PeeDee River overlook is breath-taking
There’s nothing like a Cast and Blast outing and Buchanan Shoals Sportsman’s Preserve in southern Anson County, N.C. offers a great combo. Fish in the PeeDee River during either day or night for chunky catfish, or walk in their 1000 acres of pine uplands in search of bobwhite quail. Visit the lodge for ample meals and a healthy dose of hunting nostalgia and of course for the unforgettable overlook of the PeeDee River basin.
Buchanan Shoals opened in October of 2001 and is entering its tenth season as an exclusive destination for traditional Southern hunts. “I can only hope that as the years go by, with tales of good hunts and great experiences being shared, that we are creating a tradition of our own,” said Jason Kiker, the Principle Operator at Buchanan Shoals.
“Today we offer great hunting in a Piedmont setting and specialize in fellowship and camaraderie.” Setting out on a morning quail hunt with guide Paul Kiker, two hunters loaded their double-guns in preparation for a point from one of the three English Setters that work the woods. The quail at Buchanan Shoals are released into the woods a full two-months before the quail preserve season begins on October 1. The healthy quail scented by the setters were in natural coveys and were located in varying degrees of cover, but they all flew with conviction.
Another party took to the river that morning with a lady angler that was destined to catch her first PeeDee River catfish. Guide Heath Raymond uses baitcasters spooled with braided line to target the hungry catfish, and he baits his hook with cut shad. Rocky shoals up and down the river make the deeper holes that the channel catfish prefer, and Raymond knows all the best spots. Catfishing from the bank is also popular at the Redneck Yacht Club that has several rod holders mounted on the dock. A yearly membership is required in order to hunt deer, turkey, ducks and small game on the 6,000-acre Buchanan Shoals property, but the public is welcome for guided hunts for quail, pheasant, chukkar, feral hogs and catfish trips. Another amenity available to everyone is the shooting house that is on the grounds by the lodge, outfitted with seven Pro-Matic throwers. Break targets using the five-stand facility or just try and out shoot your hunting buddy while the guide changes up the presentation for each clay pigeon.
Anson County is not unlike many rural counties in that its former farmland is now planted in trees, and hunting habitat has multiplied. The lodge at Buchanan Shoals carries some history of the county since it is a former train station from nearby McFarlan that was purchased and transported to the bluff overlook where it serves visiting hunters now. Over 130 years old, the heart pine flooring is authentic, and the stations’ old cargo doors now serve as twin rustic dining tables where game dinners are common. Hunting and fishing are the primary activities at Buchanan Shoals but other outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed such as ATV riding, hiking, camping, kayaking and canoeing. To get in touch with Jason Kiker about future outings reach him on his mobile number, 704-695-2810. To view the Hunting Photo section of the Buchanan Shoals website click here. To see more photos on the SouthCarolinaSportsman.com forum click here.
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