Economy has a lot to do with the uptick in outfitter bookings, some with the DIY.

Social media hunters are just the next generation of the Chuck Adams, Dwight Schu (sp?) generation. The media then was magazines, now it's internet, in between were TV shows (Real Tree crew, Waddel etc.)

The draw of the west is the mountains, but also the diversity of species. I grew up in New England (MA/NH) but just moved west. Wife and I now hold tags for 2 big game species and hopefully 3 when the draw comes out today. There's several more we haven't tried for. Eastern hunting is BORING. Sitting in a tree waiting for a random deer! West you go after them, much more fun!