Author: Guy
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Find the Food, Find the Deer: Pre-Season Mast Scouting
North Carolina deer hunters often spend late summer hanging trail cameras, clearing shooting lanes, and planting food plots. However, the most critical element of early-season success is already hanging high above your head. Mast—the nuts, berries, and fruits produced by woody plants—is the primary driver of deer movement during the autumn months. Relying on historical… Read more
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Women Step Into the Woods With Confidence at WOSA, Guided by the New Hill Hunter Education & Mentoring Program
The energy at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center on May 30, 2026, was unmistakable: women from across North Carolina arrived ready to learn, try new skills, and take their first steps toward becoming outdoors women. Among the instructors helping make that happen was the New Hill Hunter Education & Mentoring Program, a hands‑on… Read more
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Spring Bushytails: A Guide to the 2026 North Carolina Spring Squirrel Season
When the morning gobbling of turkey season begins to fade, North Carolina hunters don’t have to pack away their gear just yet. The 2026 North Carolina spring gray squirrel season runs from May 11th to May 25th. While traditionally a fall pursuit, this two-week spring window offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the woods during one… Read more
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It’s Truly a Labor of Love
For 20 years, the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program (NHEMP) has been a cornerstone for adults in North Carolina looking to bridge the gap between curiosity and the successful harvest of their first deer. Behind the scenes of its 2026 season—described as the most ambitious yet—is a team that has poured countless hours into refining a… Read more
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The Post‑Season Pivot: Mastering the Art of Late‑Winter Scouting
As the echoes of the final gunshots fade and the orange vests are tucked away, many hunters retreat to the warmth of home. But the period immediately following deer season—often called the post‑season—is arguably the most productive time to scout for next year’s success. Right now, the woods offer a rare level of transparency. By… Read more
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NHEMP 2026: Building Confident, Capable Hunters from the Ground Up, One Skill at a Time
The New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program’s (NHEMP) 2026 season is shaping up to be our most ambitious, empowering, and transformative year yet. This isn’t just a class—it’s a journey. A journey into woodsmanship, confidence, conservation, and the lifelong skills that turn curious adults from non-hunting backgrounds into capable, ethical hunters who feel at… Read more
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Pre‑Season Equipment Maintenance & Readiness: Start the Season Strong
As hunting season approaches, preparation becomes your greatest advantage. The weeks before opening day are the perfect time to make sure every piece of equipment is safe, reliable, and ready for the field. A little focused maintenance now prevents failures later, boosts confidence, and ensures you step into the woods with gear you can trust.… Read more
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Stop Thinking Like a Human: Start Thinking Like a Deer
The Classic Mistake Every hunter, from the rookie with a brand‑new license to the seasoned veteran leaning against a tree, falls into the same trap: we project our own human needs onto deer. This habit—called anthropomorphism—is natural for humans but disastrous for hunters. Deer don’t live by our clocks, our comfort zones, or our emotions.… Read more
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From Field to Freezer: Mastering the Art of Deer Processing
Harvesting a deer is only the beginning of your journey. Properly processing your deer not only delivers premium, delicious meat for your family but also honors the animal and the land with safety and respect. Missed one of our hands-on deer processing events? No worries! Visit our Deer Processing webpage, packed with expert tips to… Read more
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New Hill Hunter Education & Mentoring Program’s 2025 Grand Finale
It was a weekend that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the outdoors, community, and conservation. The final mentored hunt of the 2025 New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program was an unqualified success, a capstone event that provided invaluable, hands-on experience for a new generation of hunters. More than just a harvest, it was a… Read more