Tag: New to hunting
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
From Complete Beginner to Confident Hunter: Your Adventure Awaits
Saturday, February 7, 2026, marked an exciting milestone for a group of aspiring hunters who gathered for the kickoff of the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program. For many attendees, this wasn’t just another weekend workshop—it was the beginning of a transformative journey into the world of deer hunting, built on confidence, community, and… Read more
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Beyond the Harvest: Celebrating a Mentored Hunt with New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring
For the students of the New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program, the recent mentored hunt was more than just a trip into the woods—it was the culmination of countless hours of training and a defining step in their journey to becoming responsible, ethical hunters. While no deer was harvested during the evening and morning sits, the… Read more