Online bragging rights

Hunters don’t like to brag about their big kills.

That’s a lie. Hunters love to brag about their big kills.

Based on that fact, brothers Devon and Blaine Cox combined forces with long-time friend Zach Pitts, all grew up in Dixon, and created a space where hunters of all kinds could show off their kill to as many people as possible.

Enter www.nonameoutdoors.com.

The idea is the brainchild of Devon Cox. He earned an MBA from Eastern Washington University and came up with the business plan. He approached his brother and Pitts for input and the out came the Web site. It is a happy marriage between the internet and traditional brag boards, minus the nagging. Hunters are able to sign up for a free account, create a profile and instantly start sharing photos, stories, legends and myths.

“It is a virtual brag board,” Pitts said, who now lives and works in Kalispell.

Fish, deer, birds and many other animals are all subjected to having their picture posted along with the tale of how it was taken down.

“Hunting is challenging,” Pitts said. “People like to share their stories. There’s a common bond. We stick up for each other.”

Before the Web site, finding those stories was the problem. Pitts said he would sit online and search, sometimes unsuccessfully, for long periods of time. 

“Instead of using Google for three hours to look at pictures for 15 minutes, it takes 15 minutes to find pictures to look at for three hours,” Pitts said. “Other Web sites have tried to do something like this, but not quite. This has functionality. It’s a full-fledged photo-sharing site.”

With the site, hunters can share their stories with anyone that has access to the internet.

Each member’s trophy room is where their pictures can be posted.

A blog is updated frequently with tips and stories, the gear review section sheds light on the newest swag and the game preparation area is an online recipe book for hunters.

Picture of the week highlights one hunter’s real story while the internet legends tab showcases larger-than-life legends that are usually circulated through e-mails with titles in all caps followed by multiple exclamation marks. The myths are then busted.

This venture isn’t the first time Devon and Pitts have gone into business together.

When the two were younger, they both dreamed of going into business together.

At the age of eight, they started a service business in their hometown of Dixon. The first service was free, but the patron was charged for every service after. The trio picked June bugs among other things.

The always-dependable Kool-Aid stand was another business venture that didn’t quite get off the ground.

A couple years later, they tried to imitate a Mongolian grill restaurant in Missoula by cooking instant Noodles, draining the water and cooking them in vegetable oil.

That didn’t get off the ground either.

Pitts went on to attend Ronan High School while the Blaine and Devon went to Charlo without the successful business they had hoped for.

In the beginning of September 2009, their dream became a reality when they launched No Name Outdoors.

With the mantra “all game, no name,” the forum allows hunters to keep their secret spots locked up in the vault while sharing the best take from the undisclosed area since no self-respecting hunter will give up the name of his or her best spot.

“You want to share the story, but not the place,” Pitts said.

More than 5,000 people have visited the website since its creation from 40 countries but the majority are from Montana.

Starting the venture was more work than Pitts thought. On top of his 40-hour per week job, he estimated he spent another 20 hours working on the plan.

In December 2009, the crew entered into a contract with a new design company in order to accomidate a few changes, including a more user-friendly layout.

E-mail notification is a function soon to be added, so when a member’s friend posts new pictures, an e-mail will be sent out. Pitts said the founders would also like to add video capabilities.

The goal is for the website to expand with advertising and users.

“We would like it to grow to the point so other people can make a living,” Pitts said.