Trad Gang

Help me understand something which I just do not understand.

A few weeks ago I brought 8 great hunt threads to the top. Terry does the same thing often. There have been a few good hunts lately as well. Yet almost no response or interest in a hunt anymore. This has been going for the last year or so.

Its nothing for a debate over this BH or that one to meet 6-8 pages in a day???

There are a few that get some interest but it seems that overall the interest in hunting here on TG is dimishing.

Couldnt agree more. I hardly post anymore because of the same old gear question threads. I do re-look at the hunt threads and really appreciate you pulling them up. I don't post on them because more times than not, I did the first go-round.

This post coupled with Terry's apparent re-engagement and focus on hunting has got my attention!

Thanks!

Ok so lets make this a thred about who prefers the ground to hunt over a tree, I start on the ground and watch deer, learn there paterns and find the best place to hunt that buck, i do chose ground places first , what do you do?

I love to read hunting threads and often run searches to peruse past recaps.

I'm not necessarily inclined to post to each of those threads, though. There are only so many "ataboys" or "nice jobs" that can be posted until it's repetitive (even though it would serve the purpose keeping the thread at the top).

In a scenario where I may have more hands on experience (say broadhead sharpening as an example) I might feel more inclined to post...detailing a method or a preference that works for me...something useful.

Randy...I usually bring back up old ones that new members might not have seen....and they usually get lots more posts....dozen, half dozen, maybe even two dozen posts...but more are likely reading them....

I also do this during the off season when there's not as many stories....


I will say however....just a couple of weeks ago I did the same thing...and many of them fell off without much posting....one got a few...

So, I don't know.    :dunno:

I'm of the same mind as TxAg. I enjoy reading about all sorts of stuff, especially about the hunts, and don't mind clicking on the next page.  I guess I could add a comment here and there, but is that really necessary? Now, if someone posts something like "Hey, we've had enough of you." or something I wouldn't assume your posts aren't of great interest to a lot of us here.

I read some of those threads and posted on one or two as well. I had also read them when they were originally posted too.

I think that once the main archery seasons open up in a couple of weeks or so, there will be very much more hunting stories and subjects coming up then. About all I do in hot weather as far as hunting goes is bowfishing or maybe a stalk on a groundhog, which always ends without a groundhog! Spending time with my two sons and daughter and working every weekend takes most of my hunting time away this time of year, plus daily chores. To me, this time of year is about getting gear ready, fine tuning, scouting, hanging stands, and an occasional 3D shoot with my huntin' buds.

I am not saying we all have to post many times on every hunt thread but it does seem odd that a thread about a hunt gets nothing.

Yet many many people will jump in to debate the price of broadheads and the like.

Nothing's in season here.

I read the revived threads but don't post in them usually. I tried starting a NC 2013 thread that had some conversation but it appears most folks are either getting ready and not posting much or jumping on these debate threads.   :thumbsup:  

Love the hunt threads and the pics.

It seems as of late that guys are thriving on controversial threads or anything that requires an opinion.  ..........everybody has one.  There isn't much controversy or opinion needed on a well told story,  It is just what it is, a well told story.  It's a pity that some people can and will try and pick apart most anything anymore.  Just too adversarial for me.  Maybe a hunting story catagory so we can read about just hunts, and get away from the opinion section.  I know you guys are trying, just the questions asked by Ferret and Terry in this thread are an indicator of their concern.  Thanks

Hopefully I'll have my own hunt story this Saturday!    :thumbsup:

I love reading the hunting threads, I just am not a real prolific poster.   I hardly ever read any of the gear threads.

QuoteOriginally posted by Bill Sant:
.......Maybe a hunting story catagory so we can read about just hunts, and get away from the opinion section.....

You mean like the category entitled, "Highlights 2013" directly under the POWOW section?

The fall hunting season will soon be here. I think those gear questions will go away and kill and hunting threads will stay on top. Hope I get to write one early this year.Kip

Ishoot,,,yeah like that, but something a little more specific,  I mean, highlights can be anything that is a highlight to any number of things.  Target shooting, field shooting, flight shooting, kids shooting, best trip to ETAR and on and on. Sorry for being so simplistic minded,  just like to know what I'm getting into

I tend to read more then I post. I have read many 20 page threads and enjoyed the photos and stories. This site is by far the best I go too.

Sometimes there is not a lot to say about these stories.  If you think about it, most folks reply with - GREAT JOB or similar - but when they are old, that doesn't make as much sense anymore.

Also most of the hunt stories are interactive and have some time factor as the author rolls them out which lengthens them.  That doesn't happen with old posts.

Having said that, I do read many of them and enjoy them.  Some I even remember :-)

Lastly, the rollover to page 2 seems a lot faster these days.  I would assume most folks, don't go to page 2 often.

No worries, tradgang remains entertaining.

QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
I am not saying we all have to post many times on every hunt thread but it does seem odd that a thread about a hunt gets nothing.

Yet many many people will jump in to debate the price of broadheads and the like.

Seems most people would rather debate than to congratulate and appreciate.

I read them all, but there isn't much to add other than congratulations and usually many, many people have already done that.  

I really enjoyed some of the daily updates a couple of guys did last year.  The Minnesota deer hunts were outstanding and I particularly liked Whip's elk adventure since I don't get to hunt them like I did when I lived in Wyoming.

I rarely get involved in the equipment discussions unless I really have something new to contribute.  I am comfortable with my equipment and opinions and it is fairly unlikely a thread here is going to change that.

D.P.

I hadn't really noticed until you mentioned it, but I see what you are saying. Sure don't have an answer but I think it's normal for any site to evolve long term and be cyclic short term.

What I have noticed is an increased number of low member numbers posting. I like that!

Sounds like cabin fever has set in until the season starts up.  I'm just spinning with less then two weeks to go before our AK moose hunt.

Mike

I enjoy the hunting stories way more even if old ones brought up than the equipment threads about the same things. I do know that there are new trad hunters with good questions that need help.
I look forward to threads that take us along with good pictures, to wild places that many will never be able to or just hunts we someday will go on.
Thanks for those that take the time to post these.

What else can you post on a hunting thread but nice job? After a pae or so of that I have nothing to add. I read 'em all though!

QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
Couldnt agree more. I hardly post anymore because of the same old gear question threads. I do re-look at the hunt threads and really appreciate you pulling them up. I don't post on them because more times than not, I did the first go-round.

This post coupled with Terry's apparent re-engagement and focus on hunting has got my attention!

Thanks!

I have to agree with Norb on this one...I most likely have posted on the old hunt threads to don't usually post again but often re-read the bulk of them.

The newcomers that may have not seen them probably get enjoyment but may not feel right posting after the fact or since they are newcomers   :dunno:  

Either way - I like the focus towards hunting...Lord knows I must live alot of the time vicariously thru the many hunts on here.

Love reading the old hunt threads but don't always feel the need to post on a hunt that happened 1-4 years ago.

Don't mistake few postings on a thread to be a sign of disinterest.  IT IS APPRECIATED !!!!!!

Even though I have hunted with trad gear for many years I am fairly new on TradGang and I love it! The hunt stories are the ones I love the most. Please bring up more of the old ones, like Stedman's hunt and Whips hunt recently.... those were awesome!!! I know others are reading them even though not posting. Thanks,

I am glad to see there are many still paying attention to the hunts.  

I guess I was measureing the interest by posts and that may not be the right way.

It is greatly appreciated! The hunting stories are the best!

It's been going this way for the last couple years. It's too bad because all yhe questions that everyone has through the year would be answered through the fall hunting stories.
Plus as you well know posting a story takes a lot of time, especially with pics. If you think only a hand full of guys are reading, you're not going to take the time to post. For all you guys who just read, is it really that hard to type "nice" or "thanks"? Those of us who do post hunting stories get no compensation nor do we want any. We do it just like you would around a hunting camp fire. For every one elses enjoyment.
Agree 100%more Randy. (Heck thos thread will get more response than some hunting stories  ;)

The stories are my favorite! I always go back 20/30 pages and read the adventures ... What's not to love about that ?   :dunno:

I always read them but don't post for whatever reason. Perhaps on old stories a good reply would be "thanks for bringing this back up".
I'll pay more attention to that. You'd be hard pressed to know what the uptake is without some recognition, but I'm betting many are reading them. Too good not to!
Please don't stop doing it though. Pretty slow up here right now, getting ready and all, but nothing to chase at this point.

I agree Randy,  I love the old threads brought up.  Many are ones I never saw the first go round.

I do see a lot of response to other threads which is fine but makes you wonder if people would rather shop than hunt   :dunno:  

I understand though why there wouldn't be as many responses on hunt threads.  I always comment even when brought up a second time.  They are just too cool to let whither away.

I also Agree with Charlie, Its nice to see a lot of new members.

I also love reading the hunt stories but don't always post, sometimes I don't even notice the dates the stories were originally posted.  I should post because it is appreciated and I do love the stories.
I may even start searching out some old stories and bring them back myself.
Keep it up Randy, yur doing real good.

I also agree, that's why last week I started a hunt topic about California hunting and pictures. Some people posted but I even bumped it with encouragement once. To much high tech talk for my liking. I like traditional archery because it was simple. NOT ANY MORE!!!!

I agree.
ChuckC

I think we're in the August lull. Our bow season opens on Sept.14 here in Wis. Things will start heating up then.   :archer2:  I can't wait to read all the hunting stories this year.

I don't get online everyday, but I read every hunt story that I see.  I usually don't post on the older hunt stories, although sometimes I do.  I don't even post on all of the new ones unless it is someone I know or a friend, but I will try to be better about at least saying congratulations.  Like alot of others, I wish that a higher percentage of the posts were a little more directly involving the hunt.  With nearly 40,000 members, I would think that there would be alot more hunt stories.  Seeing the threads about successful hunts is one of the best ways to learn about what techniques/setups are successful, not to mention getting your adrenaline up for doing other hunts of your own.  BTW, congrats on your pronghorn hunt, Randy.

Randy I respect your feelings and I am also one that looks and reads the post but make no replies on older threads, to clean up the Main forum how about a new forum for EQUIPMENT/ TUNING for new/old TGers looking for help and not clogging the Main Forum with such questions.   :dunno:

Love the hunt stories the most, but I also like a good "camp pics" thread or any pic thread really.

Sometimes I just cruise thru getting a quick TG fix and don't think to post. I do appreciate the time and effort it takes to entertain with a good hunt-a-long thread, but it would be nice to see a lot more members doing it. I plan on at least a couple "shared" hunts this season.

The trad bowhunting forum in Australia has a "Traditional Tackle" forum for discussing gear, a "Hunting" forum and a "general chat" forum

it works well

QuoteOriginally posted by steadman:
 For all you guys who just read, is it really that hard to type "nice" or "thanks"? Those of us who do post hunting stories get no compensation nor do we want any. We do it just like you would around a hunting camp fire. For every one elses enjoyment.
Agree 100%more Randy. (Heck thos thread will get more response than some hunting stories   ;)  

I read them but don't post on them often. I never thought about it but will from now on.

Thanks!

I really enjoy reading the past hunting threads.  Although I may not comment on each of them I do read every post.  I especially enjoy seeing the good pictures.  Keep bringing them up!  As we're approaching hunting season they help to keep the enthusiasm high!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

I think we need a like button like FB. I find even on some comments that I just smile and I find myself looking for the like button.

I think most of us read ALL of them and I would bet many of us go through and read the old ones often. Kinda like picking up a copy of a magazine that's a few months old and reading it again. I know I have a few back issues of Trad Bowhunter, Trad Archer and others laying by the bed and in other various places that my wife hates!!!   Sorry if it bothers you that I don't post a   :thumbsup:  every time but guess we could.  Believe it that they are appreciated though. I would also say that if its months and months of back slaps that you're looking for and your going to get upset without them....maybe you are posting for the wrong reasons.  No offense!  

Maybe we do need a seperate topic for just "Huntin' Stories" so it would be easier to look for them and appreciate them for a longer time!!  

Again....All those stories are VERY appreciated....especially by a guy like me that is not nearly as experienced as many here and definitely learns something from each and every one!!!

  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

See if Skitch had a like button I would hit it and he would know I like it! LOl what about a I don't like it button also!Haha

Maybe the guys who hunt have been out scouting and setting tree stands. Or Possibly spending time shooting their bows and sharpening broad heads. Time is approaching soon to get to the woods. If you are spending all your time here on the computer then you probably just like to shoot traditional bows! Just a thought.
Al

It's the industry! It's even taking over in the trad-world (imo).  I'm a relative recent convert from... well... you know where from, and I got away from that because the industry had created a culture that was more about the gear and toys than the hunt.  Unfortunately, I feel like I'm finding more and more that they are more and more corrupting the trad world too!  Dark are the days we hunt in... A little dramatic?  Maybe, but seriously though, I think the industry drives THE GEAR talks.  Also, like has been said, gear-talk takes less effort than a well-crafted tale!

I enjoy all aspects of hunting and try to engage members to broaden and share their knowledge. Subjects like animal behavior, hunting techniques, food sources, effects of weather,ect. Let's talk hunting, not just gear or hunt stories, but the woodcrafts that make us successful hunters. I try to my dismay, usually, because people have a hard time discussing anything the least bit controvercial, or their afraid to voice their opinion for fear of being corrected or one up'ed. I realize the written word lacks facial gestures and cadence of voice and therefore at disadvantage as a form of complete communication.That's unfortunate! But I'm here to share and to learn, as well as be entertained. I'll keep trying despite the sneers or snickers, yah's or nay's.

Is there a way to automatically tag hunt threads so that they will show up on the highlights section as well as PowWow?

I usually come on here every day. I read every hunting story that gets posted so I can enjoy the hunt thru someone else's eyes, experience terrain way across the country.
I usually don't post on them cause I feel another    :thumbsup:   among several pages isn't necessary.
The broadhead posts and the "how little bow weight can I get by with" posts always seem to increase this time of year. People are looking forward to seasons opening and getting equipment ready.
I think some of us who have been doing it for a long time (longbow for 33years) don't need to experiment cause we know what works and are comfortable with that.

I like looking at pics. Sometimes I don't post but that don't mean I didn't read through your post. If his forum hand a view counter I bet you would see they get tons of views! Guys love seeing hunt pics more than just about anything. Just be cause here are not many posts don't mean guys are not looking....

QuoteOriginally posted by SKITCH:
I would also say that if its months and months of back slaps that you're looking for and your going to get upset without them....maybe you are posting for the wrong reasons.  No offense.  

I worried this would be the case. I did not make this post because I wanted back slaps for my recent hunt. It is more why do hunt stories vanish from sight when other seemingly meaningless threads remain active for days and weeks.

As I mentioned I should not judge interest by post but there is not other way here really. I also do not post on every thread I read so I get it. Maybe I need to rethink my wording some.

I do know that the hunt stories are helping me get through this last few weeks before our deer season opens on sept. 6th. I hope I can add a few to the board

I try to read all hunt stories and do read the old ones, but may not post. If your not sure, Scott T suggested a "Like" button.  Next, add a counter to see how many times it has been read, vs the number of posts. Place both on the subject line, that way you can view it without reading, or read it, "Like", or just be counted. I think you will be surprised....  :thumbsup:

Al, most guys that post these hunting stories are hunters, and spend time away from their hunting, or when they are successful to share it with the rest of the folks here. Our preseason scouting has been done and our broadheads are sharp and in our quivers.  By putting our stories out now, it gets  the rest of the folks fired up. And when our seasons are wrapped up in a month or so we like to keep the fire going by hearing stories from those that get to hunt later in the year.

I've been discouraged to the point of not  continuing with a story because I was getting no feedback. Shame too because I was getting to the point in the story where it got exciting. I had a multiple close calls with bulls last year, but it seemed like nobody was interested so I dropped it.

I probably post more on the shooting or equipment related topics, but what I enjoy most are the hunting related ones, whether I post or not.  Especially when someone simply has a good adventure to relate.

If I catch a thread from the beginning I enjoy following it but I know I sometimes won't take the time to read through 15 pages to catch up and that's usually only because of time restraints. I don't think you should be hesitant to post your story. It will get read eventually and It seems we should try to give feedback when possible to keep these great stories going. Just a simple   :thumbsup:  will do it.

Yeah, but what is the minimum bow weight for hunting?  LOL.

I read the hunting posts too, and enjoy them.


Could just be a coincidence and timing, dunno.  Maybe everybody has been busy.

Thanks guys.  We do appreciate them.

I agree with what Randy is saying, maybe it just human nature of some to want to debate.  Me, I would rather read a good hunt story or be apart of the story itself.

I support the like button.  Personally, I don't post an "atta boy" when I read awesome hunt stories because I usually find myself sifting through the following pages reading questions and answers and the more "atta boys" the more pages to sift through.  A little lazy, but when it's been said 40 times I don't feel I need to say it again. However, I understand the story posters appreciate knowing others on the site are reading and enjoying their stories. I will gladly start commenting on stories if it means more will be posted.

QuoteOriginally posted by basket-rack'89:
I support the like button.  Personally, I don't post an "atta boy" when I read awesome hunt stories because I usually find myself sifting through the following pages reading questions and answers and the more "atta boys" the more pages to sift through.  A little lazy, but when it's been said 40 times I don't feel I need to say it again. However, I understand the story posters appreciate knowing others on the site are reading and enjoying their stories. I will gladly start commenting on stories if it means more will be posted.

My thoughts exactly  :thumbsup:

Guilty as charged! Some the stories are very interesting to me. Especially those about Australian hunting. After a while, so many "good story" or "atta a boy" gets old. I do enjoy reading them tho.

Maybe it should take the lot of us to go through some old hunting stories. Kinda like a throwback Thursday or something. I have a journal that I write about my hunts in, most of the time I don't even tag an animal but experience the time in the stand and write down thoughts that I had while in the outdoors. I think it would be interesting to hear some old campfire stories that only you (the members) know for yourselves as you haven't shared them because there was no arrows released on that hunt. Just a thought.

P.S.--A long thread dedicated to older stories would be nice, having it a sticky at the top would be nice as well for those that aren't quite as...motivated...to search a page for that thread.   :)

Randy I am with you. I dont come on much any more when the hunt seasons are closed maybe lurk a little or when you private message me. Anyway I got tired of the same old arguments over this gear or that and the same old quesstions that a search could have answered. Also it was like only certain individuals opinion was any good. So myself like to wait for this time of the year and the hunt stories.

So lets get them going I am in.

Randy, I appreciate every time you pull up an old hunt. Many times I am shocked that I missed that hunt on here. Those recent threads with your lope, along with Scott's thread were well written and the photos were awesome. I am appalled when I go back to re-read a hunt thread and I have to tease out gear questions and whaddaya think threads.

I think taking the time to prepare photos and a well thought out hunt story are under appreciated. I try to read every one and wish we had more. I have found myself pulling up Powwow and looking for hunting stories then leaving when I can't find any. I am so looking to the elk, mulie and antelope stories that will be hopefully rolling in any day. Sure makes my day!

I also really appreciate the threads that get pulled back up.  I haven't been on trad gang for all that long so there are a bunch of great ones I would have never gotten to read if someone hadn't brought them back (Curt's Montana hunt instantly comes to mind).  Saying congrats just doesn't seem appropriate for a hunt that is 3 or 4 years old so I just read and enjoy them.  Maybe I need to start thinking of a better response than just congrats, but don't mistake the lack of response for it not being appreciated.