Category: Before the hunt
All posts that fit into this category
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Elevated Stand Work: Safety, Teamwork, and Season Readiness
Field Day 4 brought the FLOC crew back together on May 30th for one of the most hands-on sessions of the year—and arguably one of the most important. The agenda centered on something every hunter needs to take seriously: the safe takedown, relocation, and reinstallation of an elevated tree stand. What unfolded was a textbook Read more
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Ready for the Stand: Gearing Up for Opening Day
Field Day 3 of the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program delivered one of the most action-packed days of the year, blending hands-on safety skills, gear clinics, and a visit from a North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officer into a day that left participants more prepared than ever for the season ahead. When Things 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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From the Ground Up: Building the Infrastructure That Makes Hunting Possible
Saturday, April 25, 2026, marked the second work day of the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program’s 2026 season, and participants didn’t just learn about hunting—they built it. With tools in hand and mentors at their side, the group spent the day tackling the kind of real-world equipment work that experienced hunters know is Read more
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From the Woods to the Field: Building Skills That Put You on Deer
Saturday, March 21, 2026, brought the second field day of the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program, pushing participants deeper into the practical skills that turn a hopeful hunter into a confident one. With boots on the ground and mentors by their side, attendees spent the day learning to read the landscape—and the deer 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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Finding the Perfect Load: My Journey Through Cartridge Selection for NC Deer Hunting
Efficiency Redefined After many years behind a rifle at the range, I finally made the transition to hunting North Carolina whitetails. My background was in target shooting and long-range precision work—sessions at 500 to 1000 yards, chasing tight groups and learning to read wind. I was heavily into reloading, fascinated by the interplay of ballistics, 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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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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Great experience with good people.
Had an amazing experience with NCLearntohunt! The instructors were knowledgeable, patient, and made learning the basics of deer hunting both fun and safe. From tracking and field safety to understanding regulations, every part of the workshop was hands on and engaging. It really gave me a new appreciation for conservation, responsibility, and the outdoor lifestyle. Read more