Habitat improvement series: Mecklenburg Hunting Club in the Sandhills

For 50 years, Mecklenburg Hunting Club has offered superb hunting opportunities for its 70-member cast in the middle of North Carolina’s Sandhills region. From quality deer management to food plots and other land-management opportunities, Mecklenburg strives to improve its herd and maintain the enjoyment level for its members and their guests.

Mecklenburg Hunting Club is a traditional club that offers a variety of game species on its lands, from wild turkeys to ducks. But hunting with hounds, more commonly referred to as dog-hunting, is Mecklenburg’s main focus — with an emphasis on fellowship and youth training. Each Saturday during deer season, members gather in the wee hours of the morning to discuss and organize the day’s hunt. With a whopping 5,000 acres under control, they have their work cut out for them to choose where to place standers and dog parties to ensure a productive and safe hunt.

In addition to dog hunting for deer, Mecklenburg offers organized dog hunts for rabbits and raccoons. Hunting with hounds dates back to the beginning of North Carolina’s sportsman history, and Mecklenburg strives to continue this tradition for its membership.

J.C. Caskey wears many hats at the club, as head of the membership committee, planting committee, and a board member. He expects another good year for his members.

“With the rain and growth, our deer herd is very healthy. They had a lot of natural food to eat this summer, along with our warm-season food plots,” he said.

In addition to natural foods, Caskey sweetens the pot with a year-round food-plot program including active plantings scattered all over the club.

“Nutrition is the No. 1 aspect to promote healthy deer with trophy racks. We plant spring and fall plots dedicated to deer and turkey, but our other wildlife will benefit as well.”

Over the past seven years, Mecklenburg developed its own trophy buck management system that allows members to harvest a handful of exceptional animals each year. According to Caskey, it is just going to get better.

“Our management program is working well, we are looking to harvest some nice bucks this year,” he said.

While the management objectives and nutrition are important, Mecklenburg redirects its main focus to what it considers as most important for any hunting club in existence: a family atmosphere with a strong focus on traditional values, safety and educating their rising youth.

“It’s a great place for a parent to teach their kids to be awesome outdoorsmen, sportsman and safe hunters that respect the property and each other,” he said.