Category: Hunting Strategies
Different hunting strategies, species targeted, anything worth sharing and spreading for new hunters!
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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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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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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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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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Stick to the Plan!
I consider myself a decent deer hunter and a great archer. Over the course of the past six deer seasons while hunting in North Carolina, I have learned so much. I have spent most of my hours in a tree on some private permission properties that I am very grateful to have the opportunity to… 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
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Building Skills, Relationships and Self-awareness is Why I Love to Hunt!
After my first muzzleloader harvest last evening, I wanted to share some lessons learned while I am still fresh with raw emotion and reflection on my experiences with hunting and this amazing group. I just want to make a shout out to the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program (NewHEMP) for helping me make… Read more