A pricier bow won’t fix a shaky shot, and that’s exactly where we go today. We unpack why fundamentals—not accessories—decide whether your arrows fly clean or drift off, and we break the process into three pillars you can master: a torque-free grip, a repeatable anchor tied to proper draw length, and a calm, shot execution that kills target panic instead of feeding it. Zakk brings shop-floor experience to common problems like white-knuckling the riser, overlong draw lengths that fake consistency at 20 yards, and the classic karate-chop trigger that ruins groups once you stretch to 40 and beyond.

We get practical fast. You’ll learn how to seat the grip along the lifeline at a 45-degree hand angle, relax the fingers while keeping pressure consistent, and use the “tip of the nose, corner of the mouth” cue to build a stable anchor. We walk through starting draw length from wingspan/2.5, then show how posture reveals whether you’re too long or too short. For release execution, we cover deep trigger placement around the second knuckle, keeping the rear elbow in line, and pulling through the shot for a true surprise break. We also talk about training with a hinge to reset timing habits, using distance to expose flaws, and filming your shot cycle to catch what you can’t feel.

If your bow is tuned but your groups won’t tighten, this is the blueprint to turn confusion into control. Expect cleaner paper tears, steadier pins, and confidence that holds up in trees, on uneven ground, and across 3D courses. Invest in your form, build your woodsmanship, and let the gear serve your process—not the other way around. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s chasing gadgets, and leave a quick review with the one fundamental you’re working on next.

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The question isn’t just “Is a crossbow a bow?”—it’s what archery season is supposed to mean. We sit down to unpack New York’s decision to allow crossbows throughout the entire archery season, why the change matters, and how it collides with tradition, ethics, and the rapid march of hunting technology. From shop stories about blown limbs and mis-cocked rigs to real talk about broadhead tuning, safe handling, and shot selection, we focus on the one thing that truly decides outcomes: preparation.

We explore who benefits most from crossbows—new hunters, kids, seniors, and those with shoulder injuries—and why access can strengthen the entire hunting community. At the same time, we challenge the idea that “easier” always means better. Do faster bolts and crank systems encourage risky long shots? Are electronic ranging sights, live trail cams, and blood-tracking apps pushing fair chase too far? We compare the realities of drawing a compound at 20 yards to flipping a safety on a crossbow, and ask whether season structures should evolve—separate windows, tech limits, or combined seasons guided by hunter input and biology.

Our take lands on balance: welcome more people into the woods, raise the bar on education and ethics, and draw lines where technology undermines the hunt rather than where people find a way back into it. If you’ve got strong feelings about crossbows diluting the spirit of bowhunting—or you see them as a vital on-ramp—this conversation is your place to sharpen the argument, not just repeat it.

Enjoy the episode, then tell us where you stand. Subscribe, share with a hunting partner, and leave a review with your best case for or against crossbows in archery season—what line would you draw?

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A sobering wake-up call strikes the hunting community as we examine the tragic loss of two young bow hunters in Colorado's backcountry. When lightning claimed the lives of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko—both experienced outdoorsmen—it highlighted a danger many of us never consider when planning our hunts.

The mountains of Colorado host nearly half a million lightning strikes annually, creating a deadly scenario where afternoon storms can build with frightening speed. Through this tragedy, we uncover critical safety lessons every hunter should implement before heading into remote terrain. From proper positioning during storms (avoiding ridgelines and isolated trees) to spreading out from hunting partners by at least 50 feet, these simple tactics could mean the difference between life and death when lightning threatens.

Beyond weather awareness, we dive deep into the communication and gear essentials that form the backbone of backcountry safety. Satellite communicators only work when you've properly set them up before your trip—not when you're frantically reading instructions during an emergency. Quality rain gear isn't just about comfort; it prevents potentially fatal hypothermia after storms pass. Most importantly, we discuss knowing when to retreat and how to establish check-in protocols with loved ones back home. While hunting stories typically celebrate success and harvests, this powerful reminder shows why safety planning must be the foundation of every hunting expedition.

Share this episode with your hunting partners and start the conversation about your lightning safety plan today. What's in your emergency kit? How would you respond if caught in a sudden storm? These discussions aren't just interesting—they could save your life on your next backcountry adventure.

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Choosing the right broadhead might be the most crucial gear decision you'll make as a bowhunter, yet countless hunters struggle with this selection. With North Carolina's archery season opening tomorrow, host Zakk Plocica tackles the confusing world of broadhead selection with clarity and practical advice based on scientific testing.

Recent ballistic testing by James Yates and Easton reveals what many experienced archers have long suspected: mechanical broadheads fly significantly truer than fixed blades for most hunters. At 70 yards, mechanicals grouped at 4 inches compared to fixed blades' 7-inch groups in controlled testing. This difference becomes even more critical when you factor in the pressure and adrenaline of an actual hunting situation.

Zakk makes a compelling case that most hunters especially those who don't shoot year-round or lack advanced tuning knowledge should choose mechanical broadheads. Popular options like Sevr, G5 Mega Meat, Grim Reaper Whitetail Special, and Schwacker consistently demonstrate field-point accuracy while creating devastating wound channels. The common fear of mechanical failure is largely overblown, especially when weighed against the accuracy advantages they provide.

For those committed to fixed blade broadheads, Zakk emphasizes the importance of proper bow tuning, extensive practice, and thorough testing. The Evolution Jackal and Iron Will 100 performed best among fixed blades in testing, but still require more technical knowledge to shoot effectively. Additional considerations like noise (vented versus solid heads), vane configuration, and blood trail production should factor into your decision based on your hunting environment.

The most critical takeaway? You must test before you hunt. Sacrifice one broadhead from your pack to thoroughly understand how it performs with your setup ideally weeks before opening day, not days. Your confidence in the woods directly correlates with your familiarity with your equipment's performance. Simplicity and reliability trump marketing claims every time.

What broadhead are you running this season, and what led you to that choice? Share your experiences and join the conversation about this crucial piece of bowhunting equipment!

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When Kolby Hanley started 3D printing archery accessories in his Georgia Tech dorm room, he never imagined he was building what would become one of the industry's most innovative brands. In this candid conversation, the 28-year-old UltraView Archery founder shares the remarkable journey from selling water bottles at tournaments to fund his first equipment to partnering with industry giant Mathews in just five years.

Behind UltraView's polished exterior is a story of bootstrapped growth, relentless innovation, and deep industry relationships built long before the company existed. "Most people think we're backed by private equity or daddy's money," Hanley reveals, "when actually we're just a couple dozen freakishly passionate young guys trying to make something cool." This transparency extends to his business philosophy "If your product sucks, your marketing is a lie" and his approach to dealer partnerships, which he considers critical to the company's success.

Particularly valuable for archery retailers is Hanley's insight into what makes dealers successful in today's market. He identifies key factors including inventory management, community building, and effective e-commerce strategies. "Our best dealers are able to draw people to them," he explains, noting that shops must extend beyond physical retail to thrive. The conversation also explores product development, balancing direct sales with dealer support, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to build something meaningful in a niche industry.

Whether you're a dealer looking to strengthen your business, an industry professional curious about UltraView's meteoric rise, or an archer interested in the stories behind your favorite gear, this episode offers rare insight into the realities of building a successful archery brand. Follow Kolby's personal journey on Instagram @kolby_hanley for behind-the-scenes glimpses of what's coming next.

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Success leaves clues. After years of conversations with consistently successful bow hunters, a clear pattern emerges – three distinct traits that separate the truly elite from those who occasionally get lucky.

The first trait is composure under pressure. When that moment of truth arrives and a mature animal presents a shot opportunity, these hunters maintain remarkable control over their physiological responses. Heart rates steady, breathing calms, and execution becomes almost mechanical. This isn't magical or mystical – it comes from thousands of hours of practice, physical fitness that carries over into hunting scenarios, and intimate familiarity with equipment. These hunters don't just pick up their bows before season; archery is woven into their year-round lifestyle. They've rehearsed shot scenarios repeatedly, making high-pressure moments feel familiar rather than overwhelming.

Preparation borders on obsession for these hunters. They scout relentlessly, collecting wind data at specific locations, marking travel routes, and studying terrain features that influence animal movement. Their gear selection is deliberate and minimalist – no excess weight, no unnecessary gadgets, just carefully chosen tools they've tested extensively. While most hunters pack up after season ends, these individuals are already mapping next year's strategy, reviewing what worked, what didn't, and how to improve. They eliminate variables and guesswork, approaching each hunt with almost military precision.

Perhaps most fascinating is what I call "aggressive patience" – the ability to wait for perfect opportunities while recognizing when action is required. These hunters read unfolding situations in real-time, abandoning stands when necessary to stalk animals they've glassed at a distance. They understand when an animal won't come to them and possess the woodsmanship skills to close distance without detection. This balance between patience and decisive action often makes the difference between success and "almost got him" stories.

What's your experience? Which of these traits do you find most challenging to develop? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what separates consistently successful hunters from the rest. The conversation continues in the comments!

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Bowtech has redefined the mid-price bow market with their groundbreaking 2026 Ascend, the first major release of the upcoming model year that delivers true flagship features at just $899.

As archery equipment prices continue to climb, many bowhunters feel increasingly priced out of quality gear. The Ascend directly addresses this challenge by incorporating Bowtech's revolutionary Deadlock technology—now in a streamlined "Deadlock Light" configuration—allowing users to tune their bow without a press by simply adjusting set screws on the limbs. This premium feature alone makes the Ascend stand apart from every other mid-priced option on the market.

With impressive specs including a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, 6.5-inch brace height, and blazing 340 FPS IBO speed rating, the Ascend performs like bows costing hundreds more. The fully machined aluminum construction (no polymer limb pockets here), Picatinny sight mounting system, and compatibility with integrated rests further blur the line between mid-priced and flagship models. Even the shooting experience stands out, with excellent stability, minimal hand shock, and Bowtech's popular flip disc technology that lets archers choose between "Performance" (80% let-off) or "Comfort" (85% let-off) configurations.

Whether you're upgrading from an entry-level bow or can't justify spending $1,300+ on a flagship model, the Bowtech Ascend delivers unprecedented value without compromising on features or performance. Available as a bare bow ($899) or in a fully accessorized DLX package ($1,299), the Ascend signals a potential shift in what archers should expect from mid-priced equipment. Head to your local Bowtech dealer to experience firsthand how this revolutionary bow is making premium archery technology more accessible than ever.

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Navigating the secondhand bow market can feel like walking through a minefield, especially for newcomers to archery. What appears to be a great deal can quickly become an expensive mistake without proper knowledge. Drawing from years of experience watching archers make costly errors, host Zakk Plocica delivers a masterclass on what to look for and what to avoid when purchasing a used bow.

The episode kicks off with a critical yet often overlooked consideration: eye dominance. Contrary to what many assume, your dominant eye (not hand) should dictate whether you purchase a right or left-handed bow. Zakk shares multiple real-world examples of right-handed, left-eye dominant archers who struggled until switching to left-handed bows. This single insight could save listeners hundreds of dollars and countless frustrating practice sessions.

Proper fitment emerges as another crucial factor, with Zakk detailing how to ensure a bow matches your draw length and weight capabilities. The financial implications become clear as he recounts stories of archers who purchased bows requiring expensive modifications sometimes costing more than the bow itself. His methodical approach to inspecting strings, limbs, cams, and risers provides listeners with a practical checklist to evaluate any used bow.

The most valuable takeaway might be Zakk's insider recommendation: complete transactions at your local archery shop where professionals can inspect the bow before purchase. This simple step could prevent disastrous outcomes, especially for those unable to identify potential issues. Remember, as Zakk emphasizes throughout, you're never obligated to complete a purchase you're uncomfortable with walking away from a questionable deal today could save you significant money and heartache tomorrow.

Ready to find your perfect used bow without getting duped? Listen now, and don't forget to share your own used bow buying tips in the comments!

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Bow hunting season is approaching fast, and the excitement is palpable as Kevin Dooling joins Zakk Plocica to share hard-earned wisdom from years of experience in the field. Fresh from shooting long distance at Total Archery Challenge events, Kevin offers a candid look at his equipment choices and hunting philosophy that will resonate with both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.

The conversation opens with a fascinating exploration of Kevin's Matthews Lift X 33 setup, detailing every component from his stabilizer configuration to his precise arrow build. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is how Kevin articulates the reasoning behind each choice from his preference for longer axle-to-axle bows to his selection of Iron Will fixed-blade broadheads. This isn't just gear talk; it's strategic thinking made tangible.

Beyond equipment, Kevin shares powerful insights about the mental approach to bow hunting success. His seasonal strategy evolves from targeting food sources in early season to focusing on travel corridors during the rut. Military base hunting presents unique challenges with restricted access areas and changing training schedules, requiring adaptability and thorough scouting of multiple locations. These practical tactics are delivered alongside philosophical reflections on patience and persistence that form the backbone of successful bow hunting.

Perhaps most compelling is the emphasis both men place on community and mentorship within archery. Kevin's story of being guided by veteran archers as a young man highlights how critical supportive relationships are to keeping newcomers engaged. "I'm a better human being because of what I get to do," Kevin reflects, underscoring archery's transformative potential when approached with the right mindset and guidance.

Whether you're fine-tuning your setup for opening day or considering entering the bow hunting world, this conversation offers both technical precision and inspirational perspective. Get your gear checked, your broadheads tested, and your mind focused the season is almost here, and success awaits those who prepare properly.

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Ever wonder what experienced archers wish they'd known when they first picked up a bow? Drawing from over a decade of experience, this candid reflection offers crucial guidance for anyone entering the world of archery and bowhunting.

The journey begins with perhaps the most vital piece of advice: find a quality pro shop. Even if it means driving hours away, having professionals properly fit a bow to your specific measurements creates the foundation for everything that follows. A properly fitted bow isn't just about comfort—it's about safety, accuracy, and ultimately success in the field. The stark reality? You cannot simply pick up any bow and expect to shoot effectively. Each bow must be customized to its archer through draw length, draw weight, timing, tuning, and arrow selection.

Beyond equipment setup, understanding proper shooting technique forms the second cornerstone of archery success. Without consistent form—including anchor points, grip position, and release technique—even the most expensive equipment will yield disappointing results. The technical aspects of archery deteriorate quickly without regular practice, making year-round shooting essential for maintaining muscle memory and confidence when that crucial moment arrives.

Perhaps most revealing are the hard lessons learned from first hunting experiences. Testing broadheads before hunting season, understanding how they affect arrow flight compared to practice points, and building confidence through repetition honors both the sport and the animals pursued. The archery journey isn't about chasing the newest gear or lightest equipment—it's about mastering fundamentals and understanding your tools.

Whether you're preparing for your first season or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers practical wisdom that will save you countless hours of frustration and accelerate your progression. Join our welcoming community, avoid these common pitfalls, and discover the deeply rewarding world of archery done right.

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