A few of you have noted to me seeing my comments on the community forum here. I didnt know that existed until Parkland last winter, and now find it entertaining - it's basically our MA page "solar, global warming" style threads, with some gun control, lib-conservative debates and some fun friendly random stuff that isnt really hunting related.
Any way, one guy who's moved away, (not using handle to protect the innocent) PM'd me yesterday and we had a good PM discussion. He'd seen a post I had in the community forum, and thus we got to "talking".
I told him to keep posting on the MA page because he brought good info to light. He noted enjoying observing the info, and just didnt feel he could add a lot, where he isnt sure the full context of what someone's situation may be. I still encouraged him to post up, the guy has shot some great deer and I've learned (as I'm sure others have as well) from his posts in the past. I've also just enjoyed the stories.
Made me think though, his rationale for not posting much here, was exactly the same reason I dont post to forums related to my profession. They actually drive me nuts, because people go off, as if they know absolutely everything about a persons question, when they have zero context towards the bigger picture for that person.
Bowsite is a release for me, a mental break in the day... So I just pop in and out between tasks. But his sense (related to his posting) really got me thinking - so thanks for that if you lurk and see this :)!
It got me thinking about all the folks who may lurk. If you have a question for someone who may be more experienced (or you perceive they are), but dont want to post, PM them. I'd bet everyone who is on here often would be happy to help out. I know that has been my experience when I've had questions and reached out.
Also, if you lurk, note that, speaking for myself... When it comes to hunting... I suck! :) Ok, that's strong. I shoot deer and turkeys... But I fail constantly. Constantly. I make mistake after mistake. Mistakes I literally couldnt imagine yesterday, Ill make tomorrow... The past 20 years, I make the same mistakes less frequently, and point blank, any increase in success I have had as a hunter comes from that, more than anything else.
Just noting this to be really clear... I love to offer ideas, because at 44 years old, I've got 29 (ouch) years of failing to pull on. And had I been willing to ask more questions when I was 20 and knew everything, well, I'd be a lot better at this.
Just recognize, advice on a forum can never be complete. It just heads you in a direction or gets you thinking. Use the ideas you learn here to expand and become super creative at solving your hunting problems. Definitely share your adventures if you are open to it, new hunters, or old... those experiences often teach all of us soooo much, and most of the time, they are entertaining as hell, because, well... we all "know the feeling". Except for BB, I mean, falling in a swamp seems pretty unique :) (kidding bud!).
Key point is this - if you're still reading - be creative with the ideas folks share. I know everyone here wants to help, because they love the heck out of hunting, and the outdoors. Take what you see when lurking or interacting, be creative with it, and have fun out there.
If you are a lurker out there, and feel ok or on the fence, post up - because selfishly... I want to learn from you... But also because it just add's to the really cool camaraderie and ideas that the MA page here has generated.
And to those of you who post up often - THANK YOU! I hugely appreciate the advice, ideas, and shared stories over the years... And as we enter the 2018 season, I'm really excited to "go along for the ride" with you all again.
Have a super season folks!
Will
LOL
People near me at work are going WTF is up with him!?