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Beka Garris: Traditional Bowhunter, Outdoor Writer & Family Huntress
Who is Beka Garris?
Beka Garris is a traditional bowhunter, outdoor lifestyle influencer, blogger, and freelance writer based in Southern Ohio. With over a decade of experience in outdoor writing, she has become a prominent voice in the hunting community, especially among advocates of traditional archery and ethical hunting.
Regular contributor to Outdoor Life since 2020
Featured on the cover of Outdoor Life's "Traditions" issue (August 2021)
Focuses on hunting, fishing, traditional gear, and parenting in the outdoors
Traditional Bowhunting Advocate
Beka is a passionate advocate for traditional bowhunting, using instinctive shooting techniques with a recurve or longbow. She transitioned from compound bows to traditional equipment in her mid-20s.
Uses recurve bows and longbows
Avoids modern optics and releases
Promotes ethical, close-range hunting
Partners with brands like Bear Archery and 3Rivers Archery as an influencer
Preferred Game and Hunting Styles
Her hunting style emphasizes simplicity, skill, and ethical pursuit. Beka hunts both solo and with her daughter, often incorporating motherhood into her adventures.
Primary species hunted:
Whitetail deer
Wild turkey
Squirrels and rabbits
Carp and gar (via bowfishing)
Notable hunting methods:
Tree stand hunting
Still hunting
Bowfishing from the shore or small boats
Favorite Hunting Locations
She primarily hunts in the rural and wooded regions of Southern Ohio, but her experience also includes the forests of Northern New Jersey.
Southern Ohio: farmland, hardwood forests, riverbanks
Northern New Jersey: early hunting roots and family traditions
Weapons and Gear
Beka Garris is known for her minimalist and traditional setup, relying on time-tested tools and techniques.
Longbows and recurves (Bear Archery, 3Rivers Archery)
Handmade or instinctive arrow setups
No mechanical releases or modern optics
Focused on instinctive shooting
Trophies and Notable Harvests
Her most recognized harvests highlight both skill and the integration of family into her lifestyle.
Mature whitetail bucks
Wild turkeys taken with traditional gear
A coyote harvested with a recurve bow
Deer shot while carrying her infant daughter
Family and Outdoor Life
Beka is a strong advocate for raising children close to nature and believes that the outdoors builds resilience and character.
Involves her daughter Isabella in hunting and scouting trips
Shares parenting tips for outdoor families
Sells guides and archery gear for kids
Promotes "feral parenting" lifestyle
Publications and Media Presence
Beka's work and persona are featured widely across hunting platforms and magazines. As an outdoor influencer, she connects deeply with her audience through transparent storytelling and practical content.
Featured in:
Outdoor Life
Bowhunting.com
Deer & Deer Hunting
Mossy Oak
Grand View Outdoors
Topics covered:
Traditional archery and gear
Hunting tips and ethics
Wild game recipes
Parenting in the wild
Why Follow Beka Garris?
For hunters seeking inspiration through tradition, authenticity, and family values, Beka Garris is a leading voice in the modern outdoor movement.
Expert in traditional bowhunting
Family-oriented outdoor content
Strong ethics and conservation mindset
Relatable, real-world hunting advice
Respected influencer in the hunting and outdoor community
Beka Garris's Instagram (101k followers): @bekagarris
The Plott Hound: A Hunter's Guide to This Versatile Breed
For the serious hunter looking for a dog with grit, stamina, and brains, the Plott Hound stands out. Bred for big game, these dogs are more than just trackers; they're partners in the field.
What Does a Plott Hound Hunt?
Big Game Specialists: Plott Hounds are legendary for their ability to track and bay bear, boar, and even mountain lion.
Versatile Hunters: They can also be used effectively on raccoon, deer, and other smaller game.
Scent Tracking: Their strong noses and determination make them excellent for following both fresh and cold trails.
Where You'll Find Plott Hounds Hunting
United States: Primarily in the Appalachian region (North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia), where their heritage is strongest.
Canada: Increasingly popular for bear and boar hunting in forested areas.
Europe: Emerging as a breed of interest for hunters in countries with wild boar populations (Germany, France).
Plott Hound Characteristics and Care
Temperament: Courageous, intelligent, and loyal. They form strong bonds with their handlers but can be independent thinkers in the field.
Physical Needs: High energy! Plott Hounds need plenty of exercise, especially when not actively hunting.
Grooming: Minimal. Their short, glossy coat requires occasional brushing.
Health: Generally healthy, but be aware of potential for hip dysplasia and bloat.
Training a Plott Hound for Hunting
Early Socialization: Expose your Plott Hound to a variety of people, places, and sounds from a young age.
Obedience First: A solid foundation in basic commands (sit, stay, come) is essential before introducing hunting-specific training.
Scent Work: Start with simple scent-tracking games in the yard. Gradually increase the difficulty and length of the trails.
Introduce Game: Supervised exposure to the scent and sight of the game you intend to hunt is crucial. Use controlled scenarios to teach them how to track and bay appropriately.
Essential Training Exercises
Drag Rag: Drag a scent-soaked rag (e.g., with boar scent) and have the dog track it. Gradually increase the distance and complexity.
Live Find: If possible, work with a captive animal (e.g., a boar in a pen) to allow the dog to practice baying and holding. Always prioritize the animal's safety.
Recall Training: A reliable recall is vital for safety in the field. Use positive reinforcement and gradually increase the distance and distractions.
Plott Hound Hunting Tactics
Aggressive Tracking: Plott Hounds are known for their tenacious tracking ability, often pushing through dense cover.
Loud, Distinctive Bay: Their baying style is unique and easily recognizable, allowing hunters to pinpoint their location.
Courageous Baying: They will confidently hold game at bay until the hunter arrives, even when facing dangerous animals.
Independent Hunting: Can hunt alone or in packs
Cold Tracking: Plott hounds are known to be great cold trackers
Important Considerations
Voice Control: Training a Plott Hound to be quiet on command can be valuable in certain hunting situations.
Respect for Game: Emphasize ethical hunting practices and ensure your dog is trained to respect the game you're pursuing.
Safety First: Always prioritize the safety of your dog, yourself, and the game you're hunting.
Plott Hounds are an amazing breed of dogs that provide hunters a good partner for most types of game.
#plotthounds
Hunting Seasons in VANCOUVER ISLAND: Opening and Closing Dates, License Requirements and Essential Rules
Vancouver Island is a hunter’s paradise, offering dense forests, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. However, navigating the region’s hunting seasons, regulations, and best practices requires careful planning. Whether you're pursuing black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, or black bears, understanding the legal framework and optimal hunting periods is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt.
Understanding Hunting Seasons in Vancouver Island
Hunting on Vancouver Island follows British Columbia’s provincial regulations but is influenced by the island’s unique ecosystems. The BC Wildlife Branch sets annual seasons based on wildlife population health, breeding cycles, and habitat conditions. Unlike mainland BC, Vancouver Island has distinct coastal hunting zones, affecting when and where you can hunt certain species.
For example, black-tailed deer—the island’s most sought-after game—have a general season running from September 10 to December 10, though exact dates vary by zone. The rut peaks in late October and November, making this the best time for calling and stalking. Meanwhile, Roosevelt elk, a prized but tightly managed species, are primarily available through Limited Entry Hunts (LEH) in September and October.
Black bear hunting is split into two seasons: spring (April 1–June 15) and fall (September 1–November 30). Spring hunts focus on baiting in certain zones, while fall hunters often target bears feeding on berries and salmon streams. Cougar seasons run from October to March but require special permits due to conservation efforts.
Small game hunters can pursue grouse and ptarmigan from September 1 to December 31, while waterfowl seasons typically open in October and run through January, depending on species and migration patterns.
Key Restrictions and Protected Species in Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island enforces strict rules to ensure sustainable hunting. Some species, like the Vancouver Island marmot and sea otters, are fully protected. Wolves and mountain goats have limited entry hunts, and elk harvests are restricted to bulls with at least three-point antlers in most zones.
Temporary closures also apply during breeding seasons. For instance, bear hunting is prohibited from June 15 to August 31 to protect sows with cubs. Similarly, waterfowl hunting is banned in spring and summer to avoid disrupting nesting birds.
Hunters must also follow sex and age restrictions — some areas only allow the harvest of spike-fork bucks, while others prohibit taking female elk entirely. Always check the latest regulations, as adjustments occur based on annual wildlife surveys.
Licenses, Permits, and Legal Requirements in Vancouver Island
Before heading into the field, hunters must obtain:
- A BC Hunting License (required for residents and non-residents).
- Species-specific tags (sold separately for deer, bear, elk, etc.).
- Limited Entry Hunt (LEH) permits for controlled species like elk and cougar.
Non-residents face additional rules, including mandatory guide requirements for certain big game species. International hunters must also declare firearms upon entry into Canada.
Local organizations like the BC Wildlife Federation and Vancouver Island Hunting Association (VIHA) provide updates on regulation changes, hunter education courses, and conservation initiatives.
Penalties for Violating Hunting Laws
The consequences for breaking hunting regulations are severe. Hunting out of season can result in fines up to $100,000 CAD, firearm confiscation, and even jail time. Shooting protected species, such as wolves without a permit or eagles, carries heavy penalties under the Species at Risk Act. Even minor infractions, like failing to carry a license, start at $345 CAD per offense.
Best Time and Tactics for a Successful Hunt in Vancouver Island
Each season demands different strategies:
- Fall (September–December): Ideal for deer (rutting activity), elk (bugling season), and waterfowl (migration peaks).
- Spring (April–June): Prime for black bear over bait or fresh green growth.
Coastal weather is unpredictable, so waterproof gear, layered clothing, and durable boots are essential. North Island zones offer remote, less-pressured hunting but require boat or ATV access. South Island areas have more private land, so securing permission early is key.
Always verify the latest regulations through the BC Hunting Synopsis before your trip. Respect seasonal closures, follow fair chase principles, and contribute to conservation by reporting violations. Vancouver Island’s hunting opportunities are world-class—but only if we protect them for future generations.
