The Archery Project

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...

What does it take to find consistent success in the challenging deer hunting environment of Eastern North Carolina? Brian reveals how a $1,000 investment in a jon boat completely transformed his hunting strategy and led to early-season success this year. Accessing areas where other hunters can't or won't go often makes the difference between seeing deer and seeing trophy deer. Brian walk...

What separates a good arrow from a truly exceptional one? In this revealing conversation with Cody Griffin, Promotions Manager at Easton, we pull back the curtain on the engineering excellence that makes Easton the premier arrow manufacturer in the world. Cody takes us inside the closely-guarded manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City, where American engineering and innovation create arrows tha...

What does it really mean to be self-sufficient in today's disconnected world? Alison Zeiselmeier might have the answer. As our first female guest on the podcast, Alison brings a refreshing perspective to traditionally male-dominated outdoor pursuits. From growing up with parents who encouraged outdoor exploration to becoming a skilled bow hunter, homesteader, and professional taxidermist, her...

Every hunter dreams of exploring new territories, but planning a successful out-of-state hunt requires more than just booking time off and hitting the road. In this candid conversation with experienced hunter and outdoorsman JR Owen, we unpack the essential elements that separate triumphant adventures from disappointing expeditions. Fresh off his 700-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail, JR bring...

What separates the consistently successful bow hunters from those who struggle season after season? The answer might surprise you. It's not about having the latest gear or hunting the most days - it's about strategic thinking and methodical preparation that happens long before opening day. Levi Marshall, a dedicated whitetail hunter, reveals his systematic approach to scouting and huntin...

Ruben Carreras takes us on a compelling journey through his evolution from Marine Corps parachute rigger to accomplished bowhunter and fitness enthusiast. After years of hunting frustration, Ruben finally cracked the code this season, harvesting two impressive bucks within nine days using a traditional bow – an achievement that came from fundamentally changing his approach to hunting. The secret t...

A wooden bow in hand, watching an arrow's perfect flight, and feeling that connection to something ancient and primal—this is the world of traditional bowhunting that Joe Long introduces us to in this captivating conversation. From his earliest memories of fashioning homemade bows as a child to becoming an accomplished traditional archer, Joe shares how the "mystical flight of the arrow&...

Some times you've got to get aggressive bowhunting whitetil deer and create your own luck. That's exactly what Joe did this year with his aggressive bow hunting tactics. In this episode of the show we sit down with Joe Kolaszewski a prior Recon Marine who transferred to the Navy and is currently serving as a Critical Flight Care Nurse, and discuss his bow hunting tactics, the reason he s...

What does it take to operate at the highest levels across multiple domains of life? Justin Morris reveals the mindset and methods that have allowed him to excel in federal law enforcement while passionately pursuing bow hunting, jiu-jitsu, and outdoor adventures. As a former military member who transitioned through private contracting into local police work and eventually to the Department of Just...

Bow hunting on it's own is hard enough. As a bowhunter you are constantly battling and over coming new challenges, but when you start later in life, have to compete with dog hunters and have injuries to over come it can really be even more of a challenge. In this episode I sit down with Bryan Gay and discuss his background, his successful 2024 season, how he got his late start into bow huntin...

Talking with JR one of the lead techs at Extreme Outfitters and we discuss his bow setup for the Lancaster Archery Classic and dive into his prep, experience and future goals! 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com ✅ Watch the video podcast here!        https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http...