The Archery Project

What if the pack on your back is costing you shots? We bring on Jake Roberts, retired Green Beret and founder of Wayward Ridge, to rethink bowhunting from the ground up: less weight, less noise, more purpose. Jake came to archery at 30 with a clean slate and a Special Forces mindset—focus on what matters, remove what doesn’t, and test until you can’t get it wrong. We dig into minimalist hunting th...

Looking for flagship performance without the flagship price tag? We put five mid-price compound bows through their paces and found real standouts that deliver speed, tuning ease, and shootability for hunters and 3D shooters alike. From the steady Prime Ronin to the surprising Hoyt Enduro, the feature-packed Bowtech Ascend, and Bear’s Alaskan Pro and Adapt 2 HP, this guide helps you pick the right...

Forget marketing numbers—let’s talk verified speed you can actually shoot. We put PSE’s 2026 bows on the line and dig into the two big stories: the new FDS cam and the Sicario’s shockingly manageable velocity. We share real chrono data, how the draw force is front‑loaded to your strongest range, and why dynamic brace height at full draw matters more than the spec on the limb sticker. If you’ve eve...

Ever feel like your trail cameras are running you, not the other way around? We sat down with outfitter and taxidermist Joe Kolaszewski to turn scattered photos into a system you can trust. Joe runs 65 cameras in Kentucky and spreads more across the Carolinas and Virginia, so we dug into what actually moves the needle: e-scouting smart, placing for terrain, and adjusting with intent. We start with...

Bowhunting feels different when your season stretches from North Carolina’s vine-choked swamps to Kentucky’s rolling hills and straight into Ohio’s ag edges. We open with the truth about why NC forges better woodsmanship—tight cover, fickle wind, and micro terrain that forces clean access and constant adjustments. Then we rewind to a velvet Kentucky buck and unpack why a risky wind still produced,...

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 exper...

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...

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...

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 rev...

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 Mat...

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 physiolog...

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 tec...

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 epis...

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 conversati...

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...

What makes the perfect hunting arrow? For years, bowhunters have relied on marketing claims and personal preferences, but now groundbreaking research provides data-driven answers. The largest independent arrow ballistic study ever conducted has finally given us scientific evidence about what really happens after you release an arrow. Zakk Plocica and Bryan Gay break down the revolutionary findings...

Ever wonder what makes archery shops survive while others fail? Or why some archers swear by traditional equipment in a high-tech world? This episode delivers answers through a candid conversation with John Winker, owner of First Flight Archery in Raleigh and elite barebow competitor. John shares his remarkable journey from burned-out compound shooter to USA Team longbow archer almost by accident....

The archery landscape has a familiar champion for 2025, with PSE securing its third consecutive "Best Compound Bow" title in Outdoor Life's annual testing. The crew at Extreme Outfitters breaks down this impressive three-peat victory, diving deep into what makes the Mach 33 stand out in a fiercely competitive field. Across nine premium compound bows from major manufacturers, we expl...

What happens when a bow becomes more than just a tool for hunting or competition? For veterans and first responders battling the invisible wounds of trauma, it can become a lifeline. Jay from Endex Archery joins us to share the powerful story behind this unique nonprofit. After losing six teammates during a 2015 deployment, Jay found himself spiraling into depression and isolation. His Matthews Cr...

Ever wondered how the pros judge yardage without rangefinders? The secret world of IBO competitive archery offers fascinating insights that can transform your bowhunting success.  In this episode, we dive deep into the techniques and strategies used at the highest levels of unknown-distance 3D archery with our lead tech Cody, who recently competed in the IBO National Triple Crown event in West Vir...

Ready to take on the ultimate 3D archery experience? Whether you're headed to your first Total Archery Challenge or looking to improve your next TAC adventure, this comprehensive preparation guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the mountain. The Total Archery Challenge isn't your average 3D shoot. With courses stretching 2-8 miles through rugged terrain, shots ranging...

What happens when five guys, two trucks full of archery gear, and relentless rain converge at one of the country's premier archery events? Pure chaos, unexpected adventure, and surprisingly—a whole lot of fun.  Nestled on 18,000 acres of breathtaking Tennessee terrain, the Total Archery Challenge quickly turned from a perfect setup day to an epic test of endurance as rain, hail, and ankle-dee...

Master outdoorsman Zack Rhodes takes us deep into the world of turkey hunting, revealing hard-won strategies that have helped him consistently fill tags across multiple states. With the spring turkey season in full swing, Zack shares his aggressive, mobile approach that stands in stark contrast to the static, wait-it-out methods many hunters employ. "Don't let that bird walk out of your...

Stepping into the world of Total Archery Challenge with experienced tech JR Gettler, we unpack everything you need to know before attending one of archery's most exhilarating events. From Pennsylvania's steep mountain terrain to Tennessee's challenging courses, this insider guide reveals how TAC has transformed 3D archery into an experience that tests skills, builds friendships, and...

What does it really take to leave the comfort of sea level and dive into the unforgiving world of DIY elk hunting at 9,000 feet? In this raw, insightful conversation, Joe Kolaszewski takes us through his transformative first backcountry elk hunting experience in Colorado—a journey that tested his physical limits, mental fortitude, and fundamentally changed his perspective on what it means to be a...