When antlers become bigger than friendships...

[shankspony]

Truth is its so often hard to tell. All you can do, is offer friendship  and if that gets used in some way against you or disrespected, then walk away knowing you did right with head high. In the long run it's their loss, and bone or tusks don't show up on weekends to help you shift house, or share a beer.
Ive had similar happen to what you describe, and it sucks! But then It makes me think about my real mates and appreciate them and the things they do more.
Just recently I had to think about pulling out of a big hunting trip due to a few factors like step daughter heading off to University making spare money tight. I told the guys I couldn't go, and got told, "nah, you're coming, I got this."
In the end I didn't need the help, but I will never forget the offer!
My experience is, it will work out the best for you Terry, and the worst for them as the good people drop away and they are only left surrounded by others like them.

[supernaut]

Terry, sorry you had a bad experience with a supposed "friend". It's a bummer and I can relate from my own personal experiences. Keep your head up and keep being who you are.

I can count on one hand the "true" friends I have in life with a few fingers left over and that's fine with me. I'd rather have a very small amount of true friends than a large number of phonies.

[kennym]

There are always users, I haven't forgotten a single one of them either.  Stay on course buddy. 

[Ray Lyon]

Sorry to see this Terry.   

I appreciate these guys every day.  Most of them I’ve known and hunted with for thirty years.

Shrewhaven Lodge deer camp

[GCook]

I agree that most people can and will disappoint you.  God created us with that within us and from the time of Adam we've been doing it. 
All of us have a weakness.  Some it is antlers.  Others fall to alchohol or drugs.  Some to a new wife who doesn't like you or want them to be friends with you.
I have some friends who are family to me.  Having never had money, good looks or a charming personality I've always tried to make up for it by being there to help.  Whether it's a busted trailer hub on the side of the road or just having them over for Christmas dinner after they get divorced. 
Mom said to have a friend you have to be one.  But I've also learned that I just need to do what is right and that is all I can control. 
Casual friends are a blessing as well.  Fun to share camp with, work beside, or other activities like scouting.

Hopefully time will help with the pain you feel from this.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

It's always a punch in the gut when someone becomes someone you didn't think they were. 

I wish I had a friend that was closer. But when you find a true friend, you embrace it and hold on no matter the distance.

[BrownA5]

Terry, sorry for the bad experience!  Know that you are not alone; many of us have had to deal with similar situations based on my own experiences and what I have read here.  The key, as many have stated, is to Take the high road, move on so that it does not consume you.  The issue is theirs!  Know you have lots of friends here for support!

[Wudstix]

Most of my hunting buddies are just acquaintances, have two true friends, one close and the other were I grew up.
 

[George Tsoukalas]

Terry, sorry you had to go through that. Jawge

[kopfjaeger]

 

[Roy from Pa]

 

[Terry Green]

Thx guys... 3 others have chatted with me about the same person..... he has disappeared as well from them...

And for the record.. its been over 3 years for all of us...those antlers must be REAL REAL REAL Big.

[Trenton G.]

Never understood antlers being something to get so upset over. I was after a really big old U.P. buck this fall. Saw him twice during bow season but never got a chance. Opening day of rifle season I filled my second tag on a decent 10 point and my buddy saw nothing so I sent him to that spot thinking he'd see one of the bucks in that area. As luck would have it that big one came out and he shot what is the biggest deer I have ever seen or put my hands on. A monster for here for sure. While I was maybe a bit jealous, I was super happy for him and still am. Absolutely no hard feelings over it and we're already planning for next year. Real hunting buddies enjoy the successes of their buddies along with them, not sit there jealous.

[Blaino]

Gotta pick those 3 carefully!

[Wudstix]

Need that shirt!!!
 

[Sam McMichael]

Terry, I was sorry to hear that you had such an unfriendly experience. Unfortunately, that seems to common, but it seems worse when its done by a hunting buddy. When I was in high school a good friend's dad told me that you will have many, many acquaintances in life but very few really true and loyal lifelong friends. Sadly, that seems to be true.

[Pine]

[IndaTimber]

Seen it happen and had it happen to me. It is sad and honestly, those individuals will never be happy no matter how large the antlers are. Selfishness and greed are something that can never be satisfied.

This community is more than just trad bows or trad hunting. It’s about respect for those who chose a path that is different than the masses. It’s about those willing to set ego and pride aside and learn from others and the outdoors. It’s about learning from our failures and not instant gratification.

There are some, no matter the weapon, that will never understand.

[Marksman Quivers]

I love the quote, “if you Lend a friend $20.00. And you never see them again, it’s money well spent”.

Mark

[SlowBowKing]

I love the quote, “if you Lend a friend $20.00. And you never see them again, it’s money well spent”.

Mark

I’ve gotta remember that one...good stuff.