We Need A Replacement Forum!

[ElkNut1]

Any ideas to a new Forum to replace the Turkey Forum? Fishing, Trad Gear, Sporting Events, etc.????

Let's hear a few thoughts, thanks folks!

ElkNut1

[Toby]

Recipes, DIY, just a couple thoughts.

[cnelk]

I think a trail camera forum would be neat...?
A place to post reviews, pics and such

[WapitiTalk1]

Another vote for wild game cooking lke Toby mentioned; 'from field to table'. Perhaps an off season 'what r u doing' to pass the time forum? Camping/hiking forum?

[bnsafe]

not saying it should stay, but I liked the turkey forum. something I could actually help with.

[bnsafe]

if we do replace it I would love a bear forum.

[ctdad]

I just opened the turkey forum for the first time. Guess that lack of interest is the norm.

I like anything that discusses nutrition, working out, staying fit and physically preparing for elk and deer hunting.

I'd like a place to read about guides and outfitters that others have used in the past what the pros and cons were for each.

[JohnFitzgerald]

I just opened the turkey forum for the first time. Guess that lack of interest is the norm.

I like anything that discusses nutrition, working out, staying fit and physically preparing for elk and deer hunting.

I'd like a place to read about guides and outfitters that others have used in the past what the pros and cons were for each.

I like the guides and outfitters forum idea too. That or we could have a Pick on Swede forum!

[Elkonthebrain]

I think trail cam would be fun. Maybe shed hunting.

[wapitibowman]

I like ctdad's idea. A fitness type forum with some good information on nutrition. I have the exercise thing down, it's the food that is tough for me.

Wapitibowman

[Swede]

I have been thinking about this question for a while now. I have no answer, but several questions
Why is a replacement necessary? I agree with dropping the Turkey Forum, and I would like to see at least a thread on trail cameras. I don't know if a forum is merited. A trail Cam forum could tie in well with the Elk Forum.
Paul is recognized as one of the leading experts on elk hunting in the Country. You have a strong cadre of knowledgeable people to help keep the Elk Forum conversation alive and relevant to elk hunters and soon to be elk hunters. Who will bring what to this next forum? I am not sure a group grope is going to accomplish anything.
The Equipment Forum seems to function as a group grope due to the interest folks have in different products available to help hunters. This forum supports the Elk Forum and vice versa. Will the new forum just hang out on it's own?
The Doc's Office is largely an elk camp potpourri of conversations, (another group grope ) with elk hunters sharing personal information and building a rapport with one another. Its another forum with a strong correlation with the Elk Forum.
I believe in building on strengths and minimizing everything else. Paul: Can you come up with an engaging forum that will maintain strong support? Do you see a demand for more forums? Personally I am drawing a blank on this one.

[otcWill]

Pronghorn! If you arent' huntn these, you should be!

[>>>---WW---->]

The turkey forum looks to be a seasonable thing. Notice that most of the post on it were during March, April, and May. And that is understandable.

If you feel the need for a replacement forum, here are my suggestions. DIY, Mountain Survival and camping, and Tips of any sort.

[ElkNut1]

Thanks folks! Yes, some things are seasonal with little interest & that can happen. I was looking for something a bit more versatile where everyone here could find a Topic interesting enough to at least visit it it when they were here! There's a few good suggestions but nothing that really jumps out at me at present! (grin) Like many of you I also share similar interests in the ones you've mentioned but it needs to be something that nearly all have a common ground on? It's a tough one! (grin) Thanks!

ElkNut/Paul

[WapitiTalk1]

Perhaps a forum just for all other big game (seems to be interest in bear, antelope, moose, caribou, bison, perhaps even exotic species)? Something like that may gain traction. A varmint/predator hunting forum may be interesting also.

[Still Hunter]

To be honest. I come to this forum for elk hunting, and everything related to it.

I've been fly fishing longer than i've been elk hunting, but I have specific forums I go to for that.

I could go on, and list other forums I go to for specific reason that specialist on one subject, but that isn't important.

This is my elk forum, and it's very good at that.

[pointysticks]

aww..i like the turkey forum!!

and spring is right around the corner.

why not call it "the outdoors"? let everything else go there. all other hunting, fishing, backpacking trips, etc.
i just called my landowner where i hunt turkey..the drought has them hanging around the stream running thru the property. i cannot wait!!

brock brock brock..

[Lark Bunting]

I second this idea: DIY, Mountain Survival and camping, and Tips

I could use a LOT of advice on equipment, pack lists, whether a Tenzing 2200 is big enough to pack in for a 5-7 day hunt *ahem*, etc.

[flystrait]

What about hunting stories and videos. They seem to get lost a little bit on the elk forum and to go back and search is a little painful. Just a thought

I also liked the thought that someone else mentioned about a trail cam forum as well.

[FemoralArchery]

What about hunting stories and videos. They seem to get lost a little bit on the elk forum and to go back and search is a little painful. Just a thought

I also liked the thought that someone else mentioned about a trail cam forum as well.

I like the stories and videos (and hunting pictures) idea.

I wouldn't think trail cameras would garner enough interest to have its own forum, but its not my site.

[twinkieman]

I also can't see a need to replace it, just drop it. Virtually anything related to the outdoors could replace it, DIY tips are a great idea, and I could go for recipes. But the big reason I come here is ELK, from real people that are a great group.

[Still Hunter]

Ragging on Swede sounds like the best idea so far.

[quarbles]

i like this forum being a specialist (dense in information pertaining to a specific subject) and not diluted to a 'little of everything.' perhaps if the "elk hunting" forum could be considered everything up to a kill, there could be an "elk handling" forum for everything after the kill? such as proccessing in the field, packing, butchery, cuisine, taxidermy, other utilizations of elk hide such as garment, so on and so forth....

[JGH]

How about an off-season forum ... CAMPING, perhaps.

CAMPING ... it's the one thing that I think we ALL do, unlike, say, fly-fishing, bird hunting, etc.

And ... it relates directly to elk season.

[Indian Summer]

Perhaps a forum just for all other big game (seems to be interest in bear, antelope, moose, caribou, bison, perhaps even exotic species)? Something like that may gain traction.

I think that's a good idea Phantom. A broad subject will tend to be more active than a narrower species specific one. Turkey could be on there so we don't have to eliminate it. Fishing topics would be acceptable as well.

We had a fitness forum. It didn't fly.

Camping goes hand in hand with elk hunting but we cover the needs of that in the gear forum and I wouldn't want to direct traffic away from that one.

We give Swede a hard time on all the forums so why create a special place for that right.

[ctdad]

The fitness forum that failed wasn't an open forum where everyone could share workout ideas and nutrition tips. One person gave workouts and a few asked questions about those. I realize there isn't much interest, which is fine, but my idea was quite different, at least in my mind.

[Indian Summer]

When I read about the guys busting their butts on the fitness forums it makes me feel old fat and lazy.... which motivates me to hunt harder to prove to myself that I don't need to stay in shape so yeah... I like those.

[Mikeha33]

I'm on board and love the idea of the DIY/Survival/Backpacking style forum. Honestly, (and I hope I don't get in trouble for saying this here), but this is an absolute wealth of knowledge for 360* of elk hunting, but when I need or want to read about DIY, backpacking, etc, I go to Rokslide. They have a good forum over there on that kind of stuff (tips, mods, knowledge, etc) that is very valuable. But on the flip-side, on their elk forum, when people ask about learning all there is to know about the magnificent elk, 99% of time, ElkNut is mentioned, Paul especially, and his Playbook. I feel like I could be missing out on some great education that a lot of ElkNut members have to offer by not having a focused DIY/Backpack hunting forum.

[ElkNut1]

All great points guys, this is why I asked! (grin) I also agree with several here that appreciate the Elk Forum & what it stands for! This Forum will not change & yes there is a wealth of info here but lots of great guys with 100's of years of elk hunting experience all together.

So, I do not believe we need a New Forum for other features of the hunt. What we most likely could use is a revamping of a present Forum such as the Equipment Forum, we could call it DIY Gear & Equipment? Or something of that nature. This way nothing new is added except the name is changed on an existing Forum! Does this sound good?

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

Yes. You're the man with the plan Paul. Humble you are and we appreciate you asking us for input but we always respect your decisions and I'm sure that whatever you decide will be good.

Some may not consider say.... a wall tent NOT to be DIY gear but obviously you and I do. I think some people may view a DIY hunt as one where EVERYTHING is minimal and lightweight. Rokslide leans toward that. But.... this the world of elk hunting so we may have a broader spectrum in that department. Maybe the words DIY would shift the Equipment forum focus a little from gear only to include strategies for DIY hunting. Not so sure about that. Gear is gear & there's plenty to discuss there. hmmm.....

Let me back up......

The Hunting forum is all about calling, where to hunt on the map, & how to approach an area once you have camp set. We include some "gameplan" discussions there. The word "Equipment" speaks for itself. Maybe we could have a Gameplan forum that doesn't talk about specific gear or actual 'how to kill them" tactics but instead leans more toward how to plan your hunt, ideas for setting camps and using all that gear, game care. The nuts & bolts of a hunt but NOT field tactics (how to kill them) like what is found in the Playbook.

[pointysticks]

how about a forum dedicated to women..hahaha..

just kidding. i'll roll with whatever..

[TRDHUNTER]

How about a photography section, Scouting section, Or section about application/draw help for different states/units etc.
Just a few ideas I had. Thanks for the great forums with lots of great info.

[Wapiti]

I also love coming on here because it is elk hunting and good friends that call and hunt elk !! I was thinking hard on this as well for along time and when I first came across this elk site I felt like I hit the jackpot !! Now with all the friends I have met on here I realized I did hit the jackpot !! This place is so special to me as we do not get the fighting and bickering like on most other forums. Honestly I have quit almost all the other forums I have been on.

If anything I would say the traditional hunting along with survival and do it your self stuff. We all like Rambo type stuff !!

Other than that I like it the way it is !!

[WapitiTalk1]

After a great deal of thought and collaboration with a team of experts from all over the world... ... I humbly suggest the following adjustments to the existing forums. I believe this may work:

1. Elk Hunting, Calling and Tactics Forum, (the best one in existence IMO).
2. Gear, Backpacking, and Camping Forum, (covers everything from compound bow tuning, TRAD archery discussions, DIY backwoods hunting checklists, pack considerations, home made coolers to transport your hard earned meat from WY to KS, lightweight to large canvas wall tents, survival skills, and all things camping).
3. Doc's Office Forum, (a great forum where anything that does not fall into one of the other categories can be shared/discussed). This is the appropriate forum to harass Swede or John F. (it's in the by laws).
4. Deer Hunting Forum, (yep, gotta have the deer specific forum).
5. Big Game Forum, (to discuss tactics for the other red meat food group, i.e., bear, moose, antelope, bison, caribou, even safari grade big game). I'm sure John F. could put a pic of a bear or one of the other species on the log in button. Obviously, drop the bird forum and replace it with the new Big Game forum.
6. ElkNut Tips and Clips Forum, (nuff said).
7. Archived Tips Forum, (Swede and I have asked John F. to group the tips into searchable sections... I think he's ignoring us ..) Really like this section for many reasons.
8. Classified Ads Forum, (great forum.. wish folks would use it more).
9. Draw Odds Forum, (great resource).

I think this may cover all the bases and give folks a logical place to start some information seeking, or, informational threads. The only thing I didn't add is perhaps a varmint hunting spot... not sure if there would be enough interest.

Thoughts? RJ

[Indian Summer]

So you've expanded the title of the Equipment Forum a bit.... and added Big Game (yes deer needs it's own). Two thumbs up from me brother!

And since we NEVER argue on here.... I won't argue with Pointy's idea!

[Still Hunter]

I asked the question once...is this a bow hunting forum? I was told no, but after looking around. It sure seems like it.

Compare this to other hunting forums, and you'll see a lack of any rifle, muzzleloader etc forums, or even threads.

You also push just one type of elk hunting. Calling.

Maybe a new name is in order. Elk Bowhunting and Calling.

[Indian Summer]

I asked the question once...is this a bow hunting forum? I was told no, but after looking around. It sure seems like it.

Compare this to other hunting forums, and you'll see a lack of any rifle, muzzleloader etc forums, or even threads.

You also push just one type of elk hunting. Calling.

Maybe a new name is in order. Elk Bowhunting and Calling.

Heck no dude!!!! Lots of us myself included hunt with multiple weapons. I'm all about my rifle hunting. Elknut himself has been known to "gun down" some mulie bucks. I don't elk hunt in a state with a muzzleloader season so you won't hear me comment on that. But I have both flintlock and inline smokepoles for deer here in Pa as well as a crossbow. Absolutely NO prejudice on here that's for sure. Start a thread on anything and you're sure to get positive feedback. Compare this to Bowsite or Archery Talk and I bet we have more gun threads.

[Indian Summer]

Had to add: I'll talk ALL DAY LONG about other tactics too. If elk are quiet you'll surely get negative results from calling. I take great pride in my abilities to come up with ambush plans. That tactic is always a winner even when you are calling. Just ask Chuck Adams for example. I've sat and talked to him at length about ambushing elk. it's his plan A and obviously he's had some "luck" with it. Same with me. My hearing is terrible so I have to rely on things other than calling. Like I said in the above post: Start a thread and you'll get responses from plenty of people both newer hunters and the old farts like Swede. (we were overdue for a Swede poke)

[Still Hunter]

This thread got me to thinking that way. Nobody suggested any sort of rifle/muzzy forum.

I'm a mod on a muzzleloader hunting forum, so I don't really need another one. I just thought it odd that so little is mentioned here about gun hunting. I'm ok with it being mostly a bow hunting forum. I just want to remind those who are just bow hunters that there are some of us here that don't do it.

It's kind of funny. I have pictures of me shooting a bow at 5 years old. I shot one until I was old enough to shoot a gun. That's when I realized I like guns better. I've never looked back since then. However, i'm not your average gun elk hunter. I have never shot an elk at a distance longer than 90 yds. I'd say 90% of my kills were at easy bow range. I take no stands though. I like to get right in their face, but I go to them instead of them coming to me. I find it the most exciting way to hunt, and i've never gotten bored doing it.

Sorry, i'm rambling now.

[>>>---WW---->]

Is it OK to mention a couple of sites than had so many different forums that hardly anyone ever post on either one of them anymore. I suppose if you haven't figured out which ones they are, you know my phone number!

This is an elk forum. I like it that way. If you feel the need to dump the turkey forum, go right ahead. After all, it is your web site to do with as you please. Personally, I see no need to replace it with something else that may or may not work.

[cnelk]

I have seen other very popular hunting sites go by the wayside over the years.
I would have never thought they would be hearing crickets now.
But as everything does, things change.

Too much can be detrimental - not enough can do the same.
Create a balance and ride the wave as long you can

I visit and post here almost daily. With or without the turkey forum.
I am here for the elk. The deer, gear and misc are neat to peruse, but that stuff is everywhere online.

[ctdad]

I agree with cnelk. If it weren't for elk I wouldn't come to this forum. Anything that has to do with elk hunting interests me.

[FemoralArchery]

I asked the question once...is this a bow hunting forum? I was told no, but after looking around. It sure seems like it.

Compare this to other hunting forums, and you'll see a lack of any rifle, muzzleloader etc forums, or even threads.

You also push just one type of elk hunting. Calling.

Maybe a new name is in order. Elk Bowhunting and Calling.

I would guess the reason this comes off mostly as a bowhunting forum is that this forum was (correct me if I'm wrong) started because of ElkNut's vast knowledge and skill in calling. Calling usually means the rut and its usually bowhunters that are hunting the rut. My crew rifle hunted for over 30 years and I never heard them talking about different types of bugles and when to use them. We start archery hunting and all the sudden I find myself looking for info on calling tactics and such. But like IndianSummer says, lots of rifle hunters and muzzy hunters here too.

I like the simplicity of this forum. Places like AT have so many different forums and subforums that I get overwhelmed when I go there. Rokslide is similar, too many different forums. I only visit those places if I'm looking for something in particular. When I come here, its easy to browse and see all the new topics in just a few clicks. Just my opinion.

[ElkNut1]

Guys, you are all so right! This Forum exists & will continue to exist because of the Passion we all have for elk!!!! It would not be possible without all of you pitching in & I mean that in all seriousness. There are 100's of thousands of hits on this forum & it's because of all the other ElkNuts out there that are as addicted or just finding the addiction as we are! (grin) The information shared here can be utilized by Rifle, Muzzleloader, Compound Bows, Trad Gear hunters it really doesn't matter as long as an individual has that inner desire to Elk Hunt & to someday become successful with any of these tools. I've taken elk & deer with them all so I sure wouldn't critique others in doing so! There's an adventure & challenge in every hunt & many of you here know that from your vast experiences over the years!

Thank you so much for being a part of the dream & have a Happy New Year!

The equipment forum will sport a new name but no other Forums will be added because of the reasons so many have shared, ( & I agree)thanks!

ElkNut/Paul