combination thereof. If hosting 2 Non-resident Aliens, at least 1 must be a relative.

may host Non-resident Aliens only if the host has not hosted a Non-resident Alien in the previous two (2) fiscal years (April 1 to March 31).

must report to the Fish and Wildlife Divison by December 31 in the year of harvest, all animals killed by the Non-resident Aliens he or she hosted.

must accompany the hunter(s) named on his or her Hunter Host Licence while they are hunting big game under the authority of the Hunter Host Licence.

Hunter Host Licence

A resident who wishes to be a Hunter Host may purchase a Hunter Host Licence at any private licence issuer. You must have the WIN(s) of the non-resident(s) at the time of purchase. You must ensure that the hunters you host are named on your Hunter Host Licence. If you purchase your Hunter Host licence naming one hunter and you decide to add a second hunter to your licence at a later date, you can do so at no additional charge. Return to a private licence issuer with your licence and have it amended. Once you have purchased your Hunter Host Licence, the hunters may purchase their licences.

A Hunter Host who plans to take a non-resident alien hunting must do the following:

Go to a Fish and Wildlife Division office and initiate an application (including statutory declaration). Sign it and have your signature sworn.

If your Non-resident Alien is not a relative, you must start this process by August 31 or February 28 as described above.

Have the Non-resident Alien sign the application and have his or her signature sworn. (If the Non-resident Alien does not have a WIN, have him or her fill out a WIN application at the same time.)

Take the completed application to a Fish and Wildlife Division office. The application will be reviewed for final approval and keyed into the automated licensing system.

When you are notified that your application is approved, go to any private licence issuer and purchase your Hunter Host Licence (see above) and the appropriate Wildlife Certificate and licences.

[youngfart]

:cheers: Trades :cheers:

I traded a hunt to Idaho in the panhandle area for elk for a bowzone Whitetail in o2. He actually came up in July of the summer before hand to check out the area and stand placements and was happy as could be. He ended up taking a 127 5x5 buck on the third day and was kicking himself in the but cause as he was climbing down the tree to recover his buck a 155 plus buck walked by at 18 yards .LMAO.I told him to be patient as there are a few 200 bucks in the area . He did get the second best buck in Idaho that year also with a 179 6x5 buck with rifle or bow.
The return swap for the elk was good but not the best hunt,what transpired was a friend of the 2 of us showed up too. He was sort of in the way a lot and the two of them sort of were against some of the things we did as trio. They sorta put me down and belittled me too which made for a tough 10 day hunt. The mind sort of takes over and you think things that are boggeling. I let it go it's course and ended up having a great trip becuse of the sturgouen fishing trip he took us on. We caught a 7 1/2 foot sturgouen that weighed in at about 180lbs that broke water twice. I truly believe that if the other fella wasn't present while I was their ,the trip would have been the most memorable tip to date.
So from my experience in swapping a hunt I'd make sure it was a hunt that is with just the people who you know and can least expect any unpleasantries. We continue to chat dailey ,we met in Buckmasters chat room and now are in a family in Huntingnet forums. I didn't shoot an elk on that hunt and actually never got to even draw on a bull,but thats hunting.
Then last year I swapped another elk trip to Fernie BC for a whitwetail hunt here again this fall with a guy I met in Huntingnet forums. This was a hunt I'll remember for ever.It was the most beautiful country I'd walked in, in my life,and I'd covered a lot of country from being in the military years ago. The back country lifestye is quite different to the big city life I'm used too. LMAO These guys are real red necks ,they drink while driving and drink almost any where they want. Now,now I'm not saying they were drunks,but I had my doubts about this logic right of the bat. He just told me all the back road people out of the city are like this and I met quite a few and was offered a beer almost at any road stop chatting meets along the dirt roads. But ,I must say he didn't drive and drink a lot,saying this he maybe had 3 beers on a 12 hour hunt in which 4 hours were from road side glassing the mountains.
I drew on 9 different bulls that week with the best one a good 320 bull but had to let of on the draw on each occasion. The rule in the area that has been in effect for 3 years in the area is it must have 6 points per side. Folks if you can hunt this area ever ,do it. You will see the best country available in any part of the world and see a ton of elk that will make any hunters head spin. We were into elk every day and and letting of on a draw on a 5x6 bull of huge porportions like I did was truly heart pounding and demoralizing in ways I can't explain. But then again I never hunted a trophy area like this one and do hope to go back next year again. His hunt with me will be this fall,hopefully I can have him see the buck of his dream when he comes for the rut here in November . His dream is small as the bucks in his area are small because of the over hunting of the whitetail their. Now to encourage a 150 plus buck to walk by his stand at 15 yards. :bounce:
Last year I swapped a fella from Michagan a bow hunt here for a Lake Michagan salmon fishing trip.He ended up passing on 46 different bucks and drew once on a 140ish buck in his 8 days on stand. He with stood the cold we experienced for the 1st time in 4 years for hunting here,with the coldest day being -32.He was tough as nails and I only wished I could have continued to hunt as I fell and twisted my ankle and knee 4 days into the hunt. I won't be going to Michagan as he has now made the move to Arizona. :stop_nono . I have no regrets on the issue at all as we have become best of freinds through all that has transpired .
So with all said ,i would have to say make sure you get to know the people who you will be swapping the hunt with in depth. That way their won't be any surpises when the meet actually happens. :sos: Guys ,make sure you don't take anything in return as it is taking that will get you into trouble with the law as what was made a point earlier in these talks on swaps. Good luck guys and shoot straight.
Youngfart

[Baggie]

I'm still a little confused on how this works. You trade a hunt with someone do you supply the tags for him here and then he does the same for you, or do you supply your own tags and the other person just acts as a friendly guide? You know, settings up stands, supplying food and shelter etc...

I can understand the need to get to know the people you're trading with, but I guess each party must also realize that you can't always take home an anmial. Is this usually made clear when you guys start talking about this?

[petew]

Some of you don't get it.
Trading a hunt is getting a gain.!! This is not legal under the hunter host program!! You may loose your license.

Advertising on the internet or responding on the net to an add for a swap is definately not hunting with a friend or relative, as required by the laws under the hunter host license.

Posting the details is realy not smart .

Pete

[acearchery]

Very hard to prove... law does not say he has to be friend prior to hunt!....

And again it is in explanation.... Trading hunts is illegal.....cause it could be considered remneration.... But remuneration is defined as a liquid asset..... a hunt opportunity is not a liquid assett unless the person is a guide and offering that service for a price!....

Indiectly is a way scalpers work..... buy this $300 spoon ad get free plaoff tickets!....

Or..... when a farmer charges a "gate opening" fee because he cannot charge for access!...

bringin a buddy up to hunt and then me going down there to hunt is legal...

besides it is explicit that you can only host oce every two years.

This is a law game guides want in place to prevent their potential revenue loss!.... They gotta eat.... That is why there is a limit.... and if it is abused.... this privelege will be revoked...

Remember the 3S rule!......

[petew]

This is a direct quote from the regs.

"may not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services."

Trading trips is definately a gain .

Posting on the net and the paper trail of licenses makes it easy to prove you traded trips for "Gain".
Just not worth it.
All it takes is an outfitter to complain and the process begins.

[HOYTarcher]

Have to agree with Pete several charges that I am aware of were laid in 2002 or 2003 based on a SRD sting operation set up to stop some of this from happening on one of the larger internet sites. Will see if I can find the article was an interesting read and the charges were up held in court as in both cases the charges were contested.

[youngfart]

Where Is The Gain?

Pete,I've discussed this swap a trade quite a few times and have investigated it with and tried to get the individual trapped by asking for money to stay at the one Host who was advertising a swap a hunt in the forums i m a member off . This is actually how I became a lifelong friend of a person I hosted and swapped a hunt with.
This person was advertising his swap, but included cost of food cost of gas and his cost to put up the person at his place and asking $1200.00 for a weeks stay.When I swap a hunt and host the person, I make sure their is no cost to the other person other than the cost of his tag and I ask for equal moneys when we fill the gas tank up. The reason for the swap a hunt is so that people who that are unfortunate and unable to get access to property to hunt and have a chance at a mature animal as we here in Alberta are so fortunate to be able to pursue in The world class Edmonton Bow Zone.
Money is almost always a factor that enables the swap a hunt to excist,cause the people who get hosted are trying to find a way to allow themselves the opportunity to hunt on a non-guided costing hunt. State's is terrible to hunt in as a ton of property owners now charge to hunt their crop land,which in turn enables the swap a hunt to work. Their are a ton of people who can not afford the cost of a guided hunt and let alone being charged crazy amounts of money to lease a property to hunt on.
So Pete you also cannot charge the fee to the hunter for the $35 host license too. I advertise in some forums to get to meet new people and too also enable a hunter the chance to hunt in a country and province that has such an abundance of world class animals the chance they might never get a chance to experience in their home state or country. I try to target the people who I can get a read on and interview by phone to see who they are and the opportunities for them to afford such a trip out of state or their home country.
I realize the guiding community frowns on us as a host because it cuts into their lively hood. I also do this for an opportunity to hunt as I did in Fernie last year because of money and the opportunity to draw on a world class Elk. I'd be going back yearly to Fernie as I developed a friendship that will probably last the rest of my life. But because the cost of the licese their for the Elk tag, $450.00 I am not able to afford to go annually.So when I swap the hunt for what ever,Ie a return hunt or fishing trip, I make sure their are not any cost for food or lodging. Other words Pete their are no gains. I have 3 buddies who are game Wardens here who I've discussed this about numerous of times and have also gotten into the Fish & Wildlife offices for there approval on things done and questioned. Pete, what I'm trying to figure out is, what is gain in your mind?
Youngfart :sos:

[acearchery]

A swap hunt can be abused....

Pete...

Definition: Remuneration is pay or salary, typically monetary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monetary) payment for services rendered, as in an employment. (pretty gray definition)

Now trading something without a declared values is not remeneration... but a hunt is a grey area. If the person offers a hunt for sale as part of what they do then it is much closer to remuneration.....

That is the legalities of it as i see it.... The spirit of the law.... is to minimise th swapng of hunts which is done with current limitations......

I do this all the time with my own family and friends from BC!.... and vice versa!....as is allowed by the law!....

besides it id hard to prove what is remuneration or a "gift".....between friends....

The point of the law is to prevent mefrom selling a guided hunt..... abusing hunter host oriveleges to do it!.... We have other things to worry about that are far more illegal tha these "swaps"..... After all they have opened major supplemental doe seasons here because there are too many deer.... what is the harm... if I brought up a buddy to harvest one and he invited me as a friend to come after an Arizona elk......

this is still a managed hunt...... unlike buying "Fraser River Turkeys"

[petew]

The "Gain" or "Reward" is the hunt you go on for free at a strangers place.

Just to make it clear I will ask the F& W about this in writing and post their reply as well as give them the link to this thread.

That should settle it .

[acearchery]

The "Gain" or "Reward" is the hunt you go on for free at a strangers place.


That would be against the "spirit of the law"

Of course strangers are friends I have not yet met.......

[Ruger]

So what did you find out Pete?