I think one of the first things is do a real assessment of what drives you as a hunter. Are you a trophy at all costs guy, Are you a gun nut that hunts, are you a hunter that owns a rifle, or are you a social hunter that enjoys seeing the country and sharing with a few buddy's. Once you are clear on why you hunt then you can better id the attributes you want in a partner. It's like golf there are the guys that are competitive as he--, the gamblers , the drinkers that don't give a rip and social golfers. All kinds can have good to terrible golfers but God help you if you get with the wrong group as it can be miserable. Then there are the financial issues as if one of you is willing to leave the wife and kids home w/o a vacation for 10 years while you chase elk but the other guy isn't then you need to know that. Like wise if you run with the big dogs then don't select a guy that can't afford to keep up or vice versa. So start with a good look in the mirror.
Last edited by bangeye; 03/15/12.
