The Inside Track: Highlighting Customer Service

At Huntin’ Fool, we’re clearly in the hunting business, but if you really look under the hood, you’ll find that at our core, we’re first and foremost in the customer service business. That simple fact is a huge privilege for us and one that gives us an opportunity to stand out in our industry. Day after day, we get to help passionate hunters – people like you – who rely on us to ensure they never miss out on the adventures and opportunities they’ve been dreaming about. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and we’re proud of the effort we put into meeting and exceeding our members’ needs.
 
This month’s “Inside Track” is dedicated to spotlighting our official customer service department. While it’s true that every department at Huntin’ Fool handles customer interactions, there’s a special group whose sole focus is to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. Whether you call in with a question about an application deadline, send us an email asking for help with your account, or just need a friendly voice to confirm the best resource for your hunt planning, this team is ready and eager to serve.
 

A DIVERSE TEAM WITH A SHARED PASSION

One of the things I love most about our customer service group is the diversity of their backgrounds. They’ve come to Huntin’ Fool from all different walks of life – some are hunters who dig into the information we provide because it fuels their own passions, while others have more general service experience and have fallen in love with the hunting industry through their time with us. Regardless of their individual paths, they share a singular passion: helping you. They understand how important it is for members to feel heard and taken care of, especially when you’re calling about something as exciting (and sometimes complex) as planning a hunt. These folks are the lifeblood of our front lines, fielding more than 15,000 calls each year. If you’ve ever dialed our office, you’ve likely heard the cheery voice of one of these pros, ready to talk points, deadlines, gear, or simply to listen to what you need so they can route you to the right person.
 
They remind me of a pack of honey badgers, fearless and tenacious when it comes to making sure you’re taken care of. If an email needs a follow-up with another department, they’ll track down the necessary information to get you an answer. If you need immediate assistance, they’ll consult our internal resources and pull up earmarked magazines to find your solution as quickly as possible. They’re relentless in ensuring that every single member question is answered and that no one falls through the cracks.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE WITH QUICK REFERENCE

One of the biggest tools our customer service team uses is the Huntin’ Fool magazine itself, which we like to call the encyclopedia of all things hunting. We know how busy life can get. Jobs, families, and everyday obligations can make it hard to stay on top of deadlines, regulations, and new hunting opportunities. Our members trust us to keep them informed, and our customer service reps take that trust to heart.
To provide the fastest and most accurate information possible, they painstakingly add tabs and flags to their copies of the magazine, creating a quick-reference system that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. That way, when a call comes in and someone wants to confirm a specific state’s application window or the details of a special draw, the answer is at their fingertips. It may seem like a small detail, but this system ensures you don’t miss out on a hunt because you couldn’t get the information you needed in time.
 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CALL BOARD

Of course, not every call can be resolved right on the spot. Sometimes, the questions are more in-depth. Maybe you need help strategizing how to use your bonus points, or perhaps you want a one-on-one consultation about a particular unit or draw. In those cases, our custom call board software becomes the backbone of our operation.
 
The customer service team takes careful notes about your inquiry, ensuring that whoever returns your call will have the context and background needed to help you efficiently. This is where their knack for asking the right questions really shines. They’ll ask you about your hunting preferences, your points in various states, your timeline, or your budget. They might inquire about whether you’re interested in archery, muzzleloader, or rifle hunts. The goal is to gather enough detail so that when your call is assigned to a specific Hunt Advisor or department, you’re set up for success.
 
Sometimes, they’ll even make judgment calls about which individual on our team is best suited to answer your inquiry. By funneling your call to the right person, our customer service team maximizes the value of that one-on-one interaction, ensuring you get the answers and guidance you need.
 

MASTERING THE CRM AND SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS

Behind every phone call and email is a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that our customer service team navigates daily. From updating records and managing memberships to providing tech support for those who need help logging into their Huntin’ Fool account, these teammates are the gatekeepers of our data. They also field questions about the various tools we offer – from our digital hunt planning resources to the printed magazine – and ensure that members know how to use them effectively.
 
One of the more exciting aspects of this role is managing our referral system. Many of you are aware that when you refer someone to Huntin’ Fool, you receive entries into our Dream Hunt Draws, giving you a shot at winning a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience. Our customer service team is responsible for making sure every referral is accurately recorded and that you get your rightful entries. On drawing days, they’re front and center, cheering with the rest of us as we announce the winners. Their excitement is palpable. It’s one of the monthly highlights of the year for our whole organization.
 

GUARDIANS OF THE PREVIOUS TAG HOLDER LIST

Another crucial resource managed by customer service is the Previous Tag Holder list. This database is a peer-to-peer networking tool that connects members who have drawn tags in specific units or hunts with other members seeking first-hand information. Over the years, we recognized that the list needed some sprucing up: weapon types weren’t always specified, seasons were occasionally missing, and it just wasn’t as accurate as it could be.
 
Our customer service team tackled that project head-on, dedicating countless hours to cleaning and organizing the list so it could become a more effective resource for everyone. Now, they stand guard over it like hawks, making sure every new entry is as precise as possible. If someone submits a Previous Tag Holder inquiry that doesn’t quite match the records in our CRM, the team will investigate further. They’ll contact the member for clarification or consult one of our Hunt Advisors until they’re confident the data is correct.
 
Why does this matter? Because if you’re looking for reliable insights on a particular unit – maybe you’re interested in the terrain, the best time to hunt, or a great camping spot – you want to connect with someone who has been there, done that. This list is designed to make those connections seamless, and our customer service team’s diligence is what keeps the information accurate and actionable for everyone.
 

A MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION AT HEART

At the end of the day, Huntin’ Fool is a membership organization. We exist to help our members plan hunts, stay on top of deadlines, and enjoy the process of preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. None of that works without a dedicated group of people making sure members have the resources, knowledge, and support they need. Our customer service team understands this deeply.
 
They are genuinely passionate about your hunting outcomes and your overall experience with Huntin’ Fool. If you’ve ever called in with a simple question, you may have noticed that they often go above and beyond. That’s because they care, and it shows in every interaction.
 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As Huntin’ Fool continues to grow, our customer service team will be at the forefront of adapting to new technologies, tools, and resources that help members like you. We’re constantly refining our CRM, updating our magazine, and enhancing our digital platforms. Every step of the way, these service pros are the ones who ensure the transition is smooth and that you, our valued members, are never left in the dark.
 
In an age where automated phone trees and chatbots are the norm, our approach remains personal. We believe that a real, friendly human voice on the other end of the line still matters, especially in an industry as passion-driven as hunting. When you call Huntin’ Fool, you’re not just a number in a system, you’re a fellow hunter, a potential new friend, and someone whose success we genuinely want to celebrate.
 

WRAPPING UP

I couldn’t be prouder of the customer service team we’ve assembled here at Huntin’ Fool. They’re a group of problem-solvers and relationship-builders who understand what these hunts mean to you. From the moment you pick up the phone or send that email, they’re committed to ensuring you have a positive, productive experience that keeps you coming back. If you have any questions or need help, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our “honey badgers” in customer service are standing by, excited to assist. Here’s to another year of incredible hunts and unforgettable memories. Happy hunting!