If you're not using the Internet to scout, research and plan hunts, then you're zanier than a black bear on fermenting fruit. It's one of the best tools out there to get information before you invest dollars into firsthand scouting and hunting preparation.

Here's a quick rundown of what you can find there. First, you can visit websites that specialize in hunting. You're at one of those sites right now. Read the articles, browse the blogs and scan the forums. Trust me, you'll find some tidbit on a new hunting location, a great gear item or even a controversy you weren't aware of yet.

I believe the forum areas offer some of the best information. Hunters across the country, even the globe, love to share information. They may not give you the GPS coordinates to their hotspot, but I've perused enough websites to know most hunters are more than willing to offer information on units, public land and even trophy honey-holes.

Some of the most detailed information is found on state game and fish agency websites. You can research hunting success rates, success rates in drawing tags, game population data, public land access and more than enough information to put a hunt plan in play.

Finally, don't forget Facebook. This popular social website has 500 million active users. I'm not an Internet expert, but I believe you'll find a hunting friend or two out there in e-space. I've been dropping a few messages and videos on the North American Hunting Club Facebook page, and if you search for "Mark Kayser (public figure)" you can pick up additional hunting information from time to time. And don't forget to leave me a message!

The Internet is great, but it still can't replace a day in the field. Surf safely. I hope to see you in the field, as well as meet you in the virtual world.