“To have a friend, you need to be a friend.” There are many kinds of friends that we all enjoy, accept, and celebrate. Some friends just show up when it’s in their schedule, on their terms, or in their best interests. Other friends seem to show up when things go great or when things go bad. We all have friends that fit into these categories and may also be the ones that show up when we feel like it.

Friends can come in categories. We have “Hunting or Fishing Friends”. Other friends show up for grilling and meals of our wild harvests. There are skiing friends, boating, hiking, biking, and trekking, and party friends. Some friends are better than others, but they are still friends. 

Friends are family that you get to choose. Sometimes family is the hardest to be friends with. 

It’s good to have friends and nice to be friends. Making friends can be harder than keeping friends. Earning friendships and maintaining friendships takes time and energy. Friends that travel together stay together. 

Bad Friends can be weeded out. You must be willing to either change their behavior or simply enjoy life without them. If these “friends” do not bring joy, love, or happiness into your life, find other friends. Holding onto “Bad Friends” is a waste of time and energy. 

Some friends are easy to be friends with. They go with the flow, share, contribute, communicate, and interact comfortably. Best friends have heard all your stories, lived your highs and lows, know how crazy you are and still choose to be your friend. Great friends make us better. 

Work friends are different than play friends. Each category of friends has different themes and experiences. We have friends at work because they can make work better, but if we didn’t have to work… 

Friendships can and will run their course. Age, maturity, moving, or a conflict can quickly end a friendship. Some friendships just end. It’s ok to lose some friends, especially if they are not showing up or adding to the friendship. 

Some hunting and fishing buddies use “friendship” to be a part of a camp or club. Others for access or to use tools or experience that you may offer. Once they no longer need you, the friendship ends. 

Other friendships are Ride or Die friendships. Experiences and history have made you lifelong friends. These friends show up all the time, every time. Even if you have not seen them for years, these friends can be amazing. 

“An enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Maybe in war, but these friendships usually end badly. These relationships are about battle or competition and not fun and joy. “Battle Buddies” may have helped you survive but also remind us of our worst times. 

We all have friends that we miss. Outdoor sports offer wonderful and intimate memories. A hunter’s first fish, buck, bull, or gobbler are exciting and memorable episodes that we never forget. Having that person to celebrate those special moments means they are a witness to our growth and accomplishments. 

Never stop making friends. There are No Limits as to how many friends you can have. Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget. Lasting friendships have high connections, high mutual respect, and low expectations. 

We can have great “Seasonal Friends”. Hunting and fishing camp buddies show up on opening day and share the hunt together. Even though you just see them for one season a year, they can be some of the best friends. 

Life is better with friends!

Montana Grant