Preserving the Pursuit
Latest From the Pursuit
Preserving traditions. Inspiring the next generation.
-Dakota Mayhew Founder, Southern Pursuit Outdoors
Southern Pursuit Outdoors exists to inspire people of all ages to reconnect with the outdoors. We believe ethical hunting, fishing, and conservation preserve traditions that deserve to be passed on. Our mission is to educate, encourage, and build family-oriented community through honest stories, real experiences, and trusted gear recommendations. Whether you’re a lifelong outdoorsman or just getting started, we hope to inspire your next adventure.
Weather you are chasing your first whitetail, introducing your kids to the outdoors, or simply enjoying a sunrise from a tree-stand, Southern Pursuit Outdoors inspires your next adventure.
Latest Stories
“If I can help one new hunter avoid the mistakes I made, then every story I share is worth it.”
-Dakota Mayhew
How I Fell in Love with Bowhunting.
I wasn’t raised by a hunter. Everything I know about bowhunting came from trial and error, countless mistakes, and a determination to learn. What started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong passion that taught me patience, discipline, and respect for God’s creation.
How I use Trail Cameras to Learn the Deer I Hunt.
There isn’t a single “right” time to hang a trail camera. Every property I hunt is different. Some cameras stay out all year, while others don’t go up until I’m trying to answer a specific question.
In this article, I’ll share how i decide where, when, and why I place my trail cameras throughout the season and what they’ve taught me about the deer I hunt.
What’s in My Bowhunting Pack.
I don’t believe in carrying every gadget on the market. Everything in my pack has earned its place through time in the woods. Weather I’m hunting a quick afternoon sit or spending all day in a stand, these are the items I refuse to leave behind.
Release
I always carry a backup release. It’s small, weighs almost nothing, and could save a hunt if my primary release fails or gets forgotten.
Range Finder
Knowing the exact distance builds confidence and helps eliminate guesswork before the shot.
Headlamp
Whether I’m walking in before daylight or tracking after sunset, a dependable headlamp is always in my pack.
Every hunter’s pack is different, but these are the essentials i trust every time I head into the woods. As i test new gear, I’ll continue updating this list with what proves itself in the field.
Fishing
The water has taught me as much about patience, preparation, and persistence as the woods ever have. Whether I’m chasing bass, filling the livewell with crappie, or simply enjoying a quiet morning on the water. These are the techniques, gear and lessons that have helped me become a better angler.
Why I Love Fishing
“If my experiences can help someone catch more fish, become a better hunter or simply enjoy the outdoors a little more, then every story I share is worth it.” -Dakota Mayhew
I wasn’t raised with a guidebook to fishing. Most of what I know came from time on the water, learning through mistakes, experimenting with different techniques, and simply paying attention. Some days the fish cooperate, and some days they humble you. Either way, every trip teaches me something new and reminds me why I keep coming back.
Fishing has never been just about what I catch. It’s about slowing down, spending time with family and friends, and appreciating the places God created. Whether it’s bass, crappie, bluegill, or catfish, every trip teaches me something new.
Finding Fish Year Round
Fish don’t disappear- they simply change with seasons. Learning where they move and why has helped me catch more fish throughout the year. These are seasonal patterns and techniques I rely on whenever im on the water.
Spring
As water warms, fish move shallow to feed and spawn. This is when I focus on staging areas, spawning flats and warming banks.
Fall
Fish begin feeding aggressively before winter. Baitfish become the key, and I spend most of my time finding schools of shad and predators that follow them.
Winter
Fish metabolism slows down, but they are still catchable. Slower presentations and targeting deeper water usually produce the best results.
Gear I Trust and Use
The equipment I recommend isn’t based on sponsorships. It’s based on years of time in the woods and on the water. If it has earned a place in my hunting pack or my boat, it’s because I trust it.
Hunting
Tree stands, Packs, clothing, and accessories I trust.
Fishing
Rod’s, reels, line, tackle, and electronics I use
Trail Cameras
Cameras, batteries, SD cards, and accessories I rely on.
Stay Connected
The outdoors are always changing, and so is Southern Pursuit Outdoors. Follow along for new hunting stories, fishing trips, gear reviews, trail-camera lessons, and real adventures from the field.
Wind and Weather
The wind plays a big role in where I hunt and fish. I check it often, even when i think I already know what it’s doing. Wind direction can change deer movement, affect scent, and completely change how I approach a day on the water or in the woods.
Summer
Hot weather pushes many fish deeper or into heavy cover. Early mornings, late evenings, and offshore structure become much more important.
Knife
Every hunter needs a sharp, dependable knife for field dressing and other tasks.
Water & Snacks
Staying hydrated and keeping my energy up helps me stay focused during long sits.
Archery
Bows, arrows, broadheads, releases, and optics.
Real Moments From the Outdoors
See the wildlife that keeps me coming back to the woods. Every image is captured in the field no stock photos, just real moments from the outdoors.
