When Jason Kiker first opened the vast land preserve of Buchanan Shoals for hunting, he started with a simple idea: to combine “great hunting with excellent fellowship and camaraderie.” Growing up in the backwoods and brooks of North Carolina’s beautiful landscapes, Kiker realized that his fondest memories happened far away from his house, surrounded by friends and family and wildlife.
In 2001, Kiker bought over 5,000 acres of land in the hopes that other families across North Carolina would be able to have the same experiences he did. By encouraging hunters to be social and bring friends, Kiker created a community of patrons that use his services so often, they’ve developed their own saying: “This is how we do things down at The Shoals.”
Located right along the Great Pee Dee River in Old Sneedsborough, NC, Buchanan Shoals is a mix of young and old forestry, of open broomstraw fields and hardwood glades. The distinct habitats allow The Shoals’ wildlife to thrive, including quail, turkey, waterfowl, and whitetail deer. At the northern and southern ends of the preserve, the shallow water is perfect for wade and fly fishing, and are just a small boat ride away from the front of the property. Through special wildlife management programs, Kiker ensures that the forest remains healthy and that invasive vegetation is removed so natural food sources stay available.
To help hunters of all ages and levels have the best experiences possible, Buchanan Shoals offers a wide range of services. They offer full guide services with trained staff members and hunting dogs, a rifle and pistol range for beginners to practice with, and top-notch storage facilities for equipment such as boats, tents, and ATVs. They even have a full-service kennel for those who wish to keep their hunting dogs on site. For those that want to take a break from hunting or would prefer other targets, Buchanan Shoals also has a covered 5-stand range that’s over 1,000 square feet in size. There, participants can shoot clay targets at five different stations, even at night.
Not sure where to stay for the trip? The Sneedsborough Lodge, a beautiful home that sleeps 22 people, is available for rent and has a full-service kitchen, laundry room, and bar.
Spend a day in the serene wilderness of North Carolina with friends and family, then come back to The Lodge and take in the view from its wrap-around porch. Whether you’re heading out to find your next trophy or just looking to reconnect with nature, Buchanan Shoals is the perfect place to do it.
