Blountville Teen Has Passion For Archery - In And Out Of The Woods

PINEY FLATS, Tenn. – For the serious hunter, no day is more special than the opening of deer season.

Matt Millard knows the feeling.

The 17-year-old Blountville resident realized his goal on Sept. 27, the first day of Tennessee’s deer archery season.

“It was around 8 a.m., and I was hunting behind my house,” Millard said.

Relying on a technique he had visualized and practiced hundreds of times, Millard delivered a clean shot on a four-pointer.

“That’s the first deer I’ve ever killed on opening day,” Millard said. “It was a good feeling.”

From the rapid heartbeart to the sense of pride, Millard experienced the full range of emotions involved in every successful quest.

“You can’t compare that feeling to anything,” Millard said. “It was an adrenaline rush, and it always is.”

Millard has been joined by archers across Tennessee and Virginia in recent weeks as hunting fever spreads.

“I love a challenge,” Millard said. “It wouldn’t be nearly as fun if you had opportunity to take a deer every time you went out.”

Millard refines his skills at the popular indoor archery range at Miller’s Outdoor Sporting Goods and Apparel in Piney Flats.
It’s all about developing and then refining a basic skill-set.

“To an extent, the same fundamentals you use in the range work in the field,” Millard said. “I’ve also read a lot of books, practiced my technique, and shot on my own.
“My interest has just snowballed from there.”

Millard’s arrows have led him to numerous competitions. In fact, he finished second in an Archery Shooters Association national event held in May at London, Ky.

“Competing really fuels the fire when it comes to bow hunting,” Millard said. “And it’s really good practice when it comes to seeing yardage and being able to shoot a bunch of targets.
“It all comes down to getting out in the field and seeing what works for you.”

Millard says he believes archery is thriving in the Mountain Empire.

“There are archery clubs throughout the area along with indoor ranges in places like Erwin, Damascus and Kingsport. If you can win a competition in this area, it’s really something to be proud of,” Millard said.

The winter indoor league at Miller’s begins Dec. 31 and runs through March. Archers compete in 3D and Dot rounds, with shoots held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday night.

Miller’s, which long has been a gathering place for outdoorsmen, features a 6,000-square foot indoor archery facility with a 30-yard range.

Co-owner Andrew McCormick said Miller’s gets customers and competitors in here from Southwest Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Knoxville.

“We’ve heard that a couple of hunters had success on opening day, including one guy who got a 10-or-12 pointer,” he said.

Millard, who favors the traditional compound bow, said he has harvested around 15 deer since he began hunting with his father six years ago.

“I’ve shot about five or six those deer with a bow,” Millard said. “The more you practice and hunt, the more success you have.”

Millard’s favorite hunting locales include Piney Flats, Blountville, Bluff City and the Cherokee National Forest.

“There are so many deer in the East Tennessee area compared to what there used to be,” Millard said. “The deer population is just getting of control. It’s easier to find success around home now.”

And Millard is eager for more success.

“I’ve seen a lot of deer so far this season, and I can’t wait until the rest of the season,” Millard said.
“I have a good time every time I get out in the woods, but you have to be ready to capitalize on your opportunities.”

agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544