In Episode 53 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike is joined by returning guest Jamie Brady of the North Carolina Deer Hunters Association - this time recorded on site at the 2026 Dixie Deer Classic in Raleigh, NC!

Jamie shares what the NCBA is doing at the show, including scoring deer, hosting the popular photo contest, and promoting their mission. If you've ever attended the Dixie Deer Classic, you know it's one of the biggest gatherings of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the region - and the NCBA is right in the middle of it all.

The conversation also dives into the fast-growing sport of bowfishing - why it's so exciting, how it compares to traditional bowhunting in the fall, and why more hunters are getting hooked on it.

With Spring right around the corner, Mike and Jamie talk Turkey - specifically, strategies for harvesting a gobbler with a bow. From setup tips to shot placement, this is a must-listen for any bowhunter looking to take on the challenge this season.

They also discuss the upcoming annual NCBA banquet and how you can get involved in supporting bowhunting and conservation efforts across North Carolina.

Whether you are a seasoned bowhunter, new to the sport, or just love all things outdoors, this episode is packed with insight, stories and plenty of hunting talk.

https://www.ncbowhunter.com/

Mike sits down with Dwight Dean of Colonial Farm Credit to talk about one of the most important steps toward owning your own piece of land - Financing.

Whether you're dreaming of buying hunting land, recreational property, farmland, or a place to build your future home, Dwight breaks down the land loan process, what lenders look for, and how buyers can best prepare before making a purchase. They discuss loan programs available for rural land buyers, and practical tips that can help turn the dream of land ownership into reality.

Mike and Dwight also talk about how organizations like Colonial Farm Credit help support rural land owners and outdoor lifestyles across Virginia and the Carolinas.

And since turkey season is right around the corner, the conversation naturally shifts to chasing longbeards, spring scouting, and the excitement that comes with the start of another hunting season.

if you've ever thought about owning your own hunting property or rural land, this episode is packed with vauable insight to help get you started.

https://www.colonialfarmcredit.com/

https://www.southernpineoutdoors.com/

#huntingpodcast

In episode 51 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike travels to Burlington, NC to sit down with Carson Koury of Final Draw TV for an in-depth conversation about chasing mature whitetails, producing outdoor television, and what it takes to be consistent in the deer woods.

Carson shares his journey into the hunting industry, how Final Draw TV was built, and the mindset required to target and harvest mature bucks year after year. We dive into scouting strategies, in-season adjustments, speaking deer language, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. If you're serious about improving your deer hunting game, this episode is packed with practical insight and real world experience.

Whether you're managing your own land, hunting public ground, or just dreaming about that next "final draw" moment - this episode will fire you up for next season!

#huntingpodcast #virginiacarolinadeertracts #finaldrawtv

https://thefinaldraw.com/

Mike is joined by a very special guest as Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts hits the big 50 episode mile stone! In this episode, Mike welcomes back Shawn Mills, original co-host, for a fun. laid back conversation packed with knowledge, reflection, and plenty of laughs.

With deer season in the rearview mirror, Mike and Shawn dive into what hunters should be doing right now. They break down key lessons learned from the past season, how to apply those takeaways to next year, and why the post-season is one of the most important times to set yourself up for success.

Of course, it wouldn't be a reunion episode without plenty of stories, camaraderie, and laughs, making this one a must for long time listeners and new fans alike.

Whether you are hanging up your gear for a bit or already thinking about next fall, this episode is packed with insight and good times. Thanks for being a part of the journey, here's to the next 50!

Mike is joined by Ben Fairbanks, the Archery Education Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR), to break down everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 Archery Open, coming January 10th to Richmond, VA.

Ben tells us what participants can expect at this year's event, including competition classes, pay outs, new features, youth involvement, education initiatives, and why the Archery Open continues to grow as one of Virginia's premier archery gatherings. Whether you're a seasone bowhunter, a competitive shooter, or a family looking to get involved in archery for the first time, this episode will get you fired up for January 10th!

https://dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open/

#huntingpodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Brady, current interim and past president of the North Carolina Bowhunters Association (NCBA), for an in-dpeth look at the organization's rich history, traditions, and impact on the bowhunting community including a touching story of the organization is rallying together to help one of their own.

https://ncbowhunters.wildapricot.org/

Jamie walk us through the NCBA's origins and how it has grown into a powerful force for conservation, education, and ethical bowhunting over the past 5 decades.We also highlight the 50th anniversary celebration, featuring legendary bowhunter and outdoor icon Tom Miranda as the guest speaker.

Jamie shares his personal journey in archery, including receiving the prestigious Fred Bear Award, one of the highest honors in the NCBA. We also dive into the NCBA's efforts to get youth involved in archery, fostering the next generation ethical hunters nd outdoor enthusiasts.

From charitable initiatives to community outreach, the NCBA continues to lead the way in philanthropy within the outdoor world-and Jamie gives us an inside look at the many ways their work is making a difference across North Carolina.

If you love bowhunting, conservation, or stories that inspire, this is an episode that you won't want to miss.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Jason Schmitt, the events coordinator with Hunters for the Hungry, an incredible organization helping to provide millions of meals to families in need across Virginia. Jason breks down exactly how the program works, how hunters can donate venison, how anyone can contribute financial support, and why community involvement matters more than ever.

We also cover the full calendar of events, raffles, and fundraising opportunities that help keep the mission alive. Whether you're a hunter, conservationist, or someone who simply cares about helping others, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Of course, we can't sign off without diving into Jason's YouTube channel, Struttin Obsessions, where he shares hun ts, outdoor adventures, and educational content that celebrates the lifestyle we all love.

https://h4hungry.org/

In this episode, Mike interviews Justin Folks, Deer Project Leader of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VA DWR), for a deep, informative conversation on one of the most important - and oftern misunderstood - topics in modern whitetail management: doe management.

Justin breaks down the science behind maintaining a balanced deer herd, why doe harvests matter, and how it all ties back to producing healthier deer and bigger bucks. Whether you are a new hunter or a seasoned land manager, this discussion is packed with insights that can transform the way that you look at whitetail populations.