Alcohol and Hunting

Will Beararms · June 2, 2002, 05:39 PM

I will start this by stating no one here enjoys an ice cold Corona with lime or Beck's Dark that is allowed to sit in the freezer until right before the point of freezing more than I do. I repeat for the record, a good cold beer is refreshing.

That said, I always flinch when I see Anheuser Busch sponsoring an outdoors show that features the use of deadly weapons. It is a free country and I know AB has done alot to help DU and other worthwhile Hunting Concerns but guns and beer do not mix neither does beer go with compound bows.

Now I know I will strike a sore point with the next statement but I cannot see where any alcoholic beverage has any place on a hunt where weapons are present.

I admit after a day of dove hunting when the gun is unloaded, I have popped a top. I will also go as far to tell you as a younger, more stupid hunter, I have even consumed beer all day while Pheasant hunting with my friends at an undisclosed location in the Midwest.

All this said, I have made it a policy not to have alcohol and weapons in the same vehicle nor to partake of any such substance while on a hunt----------even if it's the end of the day.

I thank God I have not been killed or injured while hunting while booze was present. I am also thankful that I never hurt or killed anyone else. All this said how do you come down on the issue of booze and hunting?

BIGR · June 2, 2002, 10:18 PM

Alcohol and hunting is just asking for disaster. I knew some guys years ago that would drink them a cold beer before they hit the woods deer hunting. I stayed as far away from them as possibile. I could only imagine one of them mistaking me for a deer and pulling the trigger. Alcohol has its place and time. If you want to drink your cold ones wait til after the hunt. Drunk hunters have made a bad name for all hunters at one time or another.

BenW · June 2, 2002, 10:44 PM

I rarely drink at all, and never when around a firearm. That said (and no flame intended), I feel uncomfortable saying a beer company can't sponsor a firearms related event. To me, saying there is a correlation between a beer distributor and someone who drinks and has a firearms related accident is the same as saying there is a correlation between firearms manufacturers and murders.

For me it comes down to everyone being responsible for their own actions. If Busch tells me to drink up, it's up to me to either do so responsibly or politely decline.

C.R.Sam · June 2, 2002, 11:23 PM

"Less government, more individual responsibility.".....R. Welsh

Sam

Will Beararms · June 3, 2002, 07:58 AM

I agree that Beer companies can sponsor our efforts. I know this is wishful thinking and I certainly do not think it should be mandated but when they do advertise, I would hope they do the drink responsibly thing. But as has already been aptly pointed out it is up to the individual.

Double Naught Spy · June 3, 2002, 10:15 AM

"Drunk, uneducated, and armed - a deadly combination." - this was said by a buddy of mine whose family pet was shot by the next door neighbors who could be best described as white trash of Dueling Banjo music situations (Deliverance).

While on survey in East Texas, I passed a number of elevated deer stands that had accumulations of numerous beer cans and other garbage at the base of the trees where the stands were constructed. Beer cans were also inside the stands. What a sport!

Art Eatman · June 3, 2002, 06:36 PM

I'm in strong agreement with all of the above.

That said, imagine you're four hours of walking away from camp, and you settle down for a break and have a luxurious repast of sardines and crackers.

Can there be anything more soul-satisfying than a post-prandial shot of Grand Marnier and a short nap? I thought that's why the Good Lord invented these little air-tight pill bottles.

, Art

Dr.Rob · June 3, 2002, 07:24 PM

Well said Art.

Nothing wrong with a cold beer at camp.. AFTER the guns are safely put away.

slick slidestop · June 3, 2002, 08:06 PM

Having a beer or 2 is ok before or after a hunt, but being even close to intoxicated while hunting is unacceptable.

I have on occasion put a beer or 2 in my rucksack and after hiking to my stand drink a beer while I let the woods settle down a bit, but NEVER HUNT IMPAIRED

H&H,hunter · June 3, 2002, 10:41 PM

Being included in the past ignornant youth experience statement that's already been made I have to say that plain and simple booze and weapons don't mix I do enjoy driving around on private land and drinking beer I feel like I'm getting away with something. I just don't do it while I hunting anymore.
there is ,however, no better tasting beer than the one after a long day in the field around a camp fire while letting the blood dry on your jeans. And watching your elk quarters cool in a near by tree

BluRidgDav · June 4, 2002, 07:57 AM

Hey 00-Spy,

All those beer cans under those TX deer stands, were because the "hunters" had a little time to kill waiting for the feeders to go off, and throw out the corn, at the pre-set time of say 5PM. The deer are conditioned to come to this dinner bell at 5:01. And although the "hunters" were a bit tipsy by then, they probably? still hit their deer, since their rifles were sighted-in at exactly feeder-distance, and the sandbagged rifle-rests on the stand's windowsills didn't hurt either!

Funny how a lack of sportmanship manifests itself in more than one way.

Art Eatman · June 4, 2002, 08:17 AM

Folks wanna talk about "stand hunting", I'll tell ya about stand hunting.

LBJ had a small pasture at his ranch, with a deer-proof fence around it. Each fall it was planted with oats. Some employee (probably Secret Service) would close the gate just before first light.

I don't know whether there was an elevator to the "stand", but it was heated and air-conditioned. Carpeted and comfy. Various interested dignitaries would be taken to this Palace In The Park, and when there was enough light, a window would be opened and "Bang!" and the Mighty Hunter would have slain Bambi.

Separately, I've known a heckuva lot of guys who weren't particularly interested in shooting a deer. They mostly wanted to get away from town, away from the wife and kids, and hang out with guys at a deer camp. Not bathe or shave for a few days. Break wind in "public" without fear of comment. Eat "camp food" and drink too much and "enjoy" camp coffee.

They'd sit in a deer blind because it was expected of them.

My father got invited to a lot of leases because he would take Harry Hangover out and let him sleep in the car while my father ambled around to collect Bambi. He'd gut out the deer and have Mr. Hangover tag it. His high-count year was 32 deer, all tagged. Mr. Hangover could then go home to Momma, who'd be all proud of the accomplishment...

That's people, and there is no point in getting all in a swivet over it.

Art

Will Beararms · June 4, 2002, 08:38 AM

I will moderate a bit by saying yes after the guns are put up, a beer or three is good around the fire. My dove hunt consists of a comute from Plano, TX about 40 minutes and in that case, I will refrain from libations. Also, due to the fact that we are up at 3:00 am for the S. Arkansas duck hunts operating a 35 HP outboard in what is little more than a swamp with a river attached to it, I like to be at 110% so there's no booze at night to create cob webs in my brain the next morning.

Hey Art, I have found that G.M. is good for alot of things-------------not the least of which is romance and I will leave it at that.

Mannlicher · June 5, 2002, 08:19 PM

Darwin Awards are handed out to drinking gunners every year. That is natures way of culling the herd. If all they killed were themselves, ok, but I do get angry at the innocent ones that die as the result of Bubba having a few and then handling guns.

doubletap1 · June 6, 2002, 02:30 PM

Go fishing if you want to drink.

PaP · June 9, 2002, 02:51 PM

I didn't know you could fish without cold beer. As far as hunting goes, I get just as much pleasure frombeing with friends and family in the woods as I do hunting. After the guns are put away, there is nothing better than a beer or drink or three and telling stories with your companions. If you want to overdo it, that takes a lot of the fun out of the next morning's hunt. Just like it was said above, more personal responsibility.

Jamie Young · June 10, 2002, 12:32 AM

Everyone I know that drinks a lot on hunting trips has a gun accident story. One of My cousins goes deer hunting with about a dozen guys. They all joke about how none of them like to get out of bed after the first night on the trip. Two years ago one of the guys shot himself in the foot with a .270.

Dave B · June 11, 2002, 09:30 AM

I can't see how anyone could object to a little party in camp at the end of the day.

That said, it's amazing how much likker outofstate 'hunters' buy in town on their way up to the wilderness. It's a running joke hereabouts.

It's one of the reasons I don't hunt much on public lands anymore.

db

Art Eatman · June 11, 2002, 09:34 AM

Ancient story about a bunch of guys sitting around hunt camp, inventorying the necessities:

One guy asks, What about groceries?" Another guy responds, "We got seventeen cases of beer, and one loaf of bread."

Third fella chimes in, "What we gonna do with all that bread?"

, Art

Camshaft · June 12, 2002, 11:42 PM

what slick slidestop said.

enjoying a beer is one think. getting hammered and hunting is another. BUT the most succesful hunters i know are these 3 guys i use to work with who had a camp in south alabama. they smoked a lot of weed before, during, and after the hunt. they got trophy bucks left and right. they just had thier act together. i personally could hunt perfectly fine while in an altered state, but i never would because of the image it portrays to others.

Art Eatman · June 13, 2002, 09:12 AM

Camshaft, weed's a tranquilizer. Maybe they were calm enough to sit still and not wiggle around and tell Bambi of their presence.

Then again, a buddy of mine tried to grow his own, back in my woods. Trouble was, the deer all thought they'd found something better'n than oats or alfalfa! So, maybe these guys' pre-rolled joints were attractants...

I know deer will eat cigarettes, like candy. Start your own business: "Deer Lure".

Art

Remmy · June 13, 2002, 11:15 PM

I agree with much of what was said...i dont drink at all.

I just had to say this thread was a pleasure to read...some funny stuff here

haha lol at that weed deer lure!

Art Eatman · June 14, 2002, 07:06 AM

I guess I was about 12 when I first read, "Don't mix gunpowder and alcohol." I couldn't figure out why anybody would take powder from a cartridge case and take some rubbing alcohol...Well, duh!

Whether car or gun, impaired judgement or impaired physical condition is just dumber'n dirt.

Art

SKSLover · June 18, 2002, 06:04 PM

As most of you here, I have heard some disaster hunting/alcohol stories. Going into my first hunt this fall, I plan on being as safe as possible while out and about looking to bag my first deer (wishful thinking on the deer, I know

)

Alcohol has it's time and place, and hunting while intoxicated is an accident waiting to happen. Nothin wrong with opening a cold beer after being out all day and your tired. In fact, I dont think there's anything better!

If however, I was in a group I would politely tell everyone to not drink until the day's hunt was over. I dont want to die, and if they won't comply easily then I just wont hunt with them. Period. It doesn't have to be anymore complicated than that, right?

redrider · June 20, 2002, 12:15 PM

I was at a gun range, Tacoma Sportsmens club, and was shocked and concerned when I went to thier mess hall to buy a Coke and found a cooler full of beer! I came out and told my partner, some guy with his kid of about 10 or 11 tells us that's the only reason he joined the club. I was very disturbed by this. Not only is he showing his stupidity but to do so in front of his kid is really bad IMO. What is he teaching his kid? What will that kid do when he grows up? I'll tell you what; keep the cycle going.
Lets all hunt and practice responsibly for our kids sake!!!!!!!!!

June 2, 2002, 05:39 PM	#1
Will Beararms Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,834	Alcohol and Hunting I will start this by stating no one here enjoys an ice cold Corona with lime or Beck's Dark that is allowed to sit in the freezer until right before the point of freezing more than I do. I repeat for the record, a good cold beer is refreshing. That said, I always flinch when I see Anheuser Busch sponsoring an outdoors show that features the use of deadly weapons. It is a free country and I know AB has done alot to help DU and other worthwhile Hunting Concerns but guns and beer do not mix neither does beer go with compound bows. Now I know I will strike a sore point with the next statement but I cannot see where any alcoholic beverage has any place on a hunt where weapons are present. I admit after a day of dove hunting when the gun is unloaded, I have popped a top. I will also go as far to tell you as a younger, more stupid hunter, I have even consumed beer all day while Pheasant hunting with my friends at an undisclosed location in the Midwest. All this said, I have made it a policy not to have alcohol and weapons in the same vehicle nor to partake of any such substance while on a hunt----------even if it's the end of the day. I thank God I have not been killed or injured while hunting while booze was present. I am also thankful that I never hurt or killed anyone else. All this said how do you come down on the issue of booze and hunting? __________________ "Without a rifle you are nothing, worthless, you are waiting for death, any minute, any second." -- Aron Bielski

June 3, 2002, 07:58 AM	#5
Will Beararms Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,834	I agree that Beer companies can sponsor our efforts. I know this is wishful thinking and I certainly do not think it should be mandated but when they do advertise, I would hope they do the drink responsibly thing. But as has already been aptly pointed out it is up to the individual. __________________ "Without a rifle you are nothing, worthless, you are waiting for death, any minute, any second." -- Aron Bielski

June 3, 2002, 10:15 AM	#6
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague Cnty, TX Posts: 12,717	"Drunk, uneducated, and armed - a deadly combination." - this was said by a buddy of mine whose family pet was shot by the next door neighbors who could be best described as white trash of Dueling Banjo music situations (Deliverance). While on survey in East Texas, I passed a number of elevated deer stands that had accumulations of numerous beer cans and other garbage at the base of the trees where the stands were constructed. Beer cans were also inside the stands. What a sport! __________________ "If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011 My Hunting Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange

June 3, 2002, 07:24 PM	#8
Dr.Rob Staff Alumnus Join Date: July 28, 1999 Location: Denver Posts: 2,454	Well said Art. Nothing wrong with a cold beer at camp.. AFTER the guns are safely put away. __________________ You broke into the wrong Rec Room!

June 4, 2002, 07:57 AM	#11
BluRidgDav Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2001 Posts: 314	Hey 00-Spy, All those beer cans under those TX deer stands, were because the "hunters" had a little time to kill waiting for the feeders to go off, and throw out the corn, at the pre-set time of say 5PM. The deer are conditioned to come to this dinner bell at 5:01. And although the "hunters" were a bit tipsy by then, they probably? still hit their deer, since their rifles were sighted-in at exactly feeder-distance, and the sandbagged rifle-rests on the stand's windowsills didn't hurt either! Funny how a lack of sportmanship manifests itself in more than one way. __________________ Watch your top-knot.

June 2, 2002, 10:18 PM	#2
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	Alcohol and hunting is just asking for disaster. I knew some guys years ago that would drink them a cold beer before they hit the woods deer hunting. I stayed as far away from them as possibile. I could only imagine one of them mistaking me for a deer and pulling the trigger. Alcohol has its place and time. If you want to drink your cold ones wait til after the hunt. Drunk hunters have made a bad name for all hunters at one time or another.

June 2, 2002, 10:44 PM	#3
BenW Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 282	I rarely drink at all, and never when around a firearm. That said (and no flame intended), I feel uncomfortable saying a beer company can't sponsor a firearms related event. To me, saying there is a correlation between a beer distributor and someone who drinks and has a firearms related accident is the same as saying there is a correlation between firearms manufacturers and murders. For me it comes down to everyone being responsible for their own actions. If Busch tells me to drink up, it's up to me to either do so responsibly or politely decline.

June 2, 2002, 11:23 PM	#4
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	"Less government, more individual responsibility.".....R. Welsh Sam

June 3, 2002, 06:36 PM	#7
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I'm in strong agreement with all of the above. That said, imagine you're four hours of walking away from camp, and you settle down for a break and have a luxurious repast of sardines and crackers. Can there be anything more soul-satisfying than a post-prandial shot of Grand Marnier and a short nap? I thought that's why the Good Lord invented these little air-tight pill bottles. , Art

June 3, 2002, 08:06 PM	#9
slick slidestop Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 394	Having a beer or 2 is ok before or after a hunt, but being even close to intoxicated while hunting is unacceptable. I have on occasion put a beer or 2 in my rucksack and after hiking to my stand drink a beer while I let the woods settle down a bit, but NEVER HUNT IMPAIRED

June 3, 2002, 10:41 PM	#10
H&H,hunter Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 504	Being included in the past ignornant youth experience statement that's already been made I have to say that plain and simple booze and weapons don't mix I do enjoy driving around on private land and drinking beer I feel like I'm getting away with something. I just don't do it while I hunting anymore. there is ,however, no better tasting beer than the one after a long day in the field around a camp fire while letting the blood dry on your jeans. And watching your elk quarters cool in a near by tree

June 4, 2002, 08:17 AM	#12
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Folks wanna talk about "stand hunting", I'll tell ya about stand hunting. LBJ had a small pasture at his ranch, with a deer-proof fence around it. Each fall it was planted with oats. Some employee (probably Secret Service) would close the gate just before first light. I don't know whether there was an elevator to the "stand", but it was heated and air-conditioned. Carpeted and comfy. Various interested dignitaries would be taken to this Palace In The Park, and when there was enough light, a window would be opened and "Bang!" and the Mighty Hunter would have slain Bambi. Separately, I've known a heckuva lot of guys who weren't particularly interested in shooting a deer. They mostly wanted to get away from town, away from the wife and kids, and hang out with guys at a deer camp. Not bathe or shave for a few days. Break wind in "public" without fear of comment. Eat "camp food" and drink too much and "enjoy" camp coffee. They'd sit in a deer blind because it was expected of them. My father got invited to a lot of leases because he would take Harry Hangover out and let him sleep in the car while my father ambled around to collect Bambi. He'd gut out the deer and have Mr. Hangover tag it. His high-count year was 32 deer, all tagged. Mr. Hangover could then go home to Momma, who'd be all proud of the accomplishment... That's people, and there is no point in getting all in a swivet over it. Art

June 4, 2002, 08:38 AM	#13
Will Beararms Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,834	I will moderate a bit by saying yes after the guns are put up, a beer or three is good around the fire. My dove hunt consists of a comute from Plano, TX about 40 minutes and in that case, I will refrain from libations. Also, due to the fact that we are up at 3:00 am for the S. Arkansas duck hunts operating a 35 HP outboard in what is little more than a swamp with a river attached to it, I like to be at 110% so there's no booze at night to create cob webs in my brain the next morning. Hey Art, I have found that G.M. is good for alot of things-------------not the least of which is romance and I will leave it at that. __________________ "Without a rifle you are nothing, worthless, you are waiting for death, any minute, any second." -- Aron Bielski

June 5, 2002, 08:19 PM	#14
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	Darwin Awards are handed out to drinking gunners every year. That is natures way of culling the herd. If all they killed were themselves, ok, but I do get angry at the innocent ones that die as the result of Bubba having a few and then handling guns. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

June 6, 2002, 02:30 PM	#15
doubletap1 Junior Member Join Date: April 18, 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 14	Go fishing if you want to drink.

June 9, 2002, 02:51 PM	#16
PaP Member Join Date: January 12, 2001 Location: Hixson, TN Posts: 58	I didn't know you could fish without cold beer. As far as hunting goes, I get just as much pleasure frombeing with friends and family in the woods as I do hunting. After the guns are put away, there is nothing better than a beer or drink or three and telling stories with your companions. If you want to overdo it, that takes a lot of the fun out of the next morning's hunt. Just like it was said above, more personal responsibility.

June 10, 2002, 12:32 AM	#17
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Everyone I know that drinks a lot on hunting trips has a gun accident story. One of My cousins goes deer hunting with about a dozen guys. They all joke about how none of them like to get out of bed after the first night on the trip. Two years ago one of the guys shot himself in the foot with a .270. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

June 11, 2002, 09:30 AM	#18
Dave B Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 1999 Location: NW Colorado Posts: 240	I can't see how anyone could object to a little party in camp at the end of the day. That said, it's amazing how much likker outofstate 'hunters' buy in town on their way up to the wilderness. It's a running joke hereabouts. It's one of the reasons I don't hunt much on public lands anymore. db __________________ This space for rent

June 11, 2002, 09:34 AM	#19
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Ancient story about a bunch of guys sitting around hunt camp, inventorying the necessities: One guy asks, What about groceries?" Another guy responds, "We got seventeen cases of beer, and one loaf of bread." Third fella chimes in, "What we gonna do with all that bread?" , Art

June 12, 2002, 11:42 PM	#20
Camshaft Member Join Date: February 12, 2001 Posts: 65	what slick slidestop said. enjoying a beer is one think. getting hammered and hunting is another. BUT the most succesful hunters i know are these 3 guys i use to work with who had a camp in south alabama. they smoked a lot of weed before, during, and after the hunt. they got trophy bucks left and right. they just had thier act together. i personally could hunt perfectly fine while in an altered state, but i never would because of the image it portrays to others. __________________ the war on drugs is a war on freedom, waged against american citizens.

June 13, 2002, 09:12 AM	#21
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Camshaft, weed's a tranquilizer. Maybe they were calm enough to sit still and not wiggle around and tell Bambi of their presence. Then again, a buddy of mine tried to grow his own, back in my woods. Trouble was, the deer all thought they'd found something better'n than oats or alfalfa! So, maybe these guys' pre-rolled joints were attractants... I know deer will eat cigarettes, like candy. Start your own business: "Deer Lure". Art

June 13, 2002, 11:15 PM	#22
Remmy Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2001 Location: SC Posts: 188	I agree with much of what was said...i dont drink at all. I just had to say this thread was a pleasure to read...some funny stuff here haha lol at that weed deer lure!

June 14, 2002, 07:06 AM	#23
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I guess I was about 12 when I first read, "Don't mix gunpowder and alcohol." I couldn't figure out why anybody would take powder from a cartridge case and take some rubbing alcohol...Well, duh! Whether car or gun, impaired judgement or impaired physical condition is just dumber'n dirt. Art

June 18, 2002, 06:04 PM	#24
SKSLover Member Join Date: June 13, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 17	As most of you here, I have heard some disaster hunting/alcohol stories. Going into my first hunt this fall, I plan on being as safe as possible while out and about looking to bag my first deer (wishful thinking on the deer, I know ) Alcohol has it's time and place, and hunting while intoxicated is an accident waiting to happen. Nothin wrong with opening a cold beer after being out all day and your tired. In fact, I dont think there's anything better! If however, I was in a group I would politely tell everyone to not drink until the day's hunt was over. I dont want to die, and if they won't comply easily then I just wont hunt with them. Period. It doesn't have to be anymore complicated than that, right? __________________ Women Against Gun Control www.wagc.com "When the government fears the people, it is liberty. When the people fear the government, it is tyranny." ~Thomas Jefferson~

June 20, 2002, 12:15 PM	#25
redrider Member Join Date: June 18, 2002 Location: seattle, washington Posts: 67	I was at a gun range, Tacoma Sportsmens club, and was shocked and concerned when I went to thier mess hall to buy a Coke and found a cooler full of beer! I came out and told my partner, some guy with his kid of about 10 or 11 tells us that's the only reason he joined the club. I was very disturbed by this. Not only is he showing his stupidity but to do so in front of his kid is really bad IMO. What is he teaching his kid? What will that kid do when he grows up? I'll tell you what; keep the cycle going. Lets all hunt and practice responsibly for our kids sake!!!!!!!!!