2020 Year in Review
While we close the chapter on 2020 and head into 2021, we want to share some of the ways people used HuntWise to bring home their harvest. From the highest highs to lowest lows, 2020 was a year unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. As it comes to an end, there is much to look forward to, reflect on, and celebrate. Filled with uncertainty, success, and joy, here are the stories from 2020 we are thrilled to tell.
A Hunting Resurgence
Long before the pandemic, national hunting participation had been trending down. While the U.S. population has grown, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recorded a steady loss of hunters from 1996 to 2019. However, in 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported an increase from 35,900,913 total hunting licenses, tags, permits, and stamps in 2019 to 38,854,259 in 2020.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a resurgence of outdoorsmen and women has taken place. More hunters than ever are taking to the woods. With rising interest in new demographics, such as women hunters and young hunters, newcomers share their experiences and learn from mentors.
At HuntWise, we hope to generate a strong community of hunters by emphasizing the alliance between hunters, nature, and conservation.
The outdoor space is trending and HuntWise users are leading the way.
Stories from the Field
From the seasoned hunter with years upon years logged in the woods to the nervous beginner finding their footing in a new hobby, HuntWise is designed with all users in mind.
HuntWise PRO Staff, Allie D'Andrea, Pennsylvania (@outdoorsallie)
“I killed this deer on a 100% day according to HuntWise HuntCast. I remember Jeff Sturgis told me it usually takes him 6-7 sits in great conditions for it to come together. This hunt was from a saddle, with my bow. 40 yard shot. Public land, all that fun stuff. One of the coolest parts was watching him make a scrape under a hemlock tree before walking my way. I watched him for nearly two minutes, smiling as I simply observed this beautiful animal do his thing. Then I shot. Watched him die. And cried. Felt relief. Then joy. I field dressed him. And struggled to drag his heavy body out of the woods. If it weren’t for Nick I would still be dragging. I hung, skinned, and butchered. Packaged and prepared. Hunting is a long process of learning, exploring, failing, and growing. And fun. Every single time.” HuntWise PRO Staff, Allie D'Andrea, Pennsylvania (@outdoorsallie)
Emily Engvall, Pennsylvania (@emilyengvall)
“It’s all because of you guys that I killed my first archery buck. Predictions were high in my area, so I made sure to be in my tree stand all day that day. Sure enough, this guy came in right at 4pm when my app said to predict even more activity. I can’t hunt without you guys now!” Emily Engvall, Pennsylvania (@emilyengvall)
Jason Boots, Illinois (@boots_jason12)
“Huntwise helped determine where to sit from the wind indicator. We got in the woods around 1:30. We sat and sat for about 2 hours and didn’t see anything. But then at 3:30 I looked to my right and saw the buck. I said, “Oh my god, it’s him,” he came in to about 20 yards and I dropped him in his tracks.” Jason Boots, Illinois (@boots_jason12)
Arrows North Outdoors, Wisconsin (@arrows_north)
“Much bigger than simply taking a life. It’s about providing, and for that we always embrace the moment.” Arrows North Outdoors, Wisconsin (@arrows_north)
Grant White, Texas (@grant_white_06)
“Thank you all very much for everything you have done, it means a lot to me. I never could have done it without the app.” Grant White, Texas (@grant_white_06)
Matthew Stephen Hughes, Kentucky, (Facebook)
“HuntWise told me this morning that 6-8:30 was the prime time. Then this happened! The wind predictions are insane! HuntWise helped me guide my 16 year old son William Wade Hughes on a buck of a lifetime!” Matthew Stephen Hughes, Kentucky (Facebook)
Erica Anne Hopkins, Tennessee (@ericaanneoutdoors)
Erica Anne Hopkins, Tennessee (@ericaanneoutdoors)
A Year for Growth
In 2020, we took the ultimate hunting toolset to the next level. To help hunters improve their success in the outdoors, we combined tech, science, and 30 years of insight, knowledge, and experience to uncover the when and where of hunting.
Launch of HuntCast 2.0 - You spoke, we listened. With an improved algorithm offering better weather predictions and more data points to inform your hunts, the launch of HuntCast 2.0 changed the course of our 2020 season. In partnership with Jeff Sturgis of Whitetail Habitat Solutions, HuntCast 2.0 is the most powerful deer prediction algorithm the market has ever seen.
The Ultimate Scouting Advantage - In 2020, HuntWise introduced a new standard of maps built for hunting. We took the ultimate hunting toolset and added more, new, and better mapping features to give you a year-round scouting advantage for every place and species you hunt.
5 Deer Down. Hundreds of Great Memories. - Early October, the HuntWise team headed down Deer Camp 2020 at Salt River Outfitters in Kentucky for a week of deer hunting, bourbon, and late nights by the fire. The camaraderie and tradition of deer camp left us with stories to tell.
What were your favorite tools in HuntWise—and how are you planning to use them in 2021?