Close Search

The Inside Track - A Letter to Members

January 2025
Author: Jerrod Lile

Welcome to the first edition of The Inside Track, a new monthly column where we invite you behind the scenes of Huntin’ Fool. This is our way of opening the doors to our office and sharing the efforts, challenges, and priorities that drive us every day. We are incredibly honored to serve such a devoted group of hunters – many of you have been with us for over 20 years, and your unwavering passion inspires everything we do.
 
Our mission has always been clear – To improve the big game hunting experience for all hunters. With that guiding principle, we want this column to be a transparent look at how we’re working to secure and enhance your hunting opportunities. We’ll discuss what concerns us, what excites us, and what steps we’re taking to ensure your future hunts are as rewarding and successful as possible.
 
FIGHTING FOR YOUR HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
 
One of the greatest challenges facing all hunters today is the ongoing loss of hunting opportunities. This issue keeps us up at night, and we know it deeply concerns you as well. As you know, many states have continued to reduce the number of non-resident hunting opportunities. While we understand the pressures that wildlife agencies face, these reductions pose a significant threat to the future of hunting. Non-resident hunters play a crucial role in conservation funding and the overall health of our hunting traditions, especially for young hunters.
 
At Huntin’ Fool, we are committed to being a strong voice for non-resident hunters. We actively engage with state agencies, attend public meetings, and advocate on your behalf. We believe that a balanced approach to tag allocation is not only fair but essential to the long-term sustainability of hunting. Beyond fighting for non-resident access, we’re passionate about protecting the future of hunting through youth recruitment. If we want to see hunting thrive for generations to come, we need to inspire and support the next wave of young hunters.
 
We are committed to investing our time, resources, and influence to preserve your opportunities and keep the hunting community strong. This fight is ongoing, and we’ll keep you updated on our progress every step of the way.
 
GRAND SLAM OF NORTH AMERICAN WILD SHEEP® GIVEAWAY
 
By the time you are reading this article, we will be underway with the first-ever Grand Slam of North American Wild Sheep® giveaway. Yep, you heard that right – we are giving away an entire fully-guided Grand Slam to one lucky winner. This slam includes a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, a Stone sheep, a Desert bighorn sheep, and a Dall sheep. These hunts have become virtually unattainable for most of the hunting community, and we’re thrilled to offer this incredible opportunity. We know these hunts are so expensive that even the gratuity can be prohibitive, so we’re covering the gratuity, along with all licenses, tags, and taxes! Plus, we’re providing every piece of gear the winner needs, from clothing to optics and the gun itself. We’ve spread these hunts out over a few years to accommodate the winner’s schedule. In total, this prize is worth $335,000 – our biggest giveaway ever. My teammates have pitched this idea for years, and though I’ve hesitated due to the cost, this year, I finally said YES! We can’t wait to draw the lucky winner!
 
INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY
 
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is an indispensable tool for planning successful hunts. We know that your time is valuable, and we’re always striving to make the hunt-planning process as efficient and effective as possible. That’s why we’re making significant investments in our technology to give you an edge in the field.
 
Accurate draw odds are a critical component of your planning process, and we’re doubling down on our commitment to provide the most reliable data available. We’re working closely with our partners and state agencies to obtain the best intel possible, ensuring you have elite draw odds data at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning your first hunt or your fiftieth, having precise information on draw probabilities can make all the difference. Due to the vastly different ways that each state conducts their draws and manages points (when applicable), it’s no small task to provide insights that accurately reflect your odds of getting your hands on a coveted permit.


We’re also excited to announce a major upgrade to our customer relationship management (CRM) system. This new platform is designed to cater to your individual preferences and streamline your planning process. It’s not just about data; it’s about delivering a personalized experience that makes your life easier. We know that every one of you has different goals and that there is no “one size fits all” solution for helping you plan your hunts. By developing technology that allows for personal preferences to be considered, we’ll be a better partner for you.
 
Additionally, we’re developing a new website interface that will integrate seamlessly with our Hunt Planner software. This tool is designed to serve as your “virtual hunting office” where you can store and manage critical information like state usernames, passwords, application deadlines, and draw results. The Hunt Planner will make it easier than ever to stay organized, apply for tags, track your points, and report your harvests. No more scrambling for logins or missing deadlines – everything you need will be in one convenient place.
 
We believe these technological advancements will enhance your hunt-planning experience and help you “Prep like a pro. Hunt like a fool.” We’re thrilled to bring these innovations to you and can’t wait for you to experience the benefits firsthand.
 
YOUR INPUT MATTERS
 
As a membership-based organization, your feedback is essential to our growth and success. We want to hear from you. What are we doing well? Where can we improve? What challenges are you facing in your hunting journey?
 
We welcome your input through all channels, whether it’s a phone call, email, social media message, or conversation at one of our events. Your insights help shape our services, our advocacy efforts, and our technology. By sharing your thoughts, you’re helping us serve you better and ensuring that Huntin’ Fool remains a valuable resource for all hunters.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
 
As we head into the upcoming year, we are energized and ready to help you plan and execute your hunts. Whether you’re chasing a once-in-a-lifetime tag or planning an annual adventure with your family, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
 
We know that hunting is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life. It’s about the thrill of the chase, the connection to the wild, and the bonds formed with fellow hunters. It’s about tradition, adventure, and the stories that get passed down through generations. At Huntin’ Fool, we’re honored to be part of your hunting journey, and we’re deeply grateful for your trust and loyalty.
 
Thank you for being part of our Huntin’ Fool family. Your support fuels our passion and drives our commitment to making your hunting experiences the best they can be. We’re excited to share this new chapter with you through The Inside Track, and we look forward to keeping you informed, inspired, and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.
 
Happy hunting, and here’s to a year filled with opportunity, success, and unforgettable memories.