In case you didn’t know, I recently moved to a town where I know no one. NO ONE. I don’t have my usual places to get outside. I don’t have they same people that I like to get outdoors with.

At first, it was hard. I just want to do the things I love, but not knowing anyone makes it 10x more difficult. Where can I go fishing? Can I safely hike solo? How do I meet people that like the same things as me?

I’ve been here for almost two months now and I’ve found a few things that have helped me do the things I love.

1. The Internet.
   • The internet is seriously your best friend. First up, blogs. Try searching things online like “Boise outdoors” or “hunting idaho”. Now days, the odds you’ll find a blog talking about something around you are pretty good.
   • Instagram rules the world (or maybe that’s just the social media guru in me). Luckily, you can use hashtags and location tags to search and find people near you that love the same things. A new age way to make a friend, perhaps?
   • Facebook. You guys… I. Love. Facebook groups. Moving here, I was able to join 208 Hunters, 208 Anglers, Girls Who Hike Idaho, PNW Outdoor Women, Women Who Hike Idaho, Idaho Hunt and Fish, Women Who Explore: Idaho, Hike Club – Boise Chapter, PNW Waterfowl Addicts and Idaho Chapter of BHA. That’s a lot! It’s so awesome because it has emerged me in the outdoor community of my neck of the woods! And there are hikes all the time that I can join if I wish! Also, keep an eye on Facebook events. A lot of our local conservation focused organizations put all their awesome events on Facebook!
2. Volunteering.
   • When I first moved, I knew an awesome way to meet people was to volunteer. So ultimately, I posted in one of those Facebook groups and asked where I should get involved. The list was so long and full of invitations to join local organizations. So. Awesome. My top recommendation for you? Join a group like your local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Chapter. Recently, I volunteered for my local RMEF’s Women for Wildlife event and it helped me meet so many people who love conservation, too!
   • And maybe don’t want to join a conservation only focused organization. I’m also getting involved with a organization of philanthropic women here in Boise–I’ll share more when it’s more official. This organization has “clubs” within it where women can go hiking, flyfishing and more together–all while getting that networking in!
   • If you are really unsure where to start, get in contact with your Fish and Game office. They always have volunteer opportunities. Mine specifically really needs Hunter’s Education teachers, which I found out through the connections I made thanks to RMEF.
3. Ask around.
   • One day I drove around for so long trying to find public river access. Unsuccessful, for what I wanted anyway. Things are hard in a concrete jungle. I decided to reach out to someone I know that used to live in the area and ask where his favorite spots were. You can also ask coworkers. I have a coworker that has gave me all the details on the best places to shoot in town and outside of town!

I hope this helped you if you’re searching for ways to get involved in your new community and meet people!

Let me know in the comments if any of these ideas worked for you.

-Kylee