Just an update..........


After our thousand dollar donation to the IDNR mentoring program.

The IDHA donated $1000.00 dollars to the Big Oaks youth hunt for door prizes.

The IDHA donated $100.00 to Outdoorwoman pheasant hunt.

The IDHA donated $2800.00 to Indiana National Archery in Schools Program for a complete archery in schools set up for Garrett Indiana school corp.

I am amazed at our ability to be generous, it comes fro9m dedicated members who volunteer time. It comes from all of you who choose to place your deer in the Hoosier Record Book Program.

I have one question though, what does it take to get you to join? Our membership is less than 1% of what IDNR states as the deer hunting population.

If you don't belong to at least one National conservation group and one state conservation group I urge you to make it a goal in 2012.

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year

Joe Bacon, President

Indiana Deer Hunters Association

How many new members does the IDHA retain from year to year?

I don't know the answer to this question in recent years. Some years new members would be as much as 200 and in other years the number would be as low as 30. Like most sporting organizations the numbers will fall when there isn't an issue or the sport isn't growing. The club used to have probably 50% turnover from year to year. But, that was back when there was a definitive push for members. In recent years the club probably has less than 10% new members each year. You even see national organizations like DU, Delta and the NWTF struggling with new members. I believe the single biggest loss to hunters and conservation in general was the disbanding of most conservation clubs. Those organizations suffered as most outdoorsmen became single issue sportsmen and general concern over conservation gave way to hunting being more about "what I killed".

The long term members of the IDHA have always focused on educational and supportive activities such as the handicapable camp for Riley or disabled children and adults, the handicap hunt at Crane Military Base, supporting the Hunter Ed program, the State Fair activities, pushing for youth hunts and at the time the State Park hunts and so on. Probably because of those broad based educational and supportive activities the organization was one that the IDNR sought out to work with or seek input.

What we have seen over the years are other organizations related to deer hunting the start up and stay together for a year or two and then disband. Their membership grows but there has been none that has sustained themselves for more than two or three years. Typically, those organizations come about because of a specific issue or "want" but seldom have they been involved in promotion or active support of youth activities, educational activities or other such hunting related support activities.

I'll seek to find out what the new member numbers are as we end 2011. I will say that I have found it unfortunate and a bit sad that over the years "sportsmen" have become less and less inclined to be involved or supportive of programs. But again, I always have to pause and remember that this is the case for most social organizations be it related to the hunting world or to non hunting issues.

Thanks for the info Delaney.

The reason I ask is to satisfy my curiosity about the IDHA.

The year I did join I was not sent any information about any meeting or even a renewal form the next year.

IDHA has a great tool to get members in the door with the deer and turkey expo in Indy.

But if you are not organized you will burn through the base of hunters and not have new ones to pull from.

double tap

my post seems to have been deleted. shocker.

Once again, how many current members in the IDHA?

The membership is less than 1% of what IDNR states as the deer hunting population...... (per the president )

I don't know the answer Dave to your question but I'll find out at the February show.

I am sorry you didn't get any information when you joined. I'll say something to Kevin when I see him in February. In regard to meetings though, the club meets the first Tuesday in the month at Gander Mountain in Greenwood at 7pm.

At the height of the state park controversy and when there was a constant push for new membership by someone going statewide to talk to folks almost every other weekend, membership grew to over a thousand members. It has been suggested before (from outside the IDHA) that the club should try to get something "special" for it's membership. For instance, it was alluded that the IBA got something special for its membership when Clifty Falls State Park became bow only, even though it wasn't specific to its members. The IDHA always refused to seek any special treatment or access for its members and some believe that was/is a mistake and others, those who have been involved over the years, believe it never was and never will be the intent of the IDHA to self serve it's membership.

The core membership is still today what it was years ago. That is the irony of the situation. With mostly older members, in age, it is fairly typical of most sporting organizations. The youth really don't want to join or become involved. It simply isn't their culture. (Yes Jerry, it is a cultural thing). Sure, the controversy over one buck and the seeming protection of early archery (crossbows) always cloud the real efforts of the club. The direction on those issues was driving by surveys of members, but as you likely know, survey responses are usually less than 10% of any organizational membership. As the older, core members "die out", either figuratively or in reality, the club will end up like most, going away. In today's world, most only join organizations that specifically serve them in some form or fashion and the IDHA isn't structured, intended or functionally driven to do that for an individual. I believe membership has dropped to around a couple of hundred in the last couple of years. Actually, in opposition to JB and some others thoughts, I am not in favor of pushing for new members, not because I don't want more members, but because I believe a large base of inactive membership is worse than a few people who will do something. The core membership still donates time and efforts to the State Fair cookout and fish pond, the Handicapable Camp, the handicap hunt, the youth hunt at Big Oaks, a few hunter ed youth safety programs, the schools archery program and so on. As you likely know, if you have 100 members or 1,000 members, the same 25 members do all the work, donate all the time and provide all the effort. And unfortunately, those efforts and such get diminished over issues related to the DNR and certain aspects of the hunting rules and regulations.

Long winded, just trying to explain and I will find out updated info when I see Kevin in February.

"100 members or 1000 members, the same 25 members do all the work, donate all the time and provide all the effort"

So I guess those extra 900 member's financial support would mean nothing and would not benefit the IDHA?

Hay, your point is well taken and additional financial support is always greatly appreciated because the money goes to causes. That said though, since we don't pay anybody, it still takes bodies to assist with functions. My point only is that a large membership base does not itself accomplish a lot of tasks or initiatives unless they are active. By no means did I intend to sound ungrateful for additional membership but again, there could be so much more accomplished if there were more members that capable and willing to give time as well as money.

the larger the membership base, the more credibility a group or Org has...and vice versa.

Sometimes. I would point to the Dirty Dozen group in Indi as a very small group with credibility. Even a large group that is single issue oriented will have very limited influence. Give me 50 really engaged guys and I'll have more of an impact and influence than a group of a thousand who do nothing. The Internet and emails only go so far in my opinion.

What???? I can't just sit around and cut and paste emails? Lol... sounds like work to me... it will never happen.. me generation and entitlement oriented

Id be willing to host a fishing tourney on my lake..ill provide food and drink.. ill need some more boats and a little help...just a thought

Dude - I'd be game for that and have a lil puddle jumper that would cruise your lake well.

Well we have two so anybody.. anyone else?? Correction .. weed is in too

Four: Luke will come. I swear he could catch a fish out of a bathtub.

Heck, I'll come if my wife can come also. Can't leave he at home. I've got a momarsh and a stealth if you need really small two man vessels, a canoe, two belly boats and two kayaks I could smoke some ribs and bring'm along. How about the total weight of the three smallest fish caught.

Here's the deal... ill host... ill provide food and shelter ... crappie is the game. All you can catch...no throw backs....more details when I get.. .solid comentments from a few more..... this is for vets... others can fish that help..pm me if your really serious about it.. or call me

Address, $$ amount and/or form to fill out to join?

I know several that would want this information.

My wife and I will help and support, assuming the day is when we are here in Indiana and it's not in turkey season.

Ok...ill give this one week to see who is serious about working on this.. it could be alot of fun... one meeting .. probably martinsville and dates will be set.. march is out for me... this is going to require some fun effort if we want to do it right... sign up now if you are in...

IN

Kyle weed dew bean and Delany are in... this time next week we will see who else wants on board and have a meeting... heck any personal crap at the door. We will do this for those that served period.. we have plenty of time to bitch at eachother later here.lol

Joe is in . Any others?

Last call

gundude I'll help out if you need more

.

Ill get with everyone in the next few days... this is not an event to pat ourselves on the back... no media... let's just do it for those that serve and leave it that... I will post a meeting date for those that will help.. dates will be set and we will all have a great time... if not .. ill give everyone a refund!.lol

Oh and stick is in.........that doesn't sound right does it....

Oh and stick is in.........that doesn't sound right does it....

With the new suppressor bill that has came up I would be willing to bring several suppressors there and let you guys demo them if you have some place to shoot on your property gundude. It seems that there is a lot of misinformation about them floating around.

That'd be cool Jason. Besides I need to talk to you about possibly doing a roof this spring.

We don't have a range.lol... ok jason is in too.. very good.. looks like we will all have some fun ... details will follow shortly

I'm in, sorry took me so long to find this thread. April is a bad month for me do to my Military duties and I'm going to reelfoot for 4 days.

I would also like to bring my 7 y/o, he would enjoy this event. If no kids, I totally understand, isn't a big deal.

The Ford and bush-hog can fix that....

We just need a safe back stop.

Not a problem...

I need a roofer....

Its going to be a fun time for vets... and all that help out
..

Little wagon is in.... he just doesn't know it yet..... ok... one meeting and dates will be set... ill drive north if that helps... we are going to need some boats!

What evening works for everyone?

how big is your lake?

Any evening but tuesday evenings for me.

and I more then likely can barrow a boat, its only a 14 footer, and no frills, but it will work.

18 acres

I got a 12' Tracker all decked out. 2 seater but has foot controlled trollin' motor. I can bring it. I paid $375.00 for all that you see except fishfinder. Stole it.

That will work!... details soon

I'm fishing with Bean, if he'll have a crazy a$$ Army guy in his boat.....OH and I'll give you 500 bucks for the boat, lol

Let's start by nailing down some possible dates.... march is out for me

. Ill ne gone most of that month.. turkey season is out.. so what does everybody have in mimd

We could do the week before season and combine it with a mushroom hunt?.. fried mushrooms and crappie...just a thought

what time frame (month) are you talking about?

Late february. Early april. Mid may?

I am good for just about anytime. I sorta am in charge of my own calendar. Pick a date and I can work around it. April/May might be better fishin possibly. I like the idea of the week before turkey season.

Recon - heck ya I would fish w/ a crazy army guy BUT no on the $500 for my boat. I got a couple grand sitting in my garage right now.

Mid may might be the best, per the comment above. I'll be in Kentucky the week before the Indiana turkey season opener. Mid May would really work good for me but I'll put a strong effort to whenever you try to get it set up.

+1 for mid May, that way all my other bs is done!! Fishing is great then as well.

MAY 12th????? Is this a campout as well???

May 18th for the help and prep. Tourney on the 19th.. rain date is the 20th... more details to follow...

Shift work on the 18th....

Change it weed
.... last call.. do these dates work?

Good for me.

Yep.

I'll do my best to get the shift off, Keith.

My son is in as long as the gaurd doesn't tell him otherwise ...
Joe are you good with these dates as well? And how about your neighbor?

May date works for me

Looks like we are set on the date.. more details soon!

Im game.

Been gone since Thursday. Dates are also good for me.

yep, I'm in on both days

ARE BETS OPEN, AND TRASH TALKIN STARTING????

I won't ask my buddies until later, but probably at least a couple will be in.

Camping is available or you can camp in in my garages.. I have 8 bays heated. sinks water and fridge.. I keep an air bed out there. So don't even think of taking my spot. I have a gas grill and firewood... plenty of spots for campers too if somebody wants to bring one..
I have been contacted by a couple of gracious donors from this site that wish to remain anonymous. Thanks to you and your contributions. We will probably have one meeting and discuss a few things.. I have a couple of hunts with Joe coming up so we will discuss the details. Same with littlewagon and weed. Ill post details after that and then set a meeting date if needed..
So far we are off to a smooth start to a fun time and a worthy cause...

Jack your a vet... im sure we have enough people to load you in to a boat..... are you coming or not?

Would.somebody wake up the old man and see if he's coming or not...
I think we have plenty of help now but all are welcome. I am picking up some donations today from local businesses ..
Im going to limit this to nine boats.. more details to follow... oh there will be some shooting mixed in as well.. probably.will get to meet the Owen county sheriff at some.point.lol

Send them a invite with date & time....beat them to the punch!!!

http://youtu.be/Sl3lcTZN7fI

Impressive outcome to this.

You may or may not be surprised how many times the sheriff shows up when we start shooting machine guns.

The chief of police lives only a mile away.. ill give him a heads up........ I also have se really nice areas for a bow range if you want to bring tagets

Picked up a nice 3 piece 18volt cordless tool kit today for a prize.. Includes drill, circular saw and flashlight from True Value today. Thanks to them and their contribution.. I have a lot of things to consider on exactly how to run this shindig but there is plenty of time to work all the kinks out... This does not have to be restricted to just fishing.. Volunteers please feel free to contact me with any suggestions you may have as well.

Indianashooter.com will have an Esee knife or two to thrown into the pot.

i am planning to be there. honeing my guide skills (the lake is over there). cooking skills, (this aint mcdonalds). and lastly THANKS TO ALL THE VETS I WILL GET TO MEET FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY.

Does IDHA still have any of those tee shirts left?

JB would know. Once you've identified how many vets will be there, we'll crank it up so we try to get something for each of them.

Just thought it would be kinda neat if there were some left over.. I don't want any extra expense put in this if it isn't necessary .as far as this site is comcerned. I do have some cash donations however to cover a large portion of such expenses .. im really going to start nailing this thing down after I get back in town a week from Saturday+..

I can always get them down to ya if needed Keith.

Scratch that jeff spell check changed what I was trying to.say... I don't want the org out any extra bucks...Ill travel.. no problem there

I'll be there anyway....no biggee...just let me know.

Im back in town
I just wanted to let everyone know this event is still a go! I have a few new ideas which I will post later this week.....
It will be a great time

Welcome back to the great state of Indiana!

Bud Light Girls or Swedish Bikini Team???????

Don't tell everything you know .....

Candle light.....LOL!!

Let me know if you need anything from me, Im willing to help in anyway I can.

How many openings are left for Vets, thought I would print up a flier or two to put up in my Unit if its ok, I'm guessing 5 or so that would definetly like to attend, maybe more.

Keith,,,how are you set on battery chargers?? (if needed)

I think I have three

I think we have three or four left corey .. if we get to many we will come up with something.lol.... the main point of this event is to get together and have a good time while showing our appreciation to those that have served....

Keith, Aaron and I are in

Cool deal!! John will be the official fish cleaner!!!

Ill believe it when I see it.lol

I should add that vets that don't want to fish and just simply want to come and hang out are welcome too.
Little wagon will be knaping flint.. a true artist and im sure i can get him to make a knife for a a door prize.. ( he doesnt know it yet.lol... I think I have two bands lined up up
.great music.. nothing over the top but some real talent

More later

Parker gonna play??

I hope so... we will see

Joe..or anybody for that matter. Go ahead ans post an invite on the I B A website too.
I can't seem to log on there.... and o don't have genes number on my cell phone..
Im on the road

are four wheelers ok, just to putt around???

Sure

Gundude - haven't been on here in a while (except for a little lurking now & then) & missed this one! First, KUDOS to you Sir...from a (former) FMF HM1 1st Recon Bn.

Anyway, I would be honored to help & have two little boats with trolling motors which should be perfect!!

You are more than welcome to come!

Your a vet! So you are in! No need to help. Just ce and enjoy!

I just wanted to say I am stunned and humbled by the overwhelming amount generosity that I received from sportsmen concerning this event .. my in box is full of people I need to get back to. Thanks to all for stepping up it just goes to show that sportsmen are first class people.. ill thank each and everyone on a personal basis later.. it looks like this site is going to have an annual event to give back to those that fought for our freedoms... my hats off to all of you
More later...
Does that star spangled banner yet wave?..... you bet it does!
Does my soul good to see real americans be real americans

Packing for hunt but after I get back next week ill have the details.....looks like a fun time will be had by all

May have a donation from a reputable knife company to hand out as a prize or whatever ya wanna do with it, Keith.

I am sorry to say that I am not going to be able to make it. This date is the same time I will be in Georgia for a week long cave rescue class.

I understand...
Im in the process of making the final plans for this event..
Ill post them soon