08/28/2026
Our archery season is very close now across NC. If you plan to bow hunt, practicing with that bow and the arrows you intend to hunt with is the best way to end with a successful bow kill. I have been as guilty as anyone about not shooting enough prior to the hunt AND not taking time to practice even after the season begins. The hunters that score during this early season consistently, spend the time at practice so in the moment they can make that shot. The buck in my photo is a deer that I hunted for three seasons. I wounded him on opening day in 2007. An arrow that flew low and sliced his breast bone due to a too-worn bowstring and a knock set that moved just a little. My inattention to my equipment cost me the "easy" shot and wounded the buck. I hunted him that season and 2008 without success. I killed him opening morning of 2009 with a solid arrow hit. I learned from that earlier hunt to not take anything for granted and frequent practice can give you the edge that you need in the moment.