200 posts is an easy way to whittle down the numbers and make sure I don't have to keep track of a hundred dudes. This is also a party, and it helps make sure I probably know the guy dancing on the table. And, what's the fun of having non gear-junkies hunt without their toys? That'd just be a Tuesday.Why 200 posts? I thought this contest was about bare bones hunting, not gear. As this has "become" a "gear-forward" site, a 200 post qualification seems to favor participation of gear junkies over those less interested in that sort of thing. A paying membership requirement I get, so as to not overwhelm and undermine the forum.
Also, other than supporting a mom and pop, I'd say the bucket requirement is contrary to your vision. It introduces gear that other hunters would and could do without. So it's still a gear forwards contest, even though the particular gear is an opportunity for some fun and games. Nevertheles, it excludes still hunters and trackers who might best prove your thesis.
But I get that the bucket is kinda your thing and the comtest is really just a spot of nonsense and fun to be had.
Can't wait to see the harvest by a guy with a 5gal bucket and 5k xbow.
The trick is this has to be a Thing® or nobody will participate. I did think about requiring no camo, no gear that didn't fit in your pockets, or hunting with a sub $200 weapon, and all kinds of things that are just not practical. The bucket isn't perfect, but it doesn't really exclude anybody. I just called the local hardware store and a bucket is $5.69. That means nothing to folks on here and a tiny bit to a small shop.
It's just a spot of nonsense.
@Schwonkhead if you tell me how you chose your user name, write up a post about a good bucket hunt with your grandpa, and can get 2 other competitors to sponsor you, I'll bend the rules.