Tag: deer hunting
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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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Opening day, Appalachian Mountains
This trip kept my spirits high all week. Fresh off a business trip and on Dan’s birthday, we headed to the Appalachians for opening day of deer season. Last year was freezing; despite seeing deer the night before, we only got one with a lucky shot right before legal time ended and had to wait… 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
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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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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
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Why a True Zero is a Hunter’s Best Friend
Hunting season is a time of high anticipation and preparation, but all the expensive gear and careful scouting in the world mean nothing without a properly sighted-in rifle. An ethical, clean kill relies on accuracy, and that accuracy comes from the time you invest at the shooting range. This is where you learn to trust… Read more
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Where Did All the Deer Go?
Understanding Mast Years and Their Impact on Deer Behavior If you’ve ever spent a fall season scanning fields and food plots for deer, only to come up empty-handed, you’re not alone. Many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts find themselves puzzled during what’s known as a “mast year”—a season when oak trees produce an unusually large crop… Read more
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Scouting Mast-Producing Trees Now for a Successful Deer Season
Late August is the perfect time to scout your hunting grounds for mast-producing trees that will feed deer from September through November. By identifying trees and vines already showing young fruit, you’ll be able to pinpoint future hotspots and set up stands with confidence. 🌳 Top Mast Sources to Scout 🔍 Scouting Tips Scouting now… Read more
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A Day in the Woods: Mentoring, Teamwork, and Prepping for Deer Season
This past weekend, our New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program held a pre-season workday in the woods—and what a productive and rewarding day it turned out to be. With deer season fast approaching, students and mentors came together with a shared mission: to get our hunting stands fully prepped and safe for the months… Read more