Why MIBuckPole.com is changing the game for the better...

There is frequent chatter about how technology distracts youth from pursuing and enjoying traditional outdoor activities. But increasingly, internet and technology advances are playing a vital role in engaging with hunters, promoting outdoor life and providing key data for conservation and preservation decision making.

It’s well known that from Michigan’s northernmost Keewenaw County to the Ohio border, hunting opportunities are abundant throughout the Great Lake State. Several generations of Michigan hunters recall “buck pole contests” held at the end of every deer hunting season’s opening day. Hunters who harvested the most impressive bucks hung on display, would be recognized by fellow hunters. This tradition remains strong in Michigan. While people enjoy the chance at recognition, the buck pole contest serves primarily as a way to simply celebrate the sport and foster a sense of community among hunters.

This tradition was brought to the digital world in 2012 when avid Michigan hunters founded MIBuckPole.com, Michigan's Virtual Buck Pole™. Michigan hunters submit to the site photos and specs about buck harvests from virtually every part of the state, providing to the public a valuable, intuitive and engaging look at deer data. Today, MIBuckPole.com is an extraordinarily popular community, drawing thousands of visitors daily who regularly share photos and details of recent buck harvests on the site and its related social media pages. It is a true community that brings together Michigan people with their passions. Friendships – even marriages – have resulted from connections made within in the community.

The brand summarizes what it’s all about with this statement: “Whether you're looking to see how your hunting peers are doing this season or comparing stats from last season to try and put your finger on the optimal time to take that booner you caught on your trail cam over the summer, WWW.MIBUCKPOLE.COM is the hub of your hunting community.”

MIBuckPole.com users have explained the community as a platform for hunters to express excitement about successful harvests and a source of encouragement and inspiration. However, the most interesting component of the site, we believe, is the depth of data the site collects about Michigan’s deer populations across the state. As the Department of Natural Resources faces challenges in collecting data the way it once did, MIBuckPole.com is providing a highly-accurate source for abundant data. Therefore, MIBuckPole.com is critical to preservation and conservation efforts and to the future. Brands like MIBuckPole are positively impacting the lives of our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond – today.

That’s among the many reasons Vanguard is proud to support the MIBuckPole community.

To celebrate our continued relationship, we’ve partnered with MIBuckPole for the MBP/VANGUARD SCOPE GIVE-A-WAY – YOUTH SEASON. Enter to win a VANGUARD Endeavor RS41240D Riflescope, valued at $350.00, now through 11:59 PM ET on Sept. 22, 2016, on MIBuckPole.com by submitting a recent buck harvest shot.

In recent years, Michigan hunters and outdoors people have embraced Vanguard spotting scopes, binoculars and riflescopes, which have earned multiple awards from respected outdoor magazines and websites.

ARE YOU READY FOR FALL?

Vanguard is celebrating this success and 30 years in business this year with mail-in rebate promotions on these bestselling products, valid now through September 30, 2016:

• Take up to $80 off ENDEAVOR ED, ENDEAVOR ED IIand MLB binoculars
• Get a free ABEO 243AV tripod with pan head ($169.99 value) when you purchase an ENDEAVOR HDspotting scope
• Get a free ALTA + 233AO tripod with pan head ($139.99 value) when you purchase an ENDEAVOR XFspotting scope
• Get up to $30 off PIONEERand ENDEAVOR packs to carry gear
• Purchase a VEO tripod, receive a free VEO 37 travel bag

Check out MIBuckPole.com and connect on Facebook.