Launch of GoWild app celebrated at Elkhorn Tavern

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The GoWild app launch party was held on Oct. 26 at Elkhorn Tavern.

Blake Fister

An Elkhorn Tavern party on Thursday launched a new app created by a UK alumnus.

GoWild, whose co-founder and CEO Brad Luttrell graduated from UK in 2009, is a social media app for people who love hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

“It’s like Instagram, but for the outdoors,” Luttrell said.

The launch party included clothing giveaways, drink specials and live music from Josh Nolan.

Luttrell said about 170 people came to the event.

Elkhorn Tavern was a great spot to host it because of its cabin-like feel and wildlife atmosphere, GoWild employees said. The huge fireplace in the middle of the bar gave off a warm cozy feeling just like a cabin in the woods.

“We wanted to host the launch party at a place where outdoorsmen and women felt comfortable,” said Blake Carpenter, event promoter and brand ambassador. “I immediately fell in love with this place as soon as I walked in.”

Elkhorn Tavern offered special drink prices to customers who showed their active GoWild profile.

The launch party helped gather users together to interact with one another, which is what the app is all about.

The app has already seen great feedback as users from all around Kentucky have started posting more content.

“I believe there are a lot of students at the University of Kentucky that love hunting and fishing who come from all around the state,” Luttrell said. “I believe they would love the app.”

App users post pictures, comment on other posts and customize and share their own profiles.

The app is completely catered to those who enjoy the outdoors and outdoor activities. Users can use the app to post pictures of their recent catches or pictures of nature they have discovered while hiking or adventuring.

Carpenter said the people using the app are “on there because they actually enjoy the outdoors and activities like fishing and hunting.”

Carpenter said the GoWild app is unique because “no one has created an app for the outdoors lifestyle to our extent.”

The app also includes a navigation page that allows users to pick which feed to post in. There are 41 different categories in total, ranging from bass fishing to survival skills and even turkey hunting. There is even a page strictly for dog photos.

The app has a section of local hiking trails with detailed maps that help users navigate through certain trails and hunting grounds.