An Update to the ElkNut App Based on Customer Feedback

An Update to the ElkNut App Based on Customer Feedback

Our recent update to the ElkNut mobile app has created quite a stir, and for reasons that have been reiterated to the Got Game Tech and ElkNut teams by many app users. As we’ve mentioned in recent communications regarding the ElkNut app update, we are a small company; we’re limited in time and resources; and we’re just trying to bring you the best elk calling content available not only now, but in to the future. This has always been the driver of every update to the ElkNut app, and it is absolutely the driver behind this new update to the ElkNut app that we are expecting to go live sometime today, October 7 on both the App Store and Play Store. 

This new app update is designed to address the most common piece of feedback we have received from app users: the loss of original one-time purchase content in requiring a subscription under the new app model. With this update, app users will be able to access the original one-time purchase content without paying for a subscription. Users will still need to create a Got Game Technologies account in order to access any content, but payment will only be required to access the new content, which we have labeled as “Pro” content. All future content added to the app, will be assigned this “Pro” designation. Additionally, the new downloads page that allows for better management of downloaded videos and audio files for offline use will also require a subscription (but videos and audio files can still be downloaded one at a time on each call, sequence and tactic page without a subscription). With these perks and additional content in the future, there are definitely reasons to give the subscription a try.

Those of you who have already subscribed to the ElkNut app over the last few weeks will automatically have access to all content on the app, including the Pro content, without having to take any additional steps. Just make sure your app has updated, and then log in with the Got Game Tech email address and password you set up, and you should have access to all content on the app. Your Pro subscription will renew annually, but whether or not you renew, the original content on the one-time purchase app will not require a subscription to maintain access.

We have received much positive feedback from many ElkNut app users regarding the new app, it’s design, features and especially the new content, and we thank all who have shared that with us. To those who have taken the time to share more critical feedback, we also thank you for that. Without it, we would not have grasped where you’re coming from in requesting this type of a change be made.

Overall, we hope that you understand our integrity and commitment to customer service is foremost. We did not overlook these principles in the update released last month. This was never about money or tricking people in to buying the app and then requiring a subscription, and we’ve tried to treat every person fairly who has reached out. But we did miscalculate a number of important considerations in our exuberance to get the app update released and transition over to the subscription model. And we hope that this new update will take care of the vast majority of concerns and critical feedback we have received.

If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us! To troubleshoot any issues with the new version of the ElkNut app, please read here. If you are enjoying the ElkNut app, we’d sure appreciate a positive review on the App Store/Play Store. Thank you for the support, feedback and encouragement over the years

 

How to Redeem a Discount Code for the ElkNut App

Currently this is the easiest way to redeem a discount code for the ElkNut app.

1. Close out of the app and open your web browser. Go to this website: https://ElkNut.app.

2. Log in with your email and password that you have set up on the app. (Or if you haven’t set one up yet, you can set one up here.)

3. Once logged in on the website, click on “Account” in the menu.

4. Scroll down and you’ll see a gray button: “Subscribe w/Stripe”

5. Click on that button. When stripe opens up you’ll see “Add Promotion Code” in red on the left (if you’re on a computer). If you’re on a mobile device, the add promo code option may also be in the upper right corner. Click that and type in your PROMO CODE.

6. You’ll still need to fill in Credit Card info, but your discount code will be applied against any charges.

7. Then you can go back to the mobile app, log out, log back in, and you’ll be good to go.

Q&A – Answering All Your ElkNut App Subscription Update Questions

Since the most recent update to the ElkNut app on October 7, 2022, the below Q&A isn’t completely relevant any more. We’ve found a way to restore original content to one-time purchasers, and require a subscription only for new content added to the app. We appreciate everyone’s patience through this update process as we try to find the best approach going forward. The below information does help tell the story for all the change that we’ve experienced over the last few months, so we want to make sure it’s still accessible to review and consider. 

We have received a lot of questions from our app users that we would like to answer for everyone. We are blessed to have an amazing customer base that has been patient with us as we’ve worked through challenges that have arisen along the way. Thank you for that. And now, to the Q&A.

“Why are you changing to a subscription model?”

I’ve spoken with many of you about this via email, text and phone over the last few days. This has been a decision we’ve wrestled with for a long time. The ElkNut app started as a passion project of ours way back in 2016 after I got my very first taste of archery elk hunting in September and first listened to the ElkNut, Paul Medel, on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast. I figured there had to be a good mobile app tool to teach me how to call elk, and when I didn’t locate any on the App Store, called up Paul and he agreed to give this idea a go. The team, Paul (elk calling expert), Dustin (app developer), Jack (videographer/editor), and Ryan (marketing/brother in law/hunting buddy), and myself (everything else), are trying to side hustle this thing all while working full time day jobs, taking care of our families and hunt with what little time we have left over. (Paul is, as many of you know, retired after a hard-working career in the construction industry doing masonry.) We’re just normal guys trying to keep up with the increasing cost in time and resources demanded by the ElkNut app.

For the last five years we have updated the ElkNut app and kept it current and functional without charging any additional fee beyond that one-time purchase price. Paul has also been very free with his time, providing free podcasts and seminars, and always taking a phone call or responding to an email from a fellow elk hunter.

Without making a change, the ElkNut app would have eventually run out of steam completely, falling behind upgraded phones and devices, stuck in neutral while everything else keeps moving. We made this change to a subscription model to avoid that, as it provides the resources to make regular updates, stay up to speed with technology and keep the content current and increasing.

(Along these lines, here’s a letter that Paul and I put together and sent out via email in early August).

“Why can’t we just go back to the old app?”

Bifurcating the ElkNut app into two apps was an idea that we considered. But in a time when we are trying to better balance the costs and demands of a growing app platform as a very small company, overseeing two ElkNut apps instead of one would have been counter to the reasons that prompted the change to a subscription model in the first place, as discussed above. Thus, we decided to push out the subscription update as a new version of the ElkNut app, which in effect did away with the old version. While the old version is no longer available, we’re confident you’ll love the updated version.

“What does the new version of the ElkNut app have that’s different from the old?”

For starters, we added 28 new videos that clarified or expanded upon elk sounds on the app or added new sequences or tactics. This is the biggest update in terms of content that we’ve ever made to the app.

Next, we redesigned the app to increase readability and visual appeal.

And lastly, we added a number of new features: (1) Got Game Tech user account that will better enable us to communicate with app users in the future. Not having basic contact information for app users like an email address (the App Store and Play Store don’t share that with us when you sign up) has been a real problem, underscored by the fact that many of you did not know the update was coming down the pipe. (2) Home Page, including a News Feed for updates from the team, and a Favorites menu for easy access to your favorite calls, sequences and tactics. (3) Downloads page that makes preparing the app for offline use much easier to manage. (4) Products page to share exclusive offers made available to ElkNut app users; this is an area we hope to better leverage on behalf of our users in a way that also helps offset the annual app subscription cost. (5) #Elknutsuccess page to feature successful elk hunts by the ElkNut team and app users. (6) Web-based app version free to subscribers for desktop computer use.

“I’ve already paid to download the app when it was a one time purchase. Why do I have to pay again?”

Our team, myself and Paul included, have emphasized in the past that the app was to be a one time purchase app. That’s absolutely been said. However, for the reasons discussed above about not wanting the app to go unmaintained and not keep up with new phones and systems into the future, we have had to change our pricing model to maintain the ElkNut app and keep it current and usable into the future.

We do want to make sure we do right by those who bought the ElkNut app under the impression that it would never be a subscription app. That is why we are offering recent app purchasers a free year under the subscription and all other users who convert over a 50% off discount. If however, you do not feel that you have received adequate value from the ElkNut app for the $9.99 USD that you paid for it from your date of purchase until today, please contact me at tayler@gotgametech.com and we will get it worked out.

“Why release the update in the middle of September?”

Timing for this update was not good. It was not our plan to release mid-September. As some of you know, we released the web-based version (also a perk of the new update) on August 1, with plans of the Apple and Android mobile app releases to quickly follow. But the mobile app update took much more time to finish than anticipated, and we didn’t receive an approval from the App Store to release until midday on September 9. We discussed holding off on the app release, but ultimately decided to get it out there so our app users could use and implement the new content and features with some time left in the archery elk season. Thus, the Apple version released Saturday, September 10. 

Our team has been answering emails phone calls and text messages from 6 am to 11 pm every day since then, and will be happy to continue to do so as long as needed to make sure app users can get up and running as soon as possible. I really appreciate your patience as we’ve worked through this update and dealt with some challenges with the App Store subscription approval along the way (more on that below).

“What was going on with the App Store the first four days?”

As stated above, we received approval to release the app on September 9. However, despite approving the app, and without any messaging of any kind, the App Store did not approve the subscription. Having received the green light on the app as a whole, we let ‘er rip at 6 am MT on September 10, and then found out that nothing happened when the subscription button was clicked. We were fortunate to have a technical workaround, but it absolutely complicated the app release. Fortunately, after four days of more work, lots of calls and emails, and sweating bullets, this issue has been resolved, and the subscription button on the Apple version is fully functional.

“What does the subscription cost?

The annual subscription is $14.99 at full price, but is currently available to subscribe for $7.49. I’m not sure you can find many hamburgers that cost less than that.

What if I bought the app recently?”

Anyone who has purchased the app between June 1, 2022 and September 9, 2022 is entitled to a free annual subscription. We’ll also honor this for any app purchase close to this time frame. You can claim this promotion here.

When will the Android version be ready?”

We were ready to release the Android version on September 10 along with the Apple version until we realized there was an issue with the subscription button. Not knowing that it was an Apple-specific issue, we decided to hold off until we had that issue resolved. We have had on offline use bug that has come up recently, and so we’ve held off on the Android release until we’re 100% sure it’s functional. Given the timing with what’s left of the archery elk season, we’ll hold the Android release until October 1.

“A little heads up would have been nice, yeah?”

Prior to this update, which as discussed above gives us the ability to now collect email addresses from users for better communication, we did not have a reliable medium to contact customers.

The old version of the app did not have a reliable mechanism to send messages, but we tried by adding a link in the products section below each elk sound, sequence and tactic on the app announcing the impending update. We also emailed our mailing list, which was based on Paul’s email list when we started working together and our efforts at Got Game Tech over the years. It’s a decent list, but even if everyone on it were an ElkNut app user, which is not the case, it would only have reached about 30% of our app users. We also posted on social media and answered questions as they came up, but many of our app users are not on social media consistently enough to get the message. As a result, this update caught many of you by surprise, some of you in the mountains on hunts, or preparing to do so. We’re very sorry for that and hope we can leverage this new version of the app to better communicate with you.

“How do I get the app working again?”

If you are having trouble subscribing to the ElkNut app, here are some general suggestions to keep in mind.

1. You need to create a new account with Got Game Tech. This is not based on your Apple ID or Play Store email address. As a result, if you have not subscribed yet, you need to click on “Sign Up” rather than “Sign In” and enter your email address and choose your password.

2. If you have recently purchased the ElkNut app, here is the form you fill out to claim your free year. You will need to wait until you get an email back from us with instructions on how to apply your coupon code before continuing to subscribe. I’ve been trying diligently to stay on top of these and respond same day (usually within a couple of hours). If you have submitted the form and not received a reply in 24 hours, please check your junk/spam folder.

3. If you are not a new app user, and you sign up through the App Store for the subscription, you will automatically receive the $7.49 deal. If you instead register through Stripe, which is what we had to do when the App Store subscription button was down, you can use the code ELKNUTOG to claim your discount.

4. You can access the app Home Screen without a subscription, but the rest of the content is locked. To finish subscribing after you log in, you will need to go to the app menu in the upper right hand corner, then select Account. From that page you’ll be able to click on the Subscribe button.

5. Here is a helpful article that discusses the new download page and how you can best use that.

6. For all other technical challenges, please send me an email at tayler@gotgametech.com. I will either respond or direct you to another team member if I’m unavailable (I do hope to get some elk hunting in sometime this month).

Hopefully this addresses some of your concerns with the app update and helps you understand the extent and the timing of it all. We are sorry for the headache that this update has caused many of you. Our goal is to provide a valuable elk calling tool that helps you find more success in the elk woods, and we hope to rebuild any trust, confidence or respect that has been called in to question by this app update. If you have further questions, comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me (tayler@gotgametech.com). Best of luck to you in this and future elk seasons!

 

ElkNut App Update Released!

ElkNut App Update Released!

The ElkNut App team (ElkNut Outdoor Productions and Got Game Technologies) is excited to bring you the best and latest version of the ElkNut App! Below are all the details on how the app is being improved and what will be changing in the coming days. 

ElkNut App is Converting to an Annual Subscription

We are committed to bringing you the best mobile elk calling instruction on the planet. Converting the app over from one-time purchase to a subscription model gives us the ability to do so into the future. You can read more about this decision in a letter from Paul and Tayler here.

Web-based App is Live!

The web-based ElkNut app is live! When an app is web-based, it can be accessed through an internet browser on any device, including smart phones, tablets, and computers. We’ve had many customers request this feature, and we’re excited to bring it to you.

You can access the web-based app platform here. Use the discount code ELKNUTOG to save 50% (if subscribed by August 31, 2022)!

When you create an account on the web-based ElkNut app, and proceed with an annual subscription, you will not have to re-subscribe when the ElkNut mobile app (App Store and Play Store) is updated with this new content and platform.  That update should be ready mid-August at the latest.

 Update Coming Soon to the ElkNut Mobile App on App Store and Play Store

The web-based ElkNut app is effectively a pre-release of the changes that will be rolled out to the mobile version of the app available on the App Store and Play Store. As mentioned, your subscription to the web-based app will be transferrable to the mobile app, and vice versa.

What new content has been added to the new ElkNut app?

The new content update that goes along with this new app platform effectively doubles the amount of elk calling sequences and tactics, including 28 new videos total. These include a few additional points on existing calls, including explaining the difference between chuckles and grunts and more on glunking. The remainder is all focused on calling sequences, setups, and tactics. It’s a huge content upgrade to the app, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

What new features does the new ElkNut app have?

You now have the ability to favorite calls, sequences and tactics for quick access in the new news feed. The news feed is also the place you’ll find recent blog posts made by the ElkNut team and other exclusive subscriber content that will be released through out the year.

We are overhauling the way data is downloaded and managed on the app. The web-based app introduces some of those functionalities in the new Downlaods menu, allowing for quick downloads and data refreshes to pull in any new content recently added to the app. The mobile version will rely on a similar format to ensure that you have access to all the data on the app you need before losing cell service.

The app menu is also easier to locate and navigate. In addition to the new Downloads page, you’ll also find an #elknutsuccess page that pulls in recent posts from the ElkNut team and app users who are using the hashtag to identify successful harvests and hunting experiences. From this menu you’ll also manage your account and annual subscription.

We have also localized our Products page so that users can quickly find available discounts from trusted ElkNut app partners.

How do I save the web-app to my home screen?

For iPhone users: (1) Launch the Safari app; (2) navigate to https://elknut.app; (3) select the share icon in the lower center menu of Safari (square with an arrow coming out the top); (4) scroll down to “Add to Home Screen” (square icon with a plus sign in the middle).

For Android users: (1) Launch the Google Chrome app; (2) navigate to https://elknut.app; (3) tap the menu icon in Google Chrome (three dots in the upper right); (4) click on “Add to Home Screen”; (5) enter the name “ElkNut” and Google Chrome will add to your home screen.

What are your future plans for the app?

Our primary goal with this new update is to provide a steady flow of valuable elk calling instructional content. We are working out ways in which we can gather in the field elk calling interactions between the ElkNut and actual elk. We will also be updating the app with hunting season updates and tips from the ElkNut, and plan to have certain podcasts and events that are free of charge to app subscribers. We are also working to leverage relationships with outdoor industry companies to ensure that ElkNut app users are receiving plenty of bang for their buck in terms of savings on essential elk hunting gear.

As mentioned in our letter to ElkNut app customers (which you can read here), we thank you for your support over the last five years and look forward to interacting with you and helping you develop as an elk hunter well into the future. We are committed to ensuring that your subscription to the ElkNut app is valuable and welcome any questions or suggestions you might have. Now, let’s get after it, as September days in the elk woods are fast approaching!

 

A List of Every ElkNut Podcast Episode on Every Show … Ever

A List of Every ElkNut Podcast Episode on Every Show … Ever

One of the things that makes Paul Medel, aka the ElkNut, such a good elk calling instructor is his enthusiasm for elk hunting! Many of use were introduced to Paul through one podcasting platform or another. In fact, the Got Game Technologies team met Paul after listening to him in 2016 on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast (Episodes 36-37)! Here is as exhaustive of a list as we have been able to compile of every currently available podcast episode featuring the ElkNut (47 total). The headings are hyperlinked so you can access each respective podcast’s website or hosting platform. Paul is also recording a few more episodes with various shows in the ensuing weeks, so this number is only going to go up. We hope you enjoy working back through these episodes–let us know which one is your favorite!

Got Game University (that’s us!)

Season 4 – ElkNut Series
Episode 2 – ElkNut joined by Kody Kellom of BRO Call Co for an Elk Calling Brainstorm

Season 2 – ElkNut Listener Series
Episode 1 – Confidence is Key
Episode 2 – Elk Hunting Early Season
Episode 5 – Consistently Taking Public Land Bull Elk
Episode 9 – Chris Triest and the ElkNut Discuss Fine Tuning Your Elk Sounds
Episode 12 – ElkNut and Jason Phelps Online Elk Calling Seminar

Season 1 – ElkNut Speaks
Episode 1 – How the OTC, DIY Elk Hunter Can Work Every Bull Encountered
Episode 3 – The Most Common Elk Calling Mistakes
Episode 5 – Do Cow Elk Really Make a Special Sound When They’re in Estrus?
Episode 7 – Solo Elk Hunting vs. Hunting in a Group
Episode 8 – Advanced Elk Sounds to Seal the Deal
Episode 9 – Discussing Backcountry Gear, Food and Mental Toughness for Elk Hunting
Episode 10 – What Time in September Should You Hunt?
Episode 11 – Elk Calling Seminar on How to Hunt Early Season Bulls
Episode 12 – ElkNut Breaks Down His 2019 Archery Elk Season

 

 

 


Hunt Backcountry

Episode 36 – Don’t Just Call – “Talk Elk” with Paul the “ElkNut” Medel
Episode 37 – Part 2 with the “Elk Nut”
Episode 93 – Last-Minute Elk Hunting Advice from the “ElkNut”
Episode 138 – The ElkNut Returns
Episode 245 – 5 Favorites – Paul “the Elk Nut” Medel
Episode 305 – The Elk Nut – Paul Medel talks Age, Calling, Pressure and More …

HBC


The Rich Outdoors

Episode 158 – Wapiti Wednesday with ElkNut Paul Medel (Best of the Podcast Episode)
Episode 260 – Wapiti Wednesday with ElkNut Paul Medel

TRO

 

ElkShape Podcast

Episode 83 – The Elk Nut Slow Play
Episode 165 – The ELKNUT is Back & Getting Rowdy – Paul Medel and 40+ Years of Elk Hunting

 

 

 

 

Archery Maniacs

Episode 3 – Specific Elk Calling and Hunting for the DIY Hunter on Public Land with the ElkNut Paul Medel
Episode 37 – From A-Z with ElkNut Outdoor Productions
Episode 40 – Specific Solo Elk Calling, Setups, and Hunting Tactics with Paul Medel of ElkNut Outdoor Productions

AM


Tradquest

Episode 13 – ElkNut Part 1 (Paul Medel) (Best of the Podcast Episode)
Episode 14 – ElkNut Part 2 (Paul Medel)
Episode 62 – The ElkNut on Elk Calling Tactics
Episode 90 – Paul Medel aka Elk Nut on Calling All Bulls
Episode 103 – Paul Medel the ElkNut on Finding Elk

TQ

 

Interviews with the Hunting Masters

Episode 9.44 – ElkNut Paul Medel Part 1
Episode 9.45 – ElkNut Paul Medel Part 2
Episode 9.76 – Paul Medel Elk Stories
Episode 339 – Paul Medel – Calling Unresponsive Elk

IWTHM

 

The Wild Initiative

Episode 79 – Paul “ElkNut” Medel and the Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Elk Vocalization
Episode 241 – Paul “ElkNut” Medel: Sounds and Strategies for Calling in Every Elk

 

 

 

 

 

Western Contours Podcast

April 2021 – Paul Medel: Adjust and Adapt to That Situation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Collar Elk Hunting Podcast

Episode 68 – Finding & Locating Elk with Paul Medel, the ElkNut – Insights Edition
Episode 160 – Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut Hunting Elk with Paul Medel

 

 

 

 

The Western Huntsman Podcast

April 2022 – School of September with Paul Medel

 

 

 

 

Baxter Bowman Backcountry Elk Hunting Podcast

Episode 59 – Everything Elk Calling w/ the ElkNut Paul Medel

 

 

 

 

Living Country in the City

Episode 79 – Paul “ElkNut” Medel and the Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Elk Vocalization

LCITC

 

Battle Mountain Podcast

Episode 40 – Specific Solo Elk Calling, Set Ups, and Hunting Tactics with Paul Medel of ElkNut Outdoor Products

 

 

 

 


By Land Podcast

Episode 110 – Learning to Call Elk with Paul Medel

 

 

 

 

 

Shedding Light Hunting Stories Podcast

Episode 14 – Forest Fire Elk & Charging Bull Stories with Elk Nut Paul Medel