The Archery Project
Welcome to The Archery Project where we sit down and have raw, unfiltered conversations discussing archery and bowhunting adventures in depth through the perspectives of unique individuals from all different backgrounds.
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Episodes
36 episodes
Minimalist Saddle Hunting with Former Green Beret Jake Roberts (Wayward Ridge)
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 c...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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1:32:33
Best Mid-Price Compound Bows for 2026 (Prime, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear)
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 stea...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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1:04:26
Shooting the 2026 PSE Bows: Mach Series Upgrades & Sicario Results
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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1:26:38
Trail Cam Tactics That Kill: Whitetail Scouting, Scrapes & Data
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 acros...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:11:10
Ohio Whitetail Prep: Reading Wind, Access, and Terrain
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 win...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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1:09:39
It’s Not the Bow. It’s You. (And How to Fix It) | FRIDAY KILL NOTES
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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21:40
Crossbows Yes or No? Should They Belong in Archery Season?
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 tra...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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59:18
Colorado Lighting Strike Kills 2: What Bowhunters Need to Know | FRIDAY KILL NOTES
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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20:05
The Ultimate Guide to Broadhead Selection | FRIDAY KILL NOTES
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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23:36
Building Ultraview: Innovation, Dealers & the Future of the Archery Industry
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 Ar...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:34:57
Top 3 Traits of Great Bow Hunters: How To Be More Successful Every Season
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 composur...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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22:37
2026 Bowtech Ascend: Breaking the Price Barrier
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, ma...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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51:17
How to Buy a Used Bow Without Getting Screwed | FRIDAY KILL NOTES
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 experie...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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22:16
Broadheads, Arrows & Bow Setups: What Really Works for Bowhunters
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, K...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:21:46
If I Were Starting My Archery Journey Over Again | FRIDAY KILL NOTES
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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26:10
James Yates Arrow Ballistic Study: What Does It Mean For Bowhunters?
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:20:50
The Bare Truth About Archery Shops, Brands, and Bullsh*t With John Winker
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
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:34:04
The Best Compound Bow of 2025: Our Honest Thoughts on Outdoor Life’s Bow Of The Year
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 de...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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59:40
Healing Through Archery: The Story Behind Endex Archery with Jay McCoy
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 Arc...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:02:03
The Art & Science of IBO 3D Archery: Zakk, Bryan & Cody Harrington
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 an...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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56:51
The Ultimate Total Archery Challenge Prep Guide
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 hitti...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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47:03
Tennessee TAC Experience: Zakk Plocica, Bryan Gay & JR Gettler
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 acr...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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52:11
Woodsmanship Over Gear: How to Become a More Effective Turkey Hunter
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 aggres...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:02:07
Mastering the Total Archery Challenge: A Beginners Guide
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 cha...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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45:32
Mountain Madness: A First-Timer's DIY Elk Hunt
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 hun...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:19:13
