FIGHT, do something .......

[proguide66]

Here's an idea of why, who and how they are winning the fight. Check out the numbers of the anti reach to non hunting people via social media. These guys are slaughtering us via social media. WHY? cause none of us are doing shit. Its time to catch up with 'the Times' you guys and gals. Many of you on here pride yourselves as not being on "crack book". Well guess what,its a tool and its killing your shit.
Instagram and Facebook are the worlds #1 and #2 methods of marketing today - period. Its not a kids game, not an 'embarrassing place to be' its just the way the world has changed. And it is leaving many hunters in the dust, especially ones who want to be followed ( hunting show dorks). To win the fight, content needs to be produced ( GOOD content) with honest facts and delivered the exact same way as the winning team. Only counter with honesty. A new flavour of delivery needs to be nailed down to ensure attention and success. This fight is winnable believe it or not, its just a mind set. But SOMEONE has to DO IT !!!!!

One of the moves we are going to do with the mentioned new group, ( besides growing ungulates), is serious content and delivery non stop via social media. It wont be geared up for hunters, only for non hunters. This is where the ego freak 'watch me' hunters are missing the boat. They deliver TO hunters with hunting products. Good for them but that aint doing SHIT for us - period. A new flavour of delivery needs to be created from us to the non hunting community. Hunting needs to be presented for what it is, natural, healthy and positive for all involved. It needs to be CLEAR and easily seen it is healthy for all game as well.
Think about it, tell me WHO is doing this now?? what celeb?? what group? conservation club?? Each of the mentioned is delivering ONLY to hunters on average for their cash. Well, hunters already have hunters....we need to deliver to non hunters in a BIG WAY !!! Chew on this thought a bit !

See below the reach of the anti, its HUGE. See the reach of my one post from 3 days ago. This is another example of web sites and forums doing SHIT. Hunters 'BSing' with hunters, going in circles, nothing happening. I started a thread about doing something two weeks ago ( i think), it has a lot of trafic only its mostly the same people. I made a post on social media and in 3 days its hit over 30k individual people. Not bad but it will get better. I strongly suggest you all THINK about

The fight has started....need more warriors, REAL ONES !!!

https://scontent.fyvr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26907554_2013256315609266_3648127816843463737_n.pn g?oh=a1504fc03fb8dd1b7f3ab9b28584334f&oe=5AEDEFF0https://scontent.fyvr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19030214_2013256338942597_3078280537247903531_n.pn g?oh=486f93ed5099412ab83276591be04e49&oe=5AEBF481

[BCBACKCOUNTRY]

I agree with this 100% its definitely not a threat to be disregarded or scoffed at. This is how people are getting their news, getting inspired, creating conversations, and most dangerous to hunting, some are getting empowered to fight a battle due to activists and their anti hunting posts.
We need to educate as well as discredit these pseudo conservation groups. It needs to be smart, accurate and truthful to the real world and real conservation. We need people to question what they really think and whether they will let a non fact based group sway their thoughts and take their money.
I have an instagram account that reaches a few people that I will start to engage in such a manner.

[TexasWalker]

Steve, did you make it to the Wolf awareness thing in Squamish tonight??

[Golddust]

Agreed!
Post educational content that explains conservation and why its important. Try to refrain from posting photos of dead animals, ESPECIALLY if they're bloody; if they're bloodied up cover it up with some dirt. Remember, we're focusing on educating people about why hunting is important for the environment. Pictures of live animals, beautiful scenery, happy hunters are all positive. Posting the meat and meals you've made from your quarry is good too! However, right now in this early stage people aren't ready nor wanting to see dead animals.
Also using hashtags, especially on instagram, is important in reaching a new demographic that are not hunters. Don't target hunters but target those concerned with the ENVIRONMENT and CONSERVATION and all of the large mammals that seem to get the attention and concern.

[IronNoggin]

More than willing to take it to them Buddy!
Been following what you've been up to on FB, and it is getting wide circulation.
Good Stuff!
Need More!

Working on it...

Cheers,
Nog

[rimfire]

Friends, the problem is, within our circle, there are some very stupid, ignorant and vitriolic people who make a bad name on social media for us, regardless of our responses. When we see these types of people, we need to vehemently oppose their delivery while bringing honest and open discussion.

The right leaning position has been to quote facts and this largely worked, up until the last decade or so. Now, too many people care more about their precious feelings than facts when it comes to conservation (and other topics mind you). If you want examples of what we are dealing with, I urge you to watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMcjxSThD54 . Remember, in our post-modern society truth doesn't matter.

Regardless of this, like Steve said, we need to start taking back social media with a united front. We need to provide ample answers and respectful dialogue, showing that we are the champions of conservation, that our sport is a valid and ethical way to procure meat and that our way of life is worth protecting. If anyone knows of resources or sources that we can compile valid research, I'm all ears. We can do this. We can preserve hunting as a way of life for future generations but we need to go with a united front. It'll be tough but it starts with each of us.

So I ask you, who today have you engaged with to explain why recreational hunting is worth having?

[glennw89]

proguide66, where can I follow your Facebook and Instagram? I agree 100% with your approach.

[kaptin]

Friends, the problem is, within our circle, there are some very stupid, ignorant and vitriolic people who make a bad name on social media for us, regardless of our responses. When we see these types of people, we need to vehemently oppose their delivery while bringing honest and open discussion.

The right leaning position has been to quote facts and this largely worked, up until the last decade or so. Now, too many people care more about their precious feelings than facts when it comes to conservation (and other topics mind you). If you want examples of what we are dealing with, I urge you to watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMcjxSThD54 . Remember, in our post-modern society truth doesn't matter.

Regardless of this, like Steve said, we need to start taking back social media with a united front. We need to provide ample answers and respectful dialogue, showing that we are the champions of conservation, that our sport is a valid and ethical way to procure meat and that our way of life is worth protecting. If anyone knows of resources or sources that we can compile valid research, I'm all ears. We can do this. We can preserve hunting as a way of life for future generations but we need to go with a united front. It'll be tough but it starts with each of us.

So I ask you, who today have you engaged with to explain why recreational hunting is worth having?


At work I constantly let people know that I hunt and why I hunt. Also the benefits that hunting provides. I work in environment where there is a lot of people who don't understand hunting. I also have provide them samples of what I harvested when they are interested so they can taste and see the benefits first hand

[charlie_horse]

Steve, did you make it to the Wolf awareness thing in Squamish tonight??

Where do people hear of these things?? I missed the gbear one as well because I had no clue it was happening. Seems Squamish has quite a few of these things and I have no excuse to miss them only I just don't know about them.

[TexasWalker]

Where do people hear of these things?? I missed the gbear one as well because I had no clue it was happening. Seems Squamish has quite a few of these things and I have no excuse to miss them only I just don't know about them.

Facebook, you gotta mingle with the anti's to keep up with what they're doing.

Stop the grizzly killing
Stop the Wolf killing
Wolf awareness inc.


Those are a few pages to watch.

[stinkyduck]

Steve you are on fire man!! Thanks for the great work you have been doing all along. You are providing the fuel for us all to start speaking out intelligently.If we don't start doing our part soon their could be nothing to fight for, whether it be the predators or the people that want us to live in cities like good little zombies. Thanks steve

[brownmancheng]

Friends, the problem is, within our circle, there are some very stupid, ignorant and vitriolic people who make a bad name on social media for us, regardless of our responses. When we see these types of people, we need to vehemently oppose their delivery while bringing honest and open discussion.

The right leaning position has been to quote facts and this largely worked, up until the last decade or so. Now, too many people care more about their precious feelings than facts when it comes to conservation (and other topics mind you). If you want examples of what we are dealing with, I urge you to watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMcjxSThD54 . Remember, in our post-modern society truth doesn't matter.

Regardless of this, like Steve said, we need to start taking back social media with a united front. We need to provide ample answers and respectful dialogue, showing that we are the champions of conservation, that our sport is a valid and ethical way to procure meat and that our way of life is worth protecting. If anyone knows of resources or sources that we can compile valid research, I'm all ears. We can do this. We can preserve hunting as a way of life for future generations but we need to go with a united front. It'll be tough but it starts with each of us.

So I ask you, who today have you engaged with to explain why recreational hunting is worth having?

so true, already a few times I have shared posts re pred hunting or from Steves page. Then I have one of my dumb buddies go and put a comment that portrays us in abad light

[guest]

so true, already a few times I have shared posts re pred hunting or from Steves page. Then I have one of my dumb buddies go and put a comment that portrays us in abad light

Light EM up ! He's most likely just another one of the Hypocrites.

[HarryToolips]

Friends, the problem is, within our circle, there are some very stupid, ignorant and vitriolic people who make a bad name on social media for us, regardless of our responses. When we see these types of people, we need to vehemently oppose their delivery while bringing honest and open discussion.

The right leaning position has been to quote facts and this largely worked, up until the last decade or so. Now, too many people care more about their precious feelings than facts when it comes to conservation (and other topics mind you). If you want examples of what we are dealing with, I urge you to watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMcjxSThD54 . Remember, in our post-modern society truth doesn't matter.

Regardless of this, like Steve said, we need to start taking back social media with a united front. We need to provide ample answers and respectful dialogue, showing that we are the champions of conservation, that our sport is a valid and ethical way to procure meat and that our way of life is worth protecting. If anyone knows of resources or sources that we can compile valid research, I'm all ears. We can do this. We can preserve hunting as a way of life for future generations but we need to go with a united front. It'll be tough but it starts with each of us.

So I ask you, who today have you engaged with to explain why recreational hunting is worth having?
I hear ya...I'm one of the guilty ones not on FB, but I explain the science behind hunting to pretty much every non hunter I know.....and great work once again Proguide..

[Ltbullken]

All the separate clubs, websites, associations, etc., need to stop infighting (if it exists), wringing hands, gnashing teeth over the anti's, and develop concrete strategies for social media, community and media engagement.

[Bugle M In]

All the separate clubs, websites, associations, etc., need to stop infighting (if it exists), wringing hands, gnashing teeth over the anti's, and develop concrete strategies for social media, community and media engagement.

Someone had a good point.
Most hunters work all day long, and don't have the time to sit and campaign.
The Anti's have the time, and the funding for that, so, that's the first hurdle.

[Chrispryn]

I'm not sure if everyone has seen my thread in the newbies section.

I've made a public offer to any person wanting to learn anything about hunting or an outdoors lifestyle. I've has a few people get in contact with me and so far it's been some what productive.

We don't all have time to wage a massive campaign but by helping the odd person here and there I think I am helping a bit. Who doesn't like to talk about hunting and shoot rifles? This way I'm doing something pro active also.

I encourage other members to get over to the newbie section and join me. It's a small plan but at least it's educational.

Chris

[rimfire]

so true, already a few times I have shared posts re pred hunting or from Steves page. Then I have one of my dumb buddies go and put a comment that portrays us in abad light

I'm as guilty of not posting simply cause I do not feel like defending my sport that day. When that happens to me, I usually send the buddy a message and let me know how it makes us look and then delete the comment.


I hear ya...I'm one of the guilty ones not on FB, but I explain the science behind hunting to pretty much every non hunter I know.....and great work once again Proguide..


I honestly only use social media so people who don't have my number have a way to contact me. Good work on that gents. Keep it up.

[Ltbullken]

Someone had a good point.
Most hunters work all day long, and don't have the time to sit and campaign.
The Anti's have the time, and the funding for that, so, that's the first hurdle.

"I can't because I work..." That is the first excuse to facilitating defeat. Most anti's work too. And it is a preconception, myth, etc., to think otherwise.

Social media strategies don't require an 8 - 4 timetable. We need to be flexible and creative in our approaches.

[Ohwildwon]

https://i.imgur.com/Kw6dTvJ.jpg

[mod7rem]

I’ll be the first to admit that I spend too much time on the internet. For me it’s such a deep rabbit hole of info and learning, that I have a hard time staying off of it. I’d rather be on the internet learning about things I like than watching TV. But, having said that, I f#cking hate FB. I don’t have an account, my wife and family do, but it seems like just a big rabbit hole of nothingness. Endless cute videos, and people posting pics of every minute of everything they do in life. Anything that is interesting is full of horrible comments and threats with no repercussions or consequences because it’s not face to face. It kind of disgusts me that there is so much power (political influence I guess) with this kind of social media. So easy for people to have a big influence on things they have no knowledge of or involvement in.

If I want to help get our hunting word out there and defend our lifestyle, I guess I’ll have to get involved in FB. It probably has lots of good content, I’ll just have to learn how to find it.

Sorry for the rant, I know being negative doesn’t help anything.

[Greenthumbed]

I joined FB just a couple of months ago for exactly these reasons.
Thanks proguide for the excellent post!

[twoSevenO]

I’ll be the first to admit that I spend too much time on the internet. For me it’s such a deep rabbit hole of info and learning, that I have a hard time staying off of it. I’d rather be on the internet learning about things I like than watching TV. But, having said that, I f#cking hate FB. I don’t have an account, my wife and family do, but it seems like just a big rabbit hole of nothingness. Endless cute videos, and people posting pics of every minute of everything they do in life. Anything that is interesting is full of horrible comments and threats with no repercussions or consequences because it’s not face to face. It kind of disgusts me that there is so much power (political influence I guess) with this kind of social media. So easy for people to have a big influence on things they have no knowledge of or involvement in.

If I want to help get our hunting word out there and defend our lifestyle, I guess I’ll have to get involved in FB. It probably has lots of good content, I’ll just have to learn how to find it.

Sorry for the rant, I know being negative doesn’t help anything.

Facebook doesn't do sh** unless you are actively trying to become a "public figure". Most aren't. And you definitely don't sound like you do. Which is fine. Neither do I.

I have FB. When I started posting hunting pics I know several people unfriended me. You can't reach people that don't want to be reached ..... unless you are prepared to go "public". That isn't for everyone, nor can everyone do it successfully.

Guys like proguide and dana spend considerable time outdoors and have considerable content to share.

What I can do, however, is support them. Likes comments and shares DO help. As does staying informed and following suit ... for example, without FB (and this site) I wouldn't have known about the wehowl.ca survey.

I don't think you're being negative just realistic to your own situation.

I do really like the Trapper initiative we have going and will continue to support that with the gift of a tank of gas every now and then. Thankful we have people like proguide to step up and lead a movement like this.

[brownmancheng]

"I can't because I work..." That is the first excuse to facilitating defeat. Most anti's work too. And it is a preconception, myth, etc., to think otherwise.

Social media strategies don't require an 8 - 4 timetable. We need to be flexible and creative in our approaches.

This is what I was thinking. same excuse everyone had not to attend the BCWF presentation. thing is if you can make time to hunt you should try to make time to do your part!

[Bugle M In]

I only signed up on FB cause my buddies said there was a decent hunting page to just see stuff without all the bs.
But then, I have my wife on there, and now I get to see postings of her Anti friends.
(not what I wanted to see, but it's all over out there on FB)
Other then that, I don't use it like some do anyways, nor would I want to.

[Ltbullken]

Some ideas:

- F&G clubs commit to regular habitat and conservation projects and do media and social media releases about them
- raffles and other fund-raising activities for give-away 'dream hunts' to support sick kids or individuals who would never be able to hunt or hunt again - splashed all over media
- stock posters and images that convey conservation, pro-hunting messages
- talking points and conversation strategies that all hunters can use in the public when questions or challenges arise
- advocacy with politicians done by the backing of organized hunting groups so that politicians know there is money and votes that are on the line
- develop strategies and talking points that assert why hunting is a noble, valuable and healthy choice (i.e. - clean food, you eat store meat - I eat clean meat, we all have a choice about our food sources, our ancestors went hunting to survive, circle of life, etc.)
- develop a list of sensible hunting-related practices that don't draw the ire of peta-sensitive social media (i.e. we need to behave in a way that doesn't give anti's ammunition)
- develop programs that target opportunities to grow hunting like women in hunting, children's programs, activities like that. The biggest growing group in hunting right now is coming from women. What is the hunting community doing to support and promote that growth?
- how are the hunting groups cooperating and communicating with each other: BCWF, GOABC, F & G clubs, WSS, DU, First Nations communities. This fight will all land on our door step one day.

This may challenge some status quo, old time hunter crowd. But we need to realize that we may be embarking on the 'battle of our lives' here in defending our heritage and we need to adapt, be conscious of our actions and be way more savvy and coordinated in our response about how we promote our actions and image.

[KROD]

I believe that FB and instagram are excellent formats for spreading positive info regarding hunting life, and being on top of the zeitgeist of society. I follow many positive hunting figures who give me insight and new tools to combat the negative news and false beliefs uninformed people have. The term Trophy is such a loaded word as "anti hunters" hear only one thing in their heads. Killers for sport and heads. A detailed thoughtful argument can be difficult at times but many can see some positive aspects of hunter gathering once informed respectfully.
I know there are way to many kill glorified "hunting shows" and not enough ones that take a thoughtful respectful informative approach to hunting and harvesting game.
One show which does a GREAT job at portraying hunters and hunting in a very good light is MEAT EATER by Steven Rinella.
A few excellent sources for inspiration should include Jim Shockey, Steve Rinella, Meat Eater, Cameron Hanes to name a few. They are all on Instagram and are huge advocates and are very well spoken and informed.
Believe it or not, Joe Rogan is a strong force in bringing awareness to uninformed millions and is doing a great job in breaching the gap between hunters and hunting and the general uninformed individual. It astounds me how many intelligent people have very little understanding of conservation and actual hunting practices. Joe"s podcasts are some of the best there are.
That's my 2 cents for now. I am inspired by the people I follow in Instagram who hunt and there is a growing community of hunters and conservasionists who are stepping up. Late as it may be.