I doubt that I'll get much feedback on this but after some discussions, I thought I'd simply ask a couple of questions. In an attempt to figure out how to get better engagement, moreso real time, from sportsmen in the future, the discussion seems to move to digital connections.

So, do you follow Twitter or Facebook or a similar type of social media? For instance, do you follow the DNR social media sites or the NRA or such? Is there value in the sporting organizations to promote a Twitter account as "the" source for real time activity for issues and such. Possibly an organization like the Wildlife Federation or the Roundtable. Not a deer only site or fishing only site but something a bit more comprehensive.

Any thoughts?

I do Facebook, Dave...but that's about it.

I have found out Face Book is the way to go any imformation comes up fast and is view and word got out fast we posted something on the issue over a THOUSAND REACHED IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

Thanks for the comments. I don't use Twitter either but it has been suggested to me by marketing guru's that it tends to be followed more timely then Facebook but again, I don't use Twitter either.

Facebook... instant news and updates!
And more entertaining.

I follow the DNR on Facebook. I think the biggest problem you're going to have with the hunting organizations is the political side. I think most would support things like the youth hunt at Big Oakes and the he handicapped hunt at Crane. When it comes to the lobbying side they need to separate themselves from those things.

Facebook is now for old people. My kids and young adults I am around use Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. They hardly ever use FB any more.

FB can be used but to use all the social media networks you need to do more than FB.

What you trying to say, kid? :p

I am saying I am old.... I hate twitter, although I have an account. I hate instagram, although I have an account. I can creep on my kids better this way also.... Yeah - in my house cellphones and social network accounts are a privilege so I own the passwords and accounts. No problems to date.

I have learned, by working with teens/young adults for over 20 years, that if you wanna communicate with them - you must use what they use. The market guru's are correct.. twitter is better for communication than FB is. Which tells me I am falling behind in communicating because I use FB more than the others.

once you use twitter your be hooked!!!

If You think FB is fast..... your be shocked with twitter!!! IMO

Tried Twitter and hated it.

#ditto, #oldman, #readyforturkeyseason.

Twitter is all about who you follow......I use it for Sports, Hunting/Outdoors,News and weather.

I only use facebook to check on family in Florida and I get on my moms to do that and I don't use twitter...

I refuse to have any account with any of these social media websites...

I am with ya Bryan78. I used to do them, but haven't been on any of them in a good while now and I don't miss it one bit.

I communicate with my House Rep And Senator On FB have had replys as fast As I have posted some times

Thats kind of the point Thro. IF sportsmen would send facebook and twitter comments to their legislators, there would likely be more of an impact. Five or ten communications of people in their districts can make a significant impact. IF the sportsmen had a booth this week at the Renfro should with Twitter and Facebook enabled communications and asked various sportsmen if they would be interested in sending a communication to their legislator right then and there, we all might be very surprise the impact and influence it might have. This week long show is the biggest attraction of people where you can get in front of them and engage the to hopefully get them engaged. Digital media, whether most of us use it or not, is the most influential communication tool of the current times, according to supposed experts. If the sportsmen had video links running in a booth at the show and then engaged sportsmen, we would soon find out whether there is an ability to influence things or not.

Yep same thing happens on twitter enables users to send and read short 140-character messages no long winded BS!

Amazing that they have no problem using both of those but can't even send an email or even pick up the phone, because they ask you for your phone number when you contact them...

So IMO, if they have time for FB and Twitter, they have time to respond by email or phone...

I don't use facebook or twitter

I spent a day last week at a life sciences conference regarding mobile/digital healthcare. When you listen to these folks, somewhat ignoring us old folks, there is little doubt that the entire future will be digital, iphone or such device, oriented. I was very surprised at how many 60 plus aged people are supposedly moving to these devices to interact with their children, grandchildren and apparently in the future, their healthcare providers. IF the hunting community and the conservation community wishes to engage the youth to assure attention to issues and protection of the future, the conference would seem to suggest that without social media, providing immediate updates, there will likely be no engagement. Sure, I knew this stuff was coming but after a day of listening to venture capital guys, innovators and big companies explain what they are working and how they are intending to engage their customers, I walked away amazed at what's coming and how social media and related engagement will rule almost every aspect of our lives. AND, sitting behind a computer will to a large degree be a thing of the past.

Dave - my kids at home (16 & 13) don't hardly ever use a pc. It is all done on an ipad: papers, research, class work, homework, etc.

I consider myself a social media guru. Sites like this unfortunately are becoming a thing of the past. Facebook is used primarily now for adults you wont find to many kids on fb anymore. I use fb daily for a variety of things and as a single guy i have met several "lady friends" on fb.

To me twitter is the way to go. You can get instant updates on scores and pretty much anything. I follow mostly sports things and high school basketball stuff. Lots of sportswriters and such.

Instagram is also very popular. Seems amongst the kids your popularity is based on how many likes you get on instagram !!

Snapchat is interesting but can get someone in big trouble

If you try Twitter and use it alot you will get used to it and will really like it !!

johncollins911 is my twitter

i recently took a Facebook break as I was on it all the time! I am sure I will get back to it but its been nice to have a self imposed break.

I follow Twitter as well but mostly for scores and Boilermaker news! (is there anything else to follow?)

I enjoy this website but it sure seems that there are very few who actually post and use it! I used to sit back and be quiet but since very few post, i often add my $.02.

There are some hunting and other pages I follow on Facebook but they frustrate me when some redneck ruins the post with their stupid opinions just to cause a fight! I think FB and Twitter are a great to share news but not always the best way to collect info back in response.

I do however love to share my hunting and fishing adventures on my Facebook page! If you are my friend and don't like it, then we probably were not that close to start with :-)! I am sure I educate lots of adult friends about the outdoors and the things my family and I enjoy!

Yeah I quickly lost my tree hugging acquantences once they saw my outdoor adventures.

Ha ha - I have lost a few "church" friends in the past by showing a dead deer or a coyote.

I have been de-friended at least by 3 people I "knew". Blah hahaha.

I have family all over and mainly post for my mom who still lives in WV. She likes the updates since it gives her a better window to what is going on here.

One of the coolest things is to watch my daughter facetime her friend who lives in South Korea. They chat just like they are sitting beside each other.