Forum Likes, dislikes and concerns

[Swede]

Hunters are attracted to this forum because they find something here that interests them. What I am wondering is what keeps you here? What have you found that is most pleasing to you? What things, without adding or deleting forums, would you change? If you have any concerns about what you see here, what is it?

I will say that the camaraderie has been the best. I enjoy reading about your experiences and insights. Elk and elk hunting is bigger than anyone of us can completely get our heads around. Some of us have learned how to kill elk, but there is so much still to learn about them. I enjoy reading and picking up on different peoples knowledge, and even hypothesis. Lets face it, the characters here from other States have seen, heard and experienced things I haven't. I have seen over and over things they have discovered that I didn't.
I like it when these more experienced hunters don't take themselves so seriously, that they act like they don't walk on the same ground you and I do, figuratively speaking. I like it that, even if they are not doing something again, they have been there. Their experience is broad enough to include the same mistakes I just made.
My concern is that the forum could become too much of a clique. My fear is that egos can be chafed. Some people may lose sight of their own mortality, and become a legend in their own mind. In other words I want us all to guard against the things that has caused other forums to turn off the very people they are trying to develop into the next successful elk hunter.

[timberland]

One of the aspects I like about this forum is you seem to never get ignored. Responses may be a simple Hello, but the acknowledgment of a post means at least someone is interested in what you have to share. Also like the way the busier posters challenge others to jump in and share when they see someone that has a specialty (Swede, Indian Summer, Elknut, Etc.) that applies to the thread. The only complaint (insignificant) is when someone is referred to by their name and I have to look up the thread order to see who is being responded to. But that also helps with the commeradery of the forum, so its ok, I'll deal with it.

[Indian Summer]

I agree Swede. I'm not a fan of celebrities aka self proclaimed legends. But I don't think we have to worry about that here really. I'm a hardcore realist. So what makes one elk hunter more successful than maybe another one is this year? Well, maybe some luck, and maybe just the fact that he or she has made so many mistakes, and a few good moves, that they have a little more hands on experience. It sure doesn't mean they are smarter or a better person in any way. It might mean they are at different stages of learning but like you said.. we're all still learning.

I know one thing, I might be a little better at it in Montana where I hunt than Swede would.... but I bet he's way better at what it takes to get the job done where he hunts than I'd be. Brad can kill elk in Colorado but I think if I went down there I could end up like some others who said I thought I got away from people but was wrong and ended up in the 90% tag soup group. Paul hunts thicker stuff than I do so he's probably better at that than me. His hearing is better. I like it where I can see better. That's another thing: we all have our strengths and weaknesses so we might prefer different methods, areas, and tactics than others and different things might work better... or just plain be more fun for one hunter than another. No doubt there's more than one way to skin an elk & still get the job done.

Here we have common ground too. Common gear interests. Common preferences for hunting styles. Some common personalities. We can share those but we have to learn to share our differences at the same time. I think the internet forces people to learn how to socialize properly. Probably a good lesson in life learning about getting along with others offline as well right. One big skill you need to acquire is to objectively interpret what other people are trying to say. Also not to be offended by a different opinion. But at the end of the day we're all just humans, none the better.

Hi, my name is Joe, and I wonder and even worry whether or not I'll kill a bull this year just like anyone/everyone else! How many long lonely days I'm in for? Welcome to the club.

[stringunner]

we all have our strengths and weaknesses so we might prefer different methods, areas, and tactics than others and different things might work better... or just plain be more fun for one hunter than another. No doubt there's more than one way to skin an elk & still get the job done.:

I think what Indian Summer wrote here sums up one of the many reasons I come to this forum daily. I appreciate all the differing perspectives, tactics, experiences, and most importantly the willingness to HELP. This forum for me as also served as a way to make and keep in touch with folks I probably never would have otherwise. And finally I like that this forum is conversational no matter the topic, even with differing opinions (no "raging" debates), something not found on other forums.

[SoDakElk]

I think that one thing that I think is awesome about this page is the relationships that people have with each other. I do not post that much because I feel like I do not have much to offer because I have never been in the mountains hunting elk ( hope that changes this year). But I don't know if you guys have meet in person or not, but it seems like you guys are life long friends who care about each other. I have read other forums and people are always cussing each other out, and I haven't seen any of that here, which is awesome.

I appreciate all of the instruction that I can read up on. Everything I have read is to get as much knowledge before you go into the mountains and this is, in my opinion, is a great place to get it. So basically thanks for being awesome page.

[Toby]

Boy, I can't think of anything that I don't like about the forum. Like others, I used to spend time on other forums, but got tired of the bickering, etc. I especially like how the other more experienced hunters willingly share information. And, I have yet to be told to use the search function, which was a common suggestion on other forums.

[Triplebhunters]

Likes: lots of opinions on gear, hunt styles, etc

Dislike: I'm right you did it wrong because I'm super experienced.

Concerns (cliques): yah they are here, and everywhere. My opinion is that's just the way life is.

Miscommunication: added this to explain a bit of what I've seen. We are people from many walks of life, age groups, education, social status, some of us are short and direct, some are long winded.

Why we stay: it's due to the super fine people like yourself that we enjoy talking to on a daily basis!
It's due to nobody gives me grief over the equipment I work hard for and that I don't have a camp in the mountains or a $70,000 camper!
And it's due to how much I envy you westerners, and I want to be like you. Someday I will!
Dave

[Swede]

But I don't know if you guys have meet in person or not, but it seems like you guys are life long friends who care about each other.

That is a very special observation to me. If my memory serves me correctly, the only person on this forum that I have personally met is Jeremy, Stringunner. That was a chance experience that could have gone all wrong before the end. Fortunately for both of us, we were willing to talk with one another instead of just insisting on our rights.
One day in late August, I found Jeremy's stand set up at one of my favorite locations. I had my stand with me, and intended on rigging it until I found someone had beat me to it. Well, I went to another location and ditto. hum. What's going on? To make a long story short later in the season I found out that Jeremy had found still another stand location I often use. I was in disbelief at first, but I thought I found out what was happening. One of the fellows I hunt with left his GPS in another persons truck. We had reason to believe, that friend helped himself to the contents of that GPS. I came too believe he had passed the information to Jeremy.
Fortunately for both of us I believe, we were able to discuss th4 matter, resolve what really happened, and instead of having a major problem to contend with we have found a better way to work together to the disadvantage of the elk. Maybe that is a part of what this forum is all about too.

[elk-n-walleye]

I lurked here for a long time before signing up and since signing up I still don't post much but I check out threads frequently. The reason I keep coming back is the number of threads and amount of info shared in each thread. There is always a few threads that I can glean some insight that applies to my style of hunting. Of course my style of hunting elk is morphing into a seemingly formulaic style best suited for successful archery hunting.

I will say that the camaraderie has been the best. I like it when these more experienced hunters don't take themselves so seriously.

The general sense of camaraderie is refreshing and in my experience with this site it extends from the moderators down to the typical frequenter like myself. Specifically, the camaraderie is greatest among the "clique" that Swede mentioned while the remainder of us experience what I would refer to as common decency with a high degree of generous support from peers. Either way we all can continue to benefit from a site that keeps it all in perspective.

[Indian Summer]

I don't know any of these people. For all I know they're internet stalkers

Only from on here. Elknut and Jaquomo are the only two I knew before this forum started.

This whole entire place is my clique!

[elk-n-walleye]

[quote="Indian Summer"]I don't know any of these people. For all I know they're internet stalkers quote]

speaking of internet stalkers... do you make the trip to Sturgis annually? I remember you posting about that and your scouting trip last year.

[WapitiTalk1]

What keeps me here? The huge pay checks I receive each week for being a moderator of this fine forum. I mean really, I almost don’t have to work a regular job anymore. I’m getting close to contacting Indian Summer and see if he needs another guide as I'll need something to do if I quit my job .

Seriously, I like the campfire discussion mentality. Many times, it’s as if we’re all sitting around a camp fire poking at the coals discussing our pending fall trip to the elk woods, tactics, map work, gear issues, various “what if” scenarios, and telling stories of previous hunts. I have seen very, very few posts where an experienced hunter just plain said “that’s wrong”. More often than not, that person will post his/her opinion up very tactfully and say something more like “you may wish to try it this way next time you’re involved that situation for these reasons”. There’s nothing wrong with some of our members being a bit more blunt and to the point either, that’s their personality and I embrace their opinions equally. Have a few of us gotten a bit out of bounds? Sure, we’re human and not perfect, politically correct creatures 24/7. I really enjoy the great bunch of sponsors Elknut1 has assembled here. Many of them are frequent posters and add greatly to many discussions. I’ve hunted elk for many years but have learned a ton from this forum and its members over the past few years. I would also like to think that I’ve made some friends, whether we ever meet face to face or in the elk woods. Sense of humor and good natured members? Oh yah, that exists here in bulk. The only thing I would ask (no, I’m not in a position to really ask anything I know) is that if a member sees a post that rubs them the wrong way, sleep on it before responding. Usually, nothing comes out well if offered too soon, and, out of frustration. Why do I like it here? Because I learn from this forum, because we get to talk about elk hunting every day, because the discussions are pretty darn informative and civil, and perhaps, we get to help each other become better elk hunters. Carry on

[Indian Summer]

I don't know any of these people. For all I know they're internet stalkers quote]

speaking of internet stalkers... do you make the trip to Sturgis annually? I remember you posting about that and your scouting trip last year.

What do internet stalkers have to do with Sturgis?

Yes I go when I can. Won't make it this year but I'll be there in 2015 for the 75th anniversary. Don't need to scout this year either.

[Sneaky]

Questions get answered and by guys with some serious knowledge. It's not just a bunch of Internet clowns that happen to hunt.

[Elkduds]

The ratio of good intel to BS is high here. More important to me is the level of respect, courtesy and tolerance here, read any random post and you will find it. Most are not here to bother, or to be bothered by the differing opinions of others. Posters seem to recognize that disagreement is like a power tool-constructive when used cautiously. And you will not find a set of mentors more dedicated to helping others succeed in elk hunting, anywhere. Good thing, because I have a lot to learn. Thanks again for all you teach me, you guys rock.

[8upbowhunter]

^^^X2

[Moose-head]

I would second the comment about all posts being responded to with knowledgeable responses also like that I don't recall anybody ever getting flamed here

[Puttncut]

First, I've been made to feel welcome. Second, it's an ACTIVE discussion site which hasn't hibernated in the
off-season. Third, I've learned a great deal. Lastly, between the frickin' cheeto's, sugar cookies and buzzards flyin', I feel comfortable relating to those who don't take themselves too seriously...otherwise known as being FOS. It's fun and refreshing...just what I need most days in this competitive world. Thank you all !

[mrganser]

Members' generosity, respect for each others opinions and it seems like all experience levels can glean something from the posts. A very positive experience as new members pull up a stump around the campfire to make ourselves better hunters as we wait for our seasons arrival.
Thank you everyone!

[WapitiTalk1]

Members' generosity, respect for each others opinions and it seems like all experience levels can glean something from the posts. A very positive experience as new members pull up a stump around the campfire to make ourselves better hunters as we wait for our seasons arrival.
Thank you everyone!

Oh great, another Washington guy. There goes the neighborhood . Thanks for chiming in merganser. RJ

[husky390]

My only complaint is for some reason I have a tough time accessing the site while at work. Which means I have to work. At home, no issues. Other than that, I think it's a great site as I've enjoyed my brief time here and am grateful for the amount of help I've received.

[Buglemaster]

The biggest disapointment for me with the forum is that all my friends on here have to be spread out all over the place. So many great people here that I would really like to meet & spend time with, but will never get the chance. Looking forward to chasing some long beards with cnelk & his Son in a couple months, but that's just a couple . What I like the most is the lack of bashing, slashing, criticizing & all the negative crap that pours from some of the other forums I lurk on. This bunch of guys are all first class! A flood of information that anyone can benefit from & coming from some of the best hunters in the country. Eventually, some of the negative stuff mentioned above will creep in & I hope we are all sharp enough to neutralize the problem before they build. All you guys & gals ROCK. I'm up at 6 every morning checking in on you all, and the first thing after work as well. It's a treat to be able to continue learning tactics & tricks from others even after spending close to 50 years doing it. One of the main things Paul wanted to accomplish with this forum was to see guys & gals " pass it on" . I believe that mission has been accomplished . I love this place!

[patdel]

I really like this forum. Check it just about everyday. I don't post much, cause I don't have enough experience or knowledge to contribute much. But I like reading and trying to soak in the stuff everybody else posts. Saw Cnelk's offer to help guys out in Colorado. That kinda stuff makes this site great. I ran into Buglemaster out in Colorado last year after a very tough week and a half. I was on plan D and not having much luck with that either. He said go try here, and there were elk there. He put a couple strangers on elk. A bunch of guys willing to help is a good thing. Anyway, thanks guys. Heading west again this fall for my third attempt. I'll be looking here lots for tips and help.

[Swede]

I am not sure how much the forum is growing or the way it grows. It appears that we are getting some new names here, which is absolutely great, but it also is apparent we are losing some of the greatest elk expertise available on any elk hunting forum. I am referring to the over 30 club. These are the sages that have killed over 30 elk, and have an elk hunting history that may go back into the 1950s or 1960s.
There are people here that can answer about any elk question you can imagine, but what we are losing is the perspective these grey beards can bring into a discussion. I don't think they are pulling back because we have stumped them. I don't think they are absent because You or I shamed them with our brilliance. I noticed they started backing off after a thread was pulled and it appeared to be an arbitrary and capricious decision. I am not saying the decision was, but with no written rules it could have easily looked that way. Anyway I wasn't concerned about that when I started this thread, but I am feeling uneasy. I hope I am wrong and these men are just out planning their next great hunt.
I will add that you can milk a cow on a one legged stool. If you sit squarely on it, a three legged stool is adequate, but you need to be very careful. Four or more legs, well spread out makes a much more stable platform. I hope I am wrong about what I am sensing, but it appears some of the props are coming off our stool.

[Willie makit]

.........What I like the most is the lack of bashing, slashing, criticizing & all the negative crap that pours from some of the other forums I lurk on. This bunch of guys are all first class! ......

....The general sense of camaraderie is refreshing and in my experience with this site it extends from the moderators down to the typical frequenter like myself. Specifically, the camaraderie is greatest among the "clique" that Swede mentioned while the remainder of us experience what I would refer to as common decency with a high degree of generous support from peers. .....

One of the aspects I like about this forum is you seem to never get ignored. Responses may be a simple Hello, but the acknowledgment of a post means at least someone is interested in what you have to share. Also like the way the busier posters challenge others to jump in and share when they see someone that has a specialty (Swede, Indian Summer, Elknut, Etc.) that applies to the thread. .....

/\ This sums it up for me, I sincerly apreciate you regular "experienced' guys for the amount of detail you give in your posts. It takes me awhile to type up almost anything so I appreciate the time you guys put in to answer and explain things in detail other than a quick sharp answer. This place really does have a family type atmosphere, when I get my 2014 draw results/plan nailed down I plan to post about wherever Ill be and if anyone on here is whithin a 1/2 a state from me, Ill be availible for help if you need it.

[cohunter14]

I hope I am wrong about what I am sensing, but it appears some of the props are coming off our stool.

I have noticed that as well Swede...hopefully things will be ammended, but you never know. When you start to lose the experienced folks, the learning curve goes down for everyone, including for those with experience.

[msd1228]

Just as an aside, to the guys who are saying they don't contribute much because they don't feel they have much to add - please do! Many, many times seeing things from the perspective of inexperienced eyes is the best way for the more experienced guys to look at things in ways they otherwise wouldn't have! Many times its the newbie that picks up on things that the experienced person simply overlooks. Everybody can learn something from somebody else; even the most experienced person on here can be given a different perspective by a first timer. So, by all means, to all the new guys who refrain from posting too much - toss your ideas and viewpoints out there! I, for one, would enjoy hearing them.

[ElkNut1]

All in all the Forum does excellent! Guys here older & younger have family & job obligations so they may be elsewhere a day or two but they're still around. Not sure of any legs that are falling off the stool thought? There are plenty of very good ones around, I don't see any Threads suffering for lack of response or help being shared throughout.

ElkNut1

[Fridaythe13th]

I hate this site. I picked on my wife every day about facebook. now she giving right back about elknuts. Thank you all for keeping the fires going and getting me through this looooooooooooooooooooong winter is was -17 below zero again. darn polar vortex. This is the only Forum I'm on

[elk-n-walleye]

I hate this site. I picked on my wife every day about facebook. now she giving right back about elknuts. Thank you all for keeping the fires going and getting me through this looooooooooooooooooooong winter is was -17 below zero again. darn polar vortex. This is the only Forum I'm on

that's too funny! your wife probably has pinterest too, oh, and endless texting. so the score is still 3-1 in her favor if we are keeping score.

I forgot about candy crush. my wife finally had to remove that game from the kindle it was taking up so much of her time.

[Swede]

Paul: It is OK that you don't get my analogy. A lot of my jokes fizzle that way too.

[jmez]

It is an internet forum. People will come and people will go. Nothing you can really do about people leaving. It is conversation without context which inevitably leads to some level of discord. It will never change due to the medium.

No reason to worry about it.

[jswbga]

I'm glad to have found a dedicated elk forum that:

1. has plenty of traffic (not just 5 guys batting back and forth)
2. still informative (experienced guys are genuinely sharing experience/wisdom)
3. low jackass count- I often visit a (generally hunting) forum that is loaded with traffic, but the blowhard count is ridiculous. there are a handful of guys who are genuinely helpful, but there are WAY TOO MANY guy guys on it who are, ugh, to say it politely..... full of themselves.
4. clean- same forum noted in 3 above.... is loaded with language (and often photos) I wouldnt want my kids to see. I'm not sure why the moderators allow it, but I guess its a culture thing.

Suffice it to say.... I'm happy here, and have felt welcome since day one. Lets hope Robert Frost was wrong.... and "something gold can stay".

I was so pleased with the demeanor of the forum, I spent about $70 on various books/CD's by men on this forum. Just took delivery last night, and I can see it was money well spent.

Shane

[Bowhunter]

I PMd Paul a while back about how things change on forums. I am not sure he understood what I was saying. I have noticed on other forums with great camaraderie that with more new members things change. We encourage new members and need them to grow. However if you get one bad apple even if you deal with them politely someone might get their ego or feelings hurt. Someone else might not like that the original bad apple was hurt. The bad feelings toward the site seems to grow and things do change. We might not want it or like it but you can't make everyone happy. I do like this site and seldom visit others. No need to. I do belive paul and the others are doing a great job. I just am trying to say things do change and they have their work cut out for them.


I do like the simplicity of this site. Some have so many forum catagories and blog stuff. I am not very computer savy and just don't get some of that stuff. I tend to just go away if it gets confusing. Heck I still use a dumb phone.

[bnsafe]

I agree with swede completely, I hope we don't lose guys that have a wealth of experience an willing to share with us dumb flatlanders. I will tell you I killed an elk because of the people on this site. I would hate to see that go away but realize nothing in life stays the same an am feeling the same things swede is. with that said.............
thing I like best about this site is it is my go to forum because I don't like confrontation an love the fact that you can ask a question an not get flamed for it, which is why I lurk on other sites.
thing I like least is im not sure if this is a all inclusive elk hunting forum, or a company forum. now before somebody throws a stone at me let me say im fine either way. heck if I was paul I would want it to be a company forum. but there is a difference. for example, im a member of the mo concealed carry site, we discuss all kinds of guns holsters etc. I expect all kinds of input an differing opinions. but if I was a member of a ruger site I don't think you should be telling everyone how good a xdm is.

[cnelk]

Hey Swede,
Did 'Bossy' the ol milk cow kick that stool today?

[ElkNut1]

Bowhunter, you speak the truth bud! Life has its set of challenges that we are all confronted with from time to time, hopefully they can be handled with respect & consideration with others in mind. Whining & complaining rarely produces positive results & I doubt any Forum likes to see ones that have a tendency to lean that direction. This Forum was installed to help Elk Hunters & I believe most can agree that it has done its best to fill that bill. This is about Passing It On not who who can beat their chest the loudest, I hope all can appreciate that & we can move on to other Topics of interest to pursue our life long goals of being the best elk hunter we can be! (grin) I want to thank all who share that same heartfelt goal by being here & supporting the Elk Forums! Thank You!

ElkNut1

[JGH]

Am I missing something? I can't think of any particular negatives or scandals or irritating people.

[cohunter14]

This Forum was installed to help Elk Hunters & I believe most can agree that it has done its best to fill that bill. This is about Passing It On not who who can beat their chest the loudest

Paul, with all due respect, a lot of what this thread is about goes back to one simple little issue. I understand that a competitor may not respect you, but isn't it a bit of chest bumping by not allowing people to post a simple link to a video about them? If this forum IS going to be about helping elk hunters and passing it on, it needs to contain all information, unless strictly banned in a rules thread. I understand that it might not be best for you, but if you don't want that on your thread, than simply make a rule about it.

The fact that this has spiralled this out of control is lunacy! This is/was a phenomenal source for elk hunters, both new and old. I have been elk hunting for 18 years and I am amazed at what I have picked up here. However, the very people I am picking information up from are dropping like flys here over something this silly. If this continues, the number of newbies is going to be outrageous compared to the number of knowledgable people that are left. Truthfully, this forum is what it is because of all the help these people provide every day. Without them giving the tips they do, this forum is worthless.

Bottom line, this IS one of the best interacting forums out there. The extra BS that goes with a lot of forums has not caught on here. But there cannot be invisable rules where helpful posts get deleted. Either we need rules on that or everything goes as far as I'm concerned. I respect all of the people who have been involved with this 'issue' on both sides of the fence and hope you can act like grown men and make this work.

I hope this post doesn't rub Paul or anyone the wrong way and I am not looking to get kicked out for this. However, I think it needed to be put out there. I would still love to stick around and contribute, but I'll be honest, the time spent on this forum will definitely go down if the number of knowledgable people continues to go down. I want to help where I can help and learn where I can learn. But if this forum gets to the point of newbies depending on me to be one of their only sources of hope...well, good luck to them!

Respectfully,

Derek

[elk-n-walleye]

and yet the drama is being perpetuated. Elknut1 made a business decision that he will live with and explained his actions. As phantom16 puts it, this is a big camp fire and all the activity, friendship and warmth are at the camp fire. If a bit of smoke causes some people take a step back they may get cold and lonely. Lets hope they miss the warmth, friendships and conversations and once again take a place by the fire. Just my perspective that's all.

[Washington Wapiti]

Am I missing something? I can't think of any particular negatives or scandals or irritating people.

Apparently I missed it too??
That silly work thing has been getting in the way, which gives me less time to peruse my favorite forum. Sheesh, the nerve . . . what are they paying me for again? Personally, I love this forum. In addition to figuring some things out on my own, over the last 5 years I've picked things up from books, magazines, and such. But after a while I start to notice it is always just the same BASICS over and over. Nothing that really gets you over that hump. Just the same old stories of so and so's (insert whatever professional hunter here) triumph. Don't get me wrong, I love the Fish Tales too! But I'm also looking for educational value along with it. In the vids or publications, often times there is a HUGE gap in-between getting from A to C. Here the blanks get filled in to the degree that they can (obviously not EVERY elk encounter can be accounted for). Because of the combined and varied experiences here, plus the willingness to share that information it is the next best thing to having an in-person mentor. Especially for those of who didn't have a "hunting mentor" growing up.

[ElkNut1]

Thanks for your input guys. In hindsight I can see things would've worked out better if I'd approached the poster of the link privately to explain the issue - allowing him to remove the post himself - instead of springing the news on him in the pm I sent immediately after. Anyone who hangs out here for long knows I have no problem sharing information, too much information according to many! (grin)

I don't see the need for a rule book outside of common decency. Sarcasm, pointed jibes and negativity aren't needed whether we're considered old timers or newbies. Keeping a positive bent is the goal - positive in sharing what we all know and positive in the ultimate goal of helping anyone become a better elk hunter.

As to what can be gleaned from the forums here I'd say even if another post is never written there is a gold mine of information to be found here for anyone willing to do the digging thanks to all of those who have and still will participate. But it's more enjoyable not to dig which is why we see the same topics go around again and again with a new slant on a question being asked or with the comments being made.

While I genuinely appreciate all those who share their vast knowledge it has to be said too - those new to or lacking experience in elk hunting are just as important as those with years behind their belts. How many times has a question from a newbie jogged something lose in our own minds allowing us to see a situation in a new light - see something we could do differently the next time we're in the woods while at the same time we can share the tried and true tips with the one that asked. It takes each level of hunting experience to keep us ALL rounded out.

So let's move forward with positive attitudes realizing that everyone has something to share no matter their elk expertise - who would us old farts have to share with if not for the questions asked by those new to elk hunting or by hunters that aren't privileged to live in elk country year round. There are so many great minds here to glean from! Thanks for your thoughts!

ElkNut1

[Triplebhunters]

Well put

[elkoholic]

I am in agreence with every post on this thread. The respect that is given on this site is hands down the best. I am not new to elk hunting, but I consider myself to be inexperienced in comparison to some of y'all on this site. I don't post much. The main reason for that is of the intimidation I feel with all the other people with a wealth of knowledge that blows my knowledge out of the water. I honestly know that I won't be cut down for giving a wrong or not so correct answer, but I'm still hesitant. I have started a couple of threads, but I guess they weren't much to say about my topic. Guess I need to think it through before I start a thread.

With all that said thanks Paul and everyone else who is always posting and sharing what y'all have to offer. This site is by far, hands down the best

[jmez]

I've never really understood the forum drama. People come and go all the time. I don't get the pining for members to return nor the farewell posts. Best response is bye and move on. Unless the owner shuts it down people will still be here posting and discussing. What is the point in discussing those not here that don't want to be here?