The Hunter Spotlight Series | Cliff Cadet

This week's Spotlight is taking us to NYC and being turned on the creator/author of The Hunter Spotlight Series....Cliff Cadet. YERRR!

By Cliff Cadet AND Justin Campbell

Name: "You already know son."

After taking down one of Daenerys' dragons (pictured behind him). Cliff just had to take down this ten pointer in the middle of Target.

Hometown: Brooklyn, NYC

Currently Residing: Queens, NYC

***A note from Cliff: "I am not and have NEVER been from the Bronx."***

How'd you get into archery?

"Don't make fun of me, lol. But I used to read a lot when I was kid. I was really into stories in Greek mythology. I was also big into stories King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and Robin Hood. Out of all those written works, stories of Robin Hood stuck with me...well into adulthood. One of my all-time favorite films is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

"Archery In The Hood" - Cliff with his Hoyt RX8 in from of a graffiti piece in his neighborhood.

"Back in July of 2017, I tagged along with my cousin and his daughter, on a trip to a big box store...east of the city. They'd taken up archery as a weekend hobby and had to grab to stuff. It was on that trip that I made an impulse buy and came home with a RTS bow from Bear, a soft case, and half a dozen arrows.

"I spent the rest of the year hitting the local archery range, on a regular basis, just getting the reps in. But the range fees were making a crazy dent in my finances. So, my bow collected dust for most of 2018. That was until I purchased my own bag target and my mother-in-law let me shoot in her driveway."

Cliff getting his reps in at an outdoor archery range in Brooklyn, NYC.

What initially drew you into hunting?

"Jump to January of 2019. I'd decided to create a new Instagram page to

document my archery journey. At that same time, the ATA show was taking place and I was like...'yooooooo...there's actually a convention for this???'

"It was at that point that I was introduced to hunting 'celebrities' like Cam Hanes and John Dudley. I thought back to the stories I'd read as a kid and decided that bowhunting was something I wanted to do."

Do you also fish?

"Nope. I've been fishing only once in my life. I had a great time. But I've decided that if and when I do it again...it can't be catch and release. I enjoy seafood and I'd like to eat whatever I catch."

What's it been like hunting from such a metropolis like NYC?

"It's been fun. But I can't imagine that it's any different than how any other hunters do it. Family and work responsibilities keep me from taking days-long hunting trips. So, minus the 3AM weekend city traffic, I can get into the woods just like anyone else."

Cliff, just outside of his neighborhood playground, getting familiar with his saddle and climbing sticks.

What is a common misconception people have regarding urban hunters?

"Honestly? My friends and family are worried about my safety. Current hunting media (social media, tv shows, print media, etc.) doesn't do the best job of representing people of color in the outdoors. To be more specific...hunting media does a poor job of just showing people of color in the outdoors. So, it makes sense that my friends and family would think that it's not a very welcoming space. But I've been fortunate to have aligned myself with some positive people. If you're from a large city and look like me...don't get it twisted. There are some bad apples out there. Just be smart in the moves you make.

"I actually was blessed with the opportunity to write a piece entitled, Things My Fellow New Yorkers Say When They Find Out I'm A Hunter."

Do you believe that archery provides any mental health benefits?

"Oh, most definitely! I'm a delivery driver for UPS and boy....the stories I could tell you.

"Waking up at zero dark thirty may not sound like fun. But the peace you find in the woods, during a hunt, is unmatched. We can all talk about the experience. It's better to just be there."

Photo of Cliff taken on a Virginia deer hunt with photographer from the Archery Trade Association.

You contributed to Outdoor Life; how did that happen?

"Back in the fall of 2021, a representative from the Archery Trade Association reached out. They wanted to produce some content for the 2022 ATA show.

"It was through that relationship, that Outdoor Life reached out. It was refreshing to see a hunting publication wanting to share a fresh perspective."

What advice would you give to someone from the inner city who wants to get into the field?

"Like Nike used to say back in the day...Just Do It.

"I'm not gonna' lie to you though. It won't be easy. There's a lot that goes into learning the skills to become a competent outdoorsman/woman. But the stuff you learn....the people you meet...the experience(s) you share...all make it worthwhile.

Cliff at the finish of the PSE course at the Total Archery Challenge in PA.

As a husband and father who didn't grow up hunting, how has your family adjusted?

"They haven't. They don't hunt and have no interest in it.

"But I have to give a huge shoutout to my wife though. Last year, on Memorial Day, she joined me on a turkey hunt. She got the chance to experience the sounds of toms gobbling. But waking up so early in the morning is not her thing. I love her so much for trying."

Cliff with a turkey over his shoulder, after a successful bowhunt.

What's your dream hunt and where would it be?

"Bruh...hands down...it would be to bowhunt elk in Colorado, Montana, or Idaho.

"I know that Colorado is a favorite with its large elk herds. But Montana has extensive elk habitat and Idaho's remote terrain and physically demanding hunts sound crazy.

What's the biggest item on your outdoor bucket list?

"That one's a no-brainer. Y'all may not know this about me...but I absolutely love turkey hunting. So, number one on my outdoor bucket list is to complete the following turkey Slams: the U.S. Super Slam and the World Slam.

"The idea of hunting different turkey species not only in different states...but different habitats...appeals to me GREATLY. I really want to learn what new tactics are required. Do I call differently? Do I use decoys? I mean...the possibilities are endless!"

Thank you all for supporting The Hunter Spotlight Series!

For the Hunter Spotlight series this week we wanted you to get know the man behind the series Cliff Cadet. Catch up with Cliff on Instagram.