I take both of them but if I had to choose I would take Huntin' Fool hands down. I like Eastman's, but it's my bathroom reading. When I get serious about where to apply Huntin' Fool is my Bible. I have to admit after being a member for a few years I'm a raving Huntin' Fool fan, so I might be biased.
It's hard to compare the two, not even in the same league. Eastman's is a magazine and Huntin' Fool is a membership with a ton of perks, their magazine is just one of the perks.
Huntin' Fool is more expensive but honestly I would pay double what they ask for what I get. As mentioned by others their member draw database alone is priceless. For a unit I drew in Colorado they sent me a list of 10 guys who have hunted the same unit the last few years. It's unbelievable how much info their members are willing to share.
Love HF's online personalized member portfolio, if you apply in multiple sates it's a great way to keep track of all of your apps and points in each state. I build points in most states that offer them, I use their website a lot. Not to mention stats and maps, killer custom maps. I just got one back that I ordered for a place in central Utah?it's awesome.
Like comparing apples and oranges, but even when you compare hunting stories I just looked at two back issues, Eastman's prints about 9 in each of their 6 issues and HF prints about 20 in each of their 12 issues.
A word of warning, don't rely on Eastman's MRS information. I've noticed as well that their state reviews are based on 1 year old data. In their '09 magazines they recommended a few units that I didn't see in HF. After referring to the regulations for each state I noticed those units had been closed for '09. Huntin' Fool always waits to cover each state until after the state comes out with the current year units and regulations, big, big, big deal if you rely on their info.
Wow, long post, haven't posted in years but had some strong feelings after discovering the old intel in Eastman's this year. Plus when you try and call them they don't take or return calls, I love the way I can call the HF consultants anytime and ask about specific questions I have about each state and the units I'm hunting.
One other thing that bugs me is the "Eastman's Way" high horse. They always preach Public Land DIY hunts, but a lot of their hunts seem to be guided on private land, just watch the TV show. I'm not against private land hunts or outfitted hunts, I hope to go on many of them some day, just hate the high horse they always seem to be jumping off whenever they get a chance. Don't be preachy if you can't do it your own "way."
. I just ordered HF. I'm a magazine junkey, and have a subscription to just about all of them : EHJ, EBJ, Hunting Illustrated, Trophy Hunter and Muley Crazey - not to mention a couple of taxidermy magazines. One of these days I'll have time to do something besides just look at the pictures.
