How much of what bowhunters believe today was built around equipment from 20 or 30 years ago?In Episode 18, Jake is joined by Dale Perry, owner of Evolution Outdoors, and Jeff Corderro, owner of Barefoot Archery, for a deep dive into broadheads, arrow setup, bow technology, tuning, and some of the biggest debates in modern archery.We talk about why mechanical broadheads developed a bad reputation, how today's bows and broadheads have changed the equation, what the recent arrow-ballistics data actually tells hunters, and why shooters can sometimes use the exact same study to confirm completely opposite opinions.Dale also explains the philosophy behind Evolution Outdoors, why he tells people not to blindly trust product owners, how a hunting problem led him into broadhead design, and why some conventional assumptions about broadhead sharpness, penetration, and deployment may deserve another look.Jeff brings the bow-shop perspective—what he sees from new shooters, what actually matters when setting up equipment, why modern bows have become easier to tune, and what archery shops need to do to stay relevant as customers become increasingly educated online.We cover:Mechanical vs. fixed broadheads, arrow weight, FOC, broadhead flight, penetration, draw weight, paper tuning, bare-shaft tuning, bow efficiency, hunting ethics, shot recovery, the future of archery shops, and why the best answer is often somewhere in the middle.If you're the type of bowhunter who likes to understand why your equipment works instead of simply being told what to shoot, this episode is for you.

In Episode 17, we're joined by Brian Souza, founder and owner of Bizz Baits, to hear the story behind one of North Carolina's homegrown fishing brands.Bizz Baits didn't begin with investors, a factory, or some master business plan.It started as a college marketing assignment.From making baits in apartments and garages to working other jobs just to keep the dream alive, Brian walks us through the years of sacrifice behind building Bizz Baits—and the moments when he genuinely wondered whether he'd wasted his 20s chasing something that might never work.We also dive deep into the fishing side of the business: how new baits are designed, what makes a product stand out in a crowded market, how forward-facing sonar has changed lure development, the economics behind a $5 fishing lure, bait color, salt and scent, manufacturing, and what Bizz Baits is building next.But the biggest lesson from this episode might not be about fishing at all.It's about what happens when the thing you started becomes bigger than you.

Discount Codes:Sitka Charlotte Store 15% off - Podcast15Speed Broadheads 10% off - SSEP10

Speed Broadheads entered an industry dominated by the same fixed-blade-versus-mechanical debate—but their founders believe bowhunters are asking the wrong questions.In Episode 16 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Speed Broadheads to break down the engineering, testing, and hunting philosophy behind their unique broadhead design.We discuss why some mechanical broadheads can lose significant energy during blade deployment, how broadheads may deflect on quartering shots, why fixed blades can become difficult to tune, and why perfect penetration means nothing if the broadhead does not hit where you are aiming.The Speed team also explains how they use high-speed cameras, shooting machines, ballistic gel, plywood, angled-impact testing, low-poundage bows, and crossbows to evaluate broadhead performance.We also cover:Fixed blades versus mechanical broadheads.Why deployment force matters.The difference between a bullet-hole entrance and immediate blade deployment.How wound shape affects blood trails.Broadhead flight and tuning.Heavy arrows versus lighter arrow setups.Why there is no single perfect arrow build.How practice broadheads can produce misleading results.Ethical shot placement and shoulder impacts.The future of Speed Broadheads.Whether you shoot a fixed blade, mechanical broadhead, heavy arrow, or lighter high-speed setup, this conversation will make you reconsider what really matters when choosing your hunting equipment.As always, mention the podcast in the store and recieve 15% off your purchase at check out!! Also, use code SSEP10 at checkout to get 10% off your Speed Broadheead purchase!

In Episode 15, we're joined by Steven Lucius and Chuck McDonald of Wildrose Carolinas, one of the premier retriever training programs in the country. Whether you're raising your first hunting puppy or have hunted over dogs for years, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you build a calmer, more confident, and more capable hunting companion.We dive into the Wildrose philosophy of developing the "Gentleman's Gundog"—a retriever that excels in the field while remaining a trusted family companion at home. Steven and Chuck explain why they intentionally challenge many traditional retriever training methods, what they look for when evaluating young puppies, and the common mistakes that create long-term problems for hunting dogs.We also break down the progression from an 8-week-old puppy to a finished hunting dog, discussing obedience, steadiness, marking, water work, upland and waterfowl introductions, and how one dog can confidently hunt ducks, geese, doves, quail, and more. Finally, we cover summer training strategies, keeping your dog safe in the heat, and how to continue making progress during the off-season.Whether you own a Labrador, are thinking about getting your first hunting dog, or simply want to become a better handler, this conversation is full of timeless advice that every hunter can benefit from.In this episode:The Wildrose philosophy and the "Gentleman's Gundog"What separates Wildrose from traditional retriever programsHow to choose the right hunting puppyThe biggest mistakes owners make during the first 90 daysWhy temperament often matters more than driveBuilding confidence and trainabilityThe complete progression from puppy to hunting companionHow one dog can excel at ducks, geese, doves, quail, and upland huntingSummer training and heat safety tips for gun dogsAs always, mention the podcast in the store and recieve 15% off your purchase at check out!!

n Episode 14 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, we sit down with North Carolina State Deer Biologist April Pope to dive deep into the science behind whitetail deer behavior and how hunters can use it to become more successful throughout the entire season.Topics Covered:• How April Pope became NC's State Deer Biologist• What wildlife biologists actually do• The Triangle Urban Deer Study• A year in the life of a whitetail deer• Early season buck and doe behavior• The truth about the October Lull• Pre-rut and rut movement• Secondary and tertiary rut explained• Mock scrapes, calling, rattling, and scents• CWD management and testing• Why North Carolina needs more doe harvestIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with wildlife biologists, conservation professionals, and some of the most knowledgeable hunters in the country.As always, come into the store and mention the podcast for 15% off your next purchase.

Whether you're chasing whitetails from a tree stand or climbing thousands of feet after elk, your body can become one of your greatest hunting tools—or your biggest limitation.In Episode 13 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, Jacob Norris sits down with Preston Meyer of 1st Phorm Outdoors to explore the intersection of hunting and fitness. From strength and endurance to nutrition, recovery, and mental toughness, Preston explains why preparing your body can make you a more capable, confident, and effective hunter in the field.We dive into Preston's journey to 1st Phorm Outdoors, the mission behind the platform, and why today's hunters should approach training more like athletes. We also discuss common mistakes hunters make before season, the role nutrition and supplementation play on demanding hunts, managing buck fever, and how embracing discomfort builds success both in hunting and in life.Whether you're preparing for your first deer season or your next western adventure, this episode will challenge the way you think about hunting performance.As always, come into the store and mention the podcast for 15% off your next purchase.Learn more about st Phorm Outdoors Here: https://1stphorm.com/pages/1stphormoutdoorsHost: Jake Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson (‪‪@BruteModeCollective‬ )Special Guest: Preston Meyer (@_prestonmeyer_)(@1stphormoutdoors)

Every hunter has a different story—and a different gear setup.For episode 12, we spent the day at the annual SITKA Charlotte Garage Sale talking with hunters from all over the Southeast to learn what they're shopping for, where they're headed this season, and the advice they'd give anyone trying to build the right hunting kit.From first-time hunters to seasoned veterans, you'll hear about upcoming whitetail, elk, turkey, and waterfowl hunts, the gear they refuse to hunt without, and how they make smart decisions when investing in clothing and equipment.Whether you're planning your own hunt this fall or just enjoy hearing hunting stories from fellow outdoorsmen and women, this episode offers an authentic look at our hunting community and the people behind it.Host: Jacob Norris (@jnori15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson ( @BruteModeCollective  )

In Episode 11 of the Sitka Southeast Podcast, we sit down with Jaycey Stone, co-founder of Sisterhood of the Hunt, to discuss why the future of hunting depends on building stronger communities and welcoming more people into the outdoors. Jaycey shares her journey into hunting, the inspiration behind founding Sisterhood of the Hunt, and how the organization is helping women across the country gain the confidence, knowledge, and community they need to become lifelong hunters.We also dive into one of the most overlooked topics in conservation: how hunting license sales and the Pittman-Robertson Act directly fund wildlife management, habitat restoration, and conservation efforts across North Carolina and the United States. From the importance of introducing children—especially daughters—to hunting, to breaking down the barriers that keep new hunters from getting started, this episode explores what it will take to preserve our hunting heritage for future generations.Finally, we discuss the evolution of women's hunting gear, common mistakes new hunters make, the role of mentorship, and why community is one of the most powerful tools we have for growing hunting the right way.Whether you're a lifelong hunter, brand new to the outdoors, or simply passionate about conservation, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and perspectives you won't want to miss.As always, come into the store and mention the podcast for 15% off your next purchase.Host: Jake Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson (‪‪@BruteModeCollective‬ )Special Guest: Jaycey Stone (@sisterhoodofthehunt)

In Episode 10 of the Sitka North Carolina Podcast, we sit down with mechanical engineer, bowhunter, and Additive Archery founder Thomas Pham to dive into the endless world of archery tinkering. From building custom gear to solve his own problems to launching a business centered around innovation through 3D printing, Thomas shares how small adjustments—not constant upgrades—can make the biggest difference in your shooting. We also tackle some of the hottest debates in modern archery, including FOC, broadheads, gear trends, bow setup, and why consistency will always beat chasing the latest fad. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter, an archery gear junkie, or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you better understand your equipment and become a more effective archer.

As always, come into the store and mention the podcast for 15% off your next purchase.

Host: Jake Norris (@jnorri15)

Co-Host: Landon Pearson (‪ ⁨@BruteModeCollective⁩ )

Special Guest: Thomas Pham ( ⁨@Fulldraw_Tundra⁩ )

Episode 9 of the Sitka Southeast Podcas, Jake and Landon are joined by a very special guest, John Barklow—Senior Product Manager for Hunting at Sitka Gear and the driving force behind SITKA’s whitetail and western big game systems.In this episode, John walks us through his incredible journey from joining the U.S. Navy at 19, to decades of military service training special operations communities in extreme mountain environments, to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern hunting gear design. We get into the work behind the scenes at SITKA—how new products are designed, tested, and refined before ever reaching the hunter. We also cover the Fall 2026 lineup, including deep dives into whitetail and western systems and much, much more.As always, come into the store and mention the podcast for 15% off your next purchase.Host: Jake Norris (@jnorri15)Co-Host: Landon Pearson ( @BruteModeCollective  )Special Guest John Barklow ( @knowledgefromstorms8262  )