A few years back a Bear Super Kodiak recurve bow was passed down to me. My great uncle had hunted with this bow for numerous years in the Eastern TN mountains. I practiced off and on with the recurve for years but never felt 100% confident to take it into the woods. This year I was determined to take the recurve in the woods with me. I practiced everyday for months, listened to numerous podcasts, and YouTube videos from some of the best recurve shooters – like Clay Hayes – really honing in on my skills and learning more with each and every shot. On opening day in North Carolina I set out early in the morning with the Bear bow in hand. At first light the buck that I was hoping to make an appearance came right in to 25 yards giving me the perfect broad side shot. I’m so thankful for the opportunity, mornings like these, and to be able to hunt these beautiful animals. One of the best parts of the hunt was calling my great uncle who still lives in TN to tell him about hunt that morning.
Hunter’s name: Chase Smith
Pleasant Garden North Carolina
Guilford, NC
9/13/2025
8-point buck
