How about "Predator Hunting Tactics, Strategies and Reference" as a sub-forum name? I agree with your conclusions that the sub-forum should include expert or "experienced" (the normal way people gain expertise) opinions on tactics, strategies and reference material. If there is a demand, admin could consider adding separate sub-forums for small game and trapping.

HNI is not likely to completely alter their forum-type format as it is already quite successful, does generate a lot of traffic and would be difficult and costly to change. The sub-forum suggestion you made (which is an outstanding suggestion) gives HNI the flexibility to add an extremely useful collection of information within their existing software format with relatively little additional web support being needed. In other words, it's an easy fix.

Chuck Hawks is a great website and his website layout works well as a reference source for both technical, tactical and opinion information. Chuck is able to achieve that through his control over the entire website and his personal approval (or whoever he so designates) being needed before anything is posted on the website. IOW, chuck's website is a different animal with different capabilities.

The same thing kind of applies to the "Brand, Model, Model, Model, etc." format which is essentially what Cabelas provides within the context of selling all of the equipment while offering members a chance to "review" the item."

What you're proposing would actually take both of those concepts, add in lots of experience and expertise and could eventually become a forerunner for something even better. At this point, however, it's best to get a good start with a simple concept (say 1 initial sub-forum) and let the traffic (# of views) speak for itself. It might take a little longer to build it up but this really does offer something even better.

Consider this. Most novice hunters have a lot of questions about what to buy, where to hunt, how to hunt and what is really required. Many experienced hunters are starting to branch out into other kinds of hunting--predators, small game, archery, etc. Both groups exist at HNI and would both view and benefit from such a sub-forum. For the best success, such a sub-forum would need to provide relevant experience and expertise for both groups and everybody else that is in-between those 2 groups in such a way that each experience level group would benefit and find something "useful for them."

Take the Poll/topic we started about electronic callers. You mentioned that FoxPro is way above the rest. What about a hunter who is just getting into calling? Does he need the $600 FoxPro unit or could he do quite well with the $199 unit and spend the leftover money on something else (like ammo, reloading, etc.). If a member buys the $199 unit, are there limitations or different tactics that he/she will need to use? What are the best tactics/strategies to use? What is plan B? I could go on and on but you get the idea. There is a whole lot of information and expertise that many people could benefit from.

Let me know what you think.
Cal