Page 35 - January/February 2023 Outdoor Oklahoma

VIA FACEBOOK

or hunters and anglers, social media But while social
has become much like a worldwide ver- networks have
sion of bulletin boards that hung on the helped outdoor
F walls of old-time general stores during enthusiasts meet
hunting and fishing seasons. This online phe- like-minded people,
nomenon allows sportsmen and sportswomen others who are inter-
to easily share about their latest outdoor con- ested in outdoor
quests. But it goes one step further by also pursuits can still feel
helping them to connect with each other. like fish out of water
It can mean the world to have a photo of in these environ-
your harvest validated by a community of ments. That’s where
other sportsmen and sportswomen, especially groups geared
if you’re a newcomer or working to build new especially for cer-
outdoor skills. This kind of support can go a tain users can have Callie Jo P. smiling proudly
after a successful deer hunt.
long way to inspire an outdoor community of a positive effect on those looking for an online
hunters and anglers. community to join.
In fact, there’s a growing cohort of wildlife Lifelong hunter and angler Jessica Posey
professionals known as hunter/angler recruit- runs just such an online platform: the Outdoor
ment, retention and reactivation (R3) prac- Gals of Oklahoma group on social media plat-
titioners who go so far as to call this type of form Facebook.
community support an integral stage in creat- An Okmulgee resident, Posey is a wife, a
ing new outdoor recreationists. mother of two, and a bonus mom of two more.

PROVIDED

Amber L. tagged this big buck in 2020 in Woods County.

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