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.

In episode 45 of the Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts podcast, Mike is joined by fellow Virginian Brian Thacker, team member of Lone Wolf Custom Gear and Whitetail Addictions. Brian breaks down his early season success tagging a giant buck named Tank, the challenges of self-filming, becoming a member of Lone Wolf Custom Gear and so much more!

https://www.lonewolfcustomgear.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqXCsrJ9Uxs4GOKG6BZ6HniF9s1PmXiNOGrJPbGw9F4fbBdJv_v

https://asiogear.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorCK0_OZ0n4Z4Z1DzpEdp3Rb75w4MXR6KxMgbGFfnjfsr9eRFAM

#huntingpodcast #hoytarchery

Virginia Carolina Deer Tracts Podcast Ep.44

In this episode, Virginia native Dustin Plummer joins the show to share the story of his record-breaking 8-point buck, officially scored as the new Virginia State Record!

Dustin breaks down how the hunt unfolded - from scouting and setup to the moment of truth - and what it means to take such a legendary whitetail in the Old Dominion. if you love big buck stories and deer hunting, you don't want to miss this one!

In Episode 43, Mike welcomes Virginia native Jason Whitlow, team member of Seek One, to share his hunting story. Jason talks about how he got started in hunting, his path into suburban deer hunting, and how he became part of the Seek One hunting team. We also dive deep into the story of his giant Virginia buck, "Pops", one of the most incredible whitetails ever taken in the state!

#seekone #suburbanhunting #whitetailhunting #virginiadeerhunting

In this episode, Mike sits down with Jon Cooper, a proud Virginia native who was named the 2024 Deer Manager of the Year by the National Deer Association (NDA). Jon shares his expertise on land and deer management, offering practical tips for improving habitat, enhancing herd health, and setting up your property for long term success.

With Archery season right around the corner, we also spend some time discussing early season strategies - from scouting to morning hunts vs afternoon hunts - so you can make the most of those crucial first weeks of deer season. Whether you manage larger tracts of land or hunt smaller acreage, Jon's proven methods and real-world experience provide valuable insights for hunters and landowners alike.

Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and elevate your own hunting and management game!