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May 2018 Soapbox

May 2018
Author: Stanton Upson

Where does the time go? Application season is coming to an end, and hunting schedules are filling. Each year, we continue to throw our names in the hat and cross our fingers for the hunt-of-a-lifetime. However, the majority of us will see “Unsuccessful” notices and will search to fill those holes in our schedules. In addition to landowner tags and outfitted hunts with guaranteed permits, there are plenty of other options out there to fill your schedule or even extend those precious hunting days.

As the industry changes and the demand to just go hunt increases, the statement, “I’d rather be packing meat than packing points,” rings in my head. For that reason, we at Huntin’ Fool have been adding more resources to assist our members in finding ways to get out in the field. Not only are we producing top-notch draw information in the state sections, but we are also adding more opportunity content. At the end of each state section, you will find some brief opportunity hunt information pertaining to the state. In the July and August issues, we provide you with detailed overviews of opportunity options, such as utilizing Arizona’s leftover, first-come, firstserved draw to get a permit for Coues deer or extending your season with an over-the-counter Aoudad hunt in New Mexico, which runs until March.

Another way we help our members get out in the field is with our Membership Drives. Between our Summer and Winter Membership Drives, we give away over $600,000 worth of hunts and prizes each year. The hunts and prizes range from big-ticket sheep hunts to hunts for you and a buddy to even some sweet rifles. Last year for the Summer Membership Drive, we changed our ticket package offerings, allowing guys to get entered at two different price points. The two-tier system allows us to maintain the high dollar Platinum prizes. The Gold prizes created a lower entry point for some great guided hunts. Together, these two options allow us to give away more hunts to get Huntin’ Fool members in the field.

This issue marks the beginning of our 2018 Summer Membership Drive. It is another opportunity for you to get out in the field on a hunt. Make sure you get your name in the hat for your chance to win these amazing prizes! Also in this issue, be sure to check out our cover story. We are extremely honored to feature Justin Sheedy and his Montana Rocky Mountain bighorn ram on the cover. His ram scored a whopping 208 3/8" net, tying the former #1 ram harvested by a hunter.

Keep your fingers crossed for the hunt-of-a- lifetime, but don’t throw in the towel on your hunting season if you get that “Unsuccessful” notice. With leftover permits, over-the-counter tags, guaranteed tags with Endorsed Outfitters, landowner permits, and our semiannual Membership Drives, you still have a lot of options to fill your schedule. Give us a call at 435-865-1020 and let’s find a way to get you out in the hills and packing meat.