Social media has been a big deal for several years now. For outdoors people like myself, there is enough to do outside to keep us busy. The need for computer entertainment is relatively nonexistent among us. But how can a computer help a hunter or fisherman?

I finally broke down and joined Facebook this past week. I wasn't aware that I actually knew so many people. In a week’s time, I was able to catch up with over 200 old friends. Besides catching up with people, I found that it is a great source of local news. There are also many people who post information and satirical material about the insufficiency of today’s government. Along with a lot of information pertaining to the attempt by government to strip our second amendment rights. What does this offer the outdoorsman, you could ask? More than you may think!

First, thank you to all my old friends that sent me friend requests. I have missed you all and it has been so nice to reconnect. I'm glad the weather was so rough the last few days as it gave me time to talk to many old and new friends. Many remember me as a social butterfly, but at some point in life, I chose to disconnect. When I reflect, I realize that it was all for the benefit of others which was actually a negative experience for myself. I had become so sick that it was impossible to make plans. I would struggle with trying to make life work, but all it became was work. There was little joy and happiness, mostly loneliness and strife. I chose to disappear into the woodwork because of the stress created by not being able maintain normal activities. Now that I am healed, there is no reason to keep myself from the world. After nearly 12 years of seclusion, you find large groups of people to be completely overwhelming. Even simple conversation can create stress. You just feel like a caged animal, and want to escape to your comfort zone: Woods, water, peace, and quiet. Bear with me folks, it took many years for me to become this way, and may take as many to return to my old self. Lucky for me, I have now regained the support of my dearest friends, their kindness and encouragement will likely speed up the process though.

Outdoorsmen can benefit in several ways by using social media. You can reconnect with old hunting and fishing buddies and plan trips to catch up. You can meet new people that enjoy hunting and fishing and learn new things or plan to meet and experience the outdoors together. You can also put the word out that you will be hunting or fishing, but have no one to go with. Chances are there is someone out there in the same boat. You may also ask where the hot bite is to prevent wasting your time elsewhere.

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