How to get info on a hunting area in an online forum

[2rocky]

Ok, so you just drew the non-resident tag your buddies sister’s ex-boyfriend recommended when the reality hits you…You have no idea where to start to learn the unit. In a panic, you register on twenty internet forums that have “hunt” in their name, and post the same question on each of them:
“Me and a buddy are going to hunt unit xy in Idaho for mule deer. This is my first time hunting in Idaho and I’d really appreciate any help you could give me.”

And the response is the same across all the forums….NO response.

Well before you drop kick your laptop, think about how you approached the situation. You came into a community of folks, and without any greeting at all asked for their spots they have spent years scouting and refining their tactics in. Would you do this face to face? No.

Here are some ways to get the most out of an internet forum:


1. Introduce yourself. Most forums have a place that new members can introduce themselves and tell a little about their style of hunting and where they are from. Many times you will discover other hunters that live or have family nearby.
2. Use the search function. Forums are made to be a discussion and the search function helps you weed through the variety of topics by focusing on keywords. For example searching on “unit xy Idaho” will bring up past topics on that unit you are interested in.
3. Contribute! Not money, but knowledge. If someone is asking in a topic about some boots or a pack you have experience with, pass on your experience. You don’t have to be a cheerleader and do an ad pitch for it, but a sincere mention about how you think certain aspects could be improved, or a new way to use a product are always appreciated. Congratulate successful hunters that post photos. Believe it or not, folks want to get to know more about the person behind the avatar and internet handle. The more outgoing and sincere you are online, the more other posters will appreciate you. Your personality may come through differently in writing than if you are with your buddies, so lay off the sarcasm until you know other readers will “get it”.
4. Pay attention to the Sections in forums. With the wide variety of topics discussed in a hunting forum, chances are they are categorized. If your question is state specific, try a state section; if it is species specific post it in the deer, or elk section for example.
5. Lay off the Caps Lock. THIS IS YELLING ON THE INTERNET.
6. After you have a few posts and start recognizing other people on the forums, you can share your plans for the upcoming season. After getting acquainted with the other forum members and developing relationships, you will be amazed at how helpful some people can be. Chances are you will have already developed some information about your hunt destination just through using the search functions and ongoing topics.

With these hints, I hope you will be able to use internet forums to your benefit and become a valuable part of the community. Over the years, I’ve hunted, fished, shot archery tournaments and roomed with fellow forum members that became lifelong friends, all because we shared the same interests on an internet forum.

[mohunter]

Nice post. I couldn't agree more. I used to be one of them but now try to rely more on what i find. This is some great advice. Coming from back east i didn't realize that hunting areas out here are much like private ground back home only here once someone finds out you may be over ran. Sometimes i dont think people from else where realize when they are asking for areas to hunt it is alot like asking for permission to hunt someones farm back home. People in both places want to protect thier honey holes. Good luck to everyone who draws that next great tag.

[rden]

Good post

[volchuck]

Being from Memphis TN, its pretty much whitetail and waterfowl for me. I do enjoy reading and living vicariously through you guys out west. i think the only thing I've observed folks being more protective of (more than elk or deer unit hot spots) are duck holes especially on public water.

I deer hunt WMAs here and have realized just how hard it is to just find a place to put a stand where the deer are, it would be tougher for me to let go of info after researching and paying for draws for a couple years, traveling and hiking in over several miles before finally finding the honey hole....

I do agree that most guys at least the ones I've finally met on local forums here are very nice and willing to help once they know even a little about you. For me it took posting exactly where I was hunting or thinking about and then following with a hunt or scout report or a why I thought the place would be good. I had a message box full from folks who hunted the same spot/area. I met one guy while hunting who was nice enough to give me GPS markers of his stand.

Great point on how to post and gain some help. Love reading all yall's DIY adventures out West.

Chuck

[Magic]

Chuck, Welcome to SC Forums.

[WW]

You have made some very good points. Personally, I've been around the net enough that I have come up with some very close friends. I think I could ask many of them for advice and come up with some great information. And there are many out there that could ask me and I would do my best to help them as well.

But, I do frown on those that apply for special tags and have absoluty no idea of what they have applied for. To me, that is just knocking someone that has done their homework out of the game.

But as I said before, I'd be happy to help some of my internet friends out in just about any way I can. 2rocky, you are one of those I'd be willing to help. If you ever want to hunt my part of the country, just give me a shout. I'd be happy to help. Just don't go asking for my honey holes. LOL!