Hunter Safety in Numbers: Where Can I Meet Other Hunters?

Hunting can be such a solitary activity that meeting others when you get started can be hard. However, hunting in numbers is one of the best ways to improve hunter safety! 

There are many ways to connect with other hunters who share your passion for a species, gear, hunting, and being outdoors. Creating a group of good hunting buddies can make the sport more enjoyable while increasing your chances of a successful harvest, improving your skills, and having a safe experience for every hunt – especially when everyone in your hunting group has taken a state-approved safety course before entering the field. 

Where can you find nearby hunters to add to your hunting buddy list? We have a few suggestions below!

In-Person Buddy Hunting

Your first tactic should be to find in-person opportunities. It's easier to build hunting buddy relationships and plan trips when people live near you and hunt in the same areas you hunt. 

Start with People You Know

Ask your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family if anyone hunts and see if you can accompany them. You might have a friend or cousin who hunts (but you didn't know it)! Starting your hunting group with people you already know can make it easier to schedule trips and gain confidence in your hunting skills. 

If you have kids, you can start your own hunting group. Introducing children to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors at a young age can help you create family traditions and a group of hunting "buddies" who will learn and grow with you for many years to come. 

Expand Your Local Connections

If you're striking out with people you to build your hunting groups, step outside your immediate circle. Contact your state wildlife agency office and ask them for their recommendations on connecting with other hunters in the area. Find state agency hunting info by checking a site like eRegulations or through a quick Google search.

You can also visit your local outdoors or sporting goods store – such as Cabela's, Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, or Bass Pro Shops –and talk to the staff. Many of these stores also have posted flyers about events and activities. You can also join one of many hunting clubs and organizations like NSSF, the Firearm Industry Trade Association. 

There are many hunting organizations out there, including a few local to your area. So, start by searching online for the type of game you'd like to hunt or the areas you want to hunt and go from there.

Get Social

While you're online, you can take advantage of social media opportunities, too. 

Visit hunting conversation forums like Reddit's hunting forum to talk with hunters from all over the world. You can also find local Facebook groups for various hunting various species and locations that interest you. Search for other forums, such as HuntingNet or other local groups.

If you use an app like HuntWise, you gain access to an in-app community of fellow hunters. Share successes, post questions, and connect with hunters with various skill levels to build your hunting connections and spend more time in the field. 

With just a bit of luck, you'll be able to meet hunters, get great tips and suggestions, and make some new friends.

Choose Your Buddies Wisely

A lot of people like to hunt, but not all of them do it for ethical reasons. When connecting with and building your core group of hunting partners, align with like-minded hunters who can help you understand why we hunt, how hunting helps wildlife conservation, and the appropriate best practices for hunting successfully. 

You'll create long-term hunting friendships that can help you truly enjoy and benefit from organic food sourcing and develop skills that you can also pass on to your children or other friends and family. 

Get Hunter Safety Education for You and Your Hunting Partners 

The best hunting buddies understand good hunter safety, including being respectful and ethical when hunting. Build a group of friends who enjoy the act of hunting, including preparation, harvesting food for their families, and sharing stories that promote good hunting ethics. You also need a group that prioritizes safety in the field!

As you find people to hunt with, encourage them to take a hunter safety course – and get your certification, too! Most states require hunters to pass a safety course before purchasing a hunting license. However, even if your state doesn't require it, it's smart to learn about firearm safety, hunting ethics and best practices, and more through a Hunter-Ed safety course. 

Find the course for your state, start learning, and encourage your hunting buddies to learn along with you. 

Originally published October 2, 2015. Content updated July 10, 2023.