We caught up with Melissa & Aaron Kilburn, one of our favorite archery power couples and proud FL Outdoors Field Staff members, and got a glimpse into what it’s like to navigate the archery world together, both on and off the range. Their unique archery and hunting styles blend determination, precision, and a whole lot of heart.
1. How did you both get started in hunting, and what drew you to it as a couple?
Both of our families hunted whitetail deer, and we just followed in their footsteps. We both had experienced hunting before we met, so it was a natural fit for us.
2. What type of hunting do you primarily focus on (deer, turkey, etc.), and why?
We mostly whitetail hunt as it is a means of obtaining meat, but it also presents the challenge of harvesting mature buck and doe. This helps keep the family farm's deer population in check. Spring turkey is super exciting as the gobblers' calls fill the air. Plus we think archery hunting is a tougher obstacle. Elk hunting presents a significant challenge as we go high into the mountain ranges and are totally self-sufficient during the hunt. This fall we are going to try archery moose hunting in Alberta, Canada.
3. How do you prepare for hunting season together—do you have specific rituals or routines?
We love to compete at the national level to improve our hunting abilities. We set up tree stands, install game cameras, and place out minerals and C’Mere Deer attractants.
4. What’s your favorite part about hunting together, and how does it strengthen your relationship?
Our favorite part about hunting together is spending quality time together, particularly during our annual two-week off-grid retreat in Colorado. And we also love sharing our daily hunting adventures with each other at the end of each day. It’s super important for couples to have shared interests to keep their relationship going strong.
5. How do you support each other on hunts, especially during challenging situations?
We encourage each other to persevere when one or the other is likely to abandon the hunt. However, we also encourage each other to yield when the other exhibits excessive stubbornness. We assist each other with the packing of provisions. We share in the packing and processing of the harvest.
6. Do you have a specific hunting gear setup that you both swear by? What makes it stand out?
TAC Driver 2.25" vanes are essential for their exceptional quietness, durability, and reduced wind drag. We use four fletchings to improve broadhead stability. Additionally, we find the TAC arrow wraps helpful for shot placement and arrow retrieval. We both utilize Sitka gear. We love the variety of patterns for different hunting situations. The layers are perfect for packing and adjusting to changing weather. Plus, it’s super lightweight, which is a huge plus when we are on the go. We also use the Specialty Archery PVC bow cases and Marsupial fully enclosed binocular chest packs to keep our bows and binos dry & dust-free.
7. How did you both get involved in target archery, and how long have you been competing?
Aaron - I was going to local 3D shoots with friends to better my skills in making an ethical shot on animals. As my skills improved, I tried competition archery. I started in the Hunter Class in IBO around 2000.
Melissa - I was going to local 3D shoots to enhance my hunting skills. My friends told me that I should look into competitive archery, so I went to my first IBO shoot in 2011 and shot in the FBO Class.
8. Do you have any tips for maintaining focus and composure during competitive archery events?
Take one shot at a time. Once that arrow leaves the bow, focus on what went right, with it being either arrow placement on the target, shot execution or both. Then, forget about that shot and focus on the next one. Stick to your shot sequence. If you lose focus or get discouraged, take a few seconds to think about something unrelated to the tournament. Then, start the sequence again. Remember, have fun and enjoy the process.
10. Do you share any particular archery techniques or coaching tips with each other, or do you each have your own style?
We’re all about sharing our knowledge and experiences. If one of us is having trouble, we’re always ready to lend a hand and figure out what works best. We constantly exchange ideas about things we’ve tried or read about. We also talk about our tournament day, what went well, and what could have been better, and then we try to help each other out.
11. What has been your most rewarding archery experience as a couple?
Our most rewarding hunting experience was when Aaron harvested his first elk in 2019 in Colorado. It was just the two of us on a DIY hunt. We gutted and packed out the meat, and then processed it in the back of our toy hauler. It was a true bonding experience as we then hiked to the top of Lions Head mountain and got married. Our most rewarding target archery experiences as a couple was Melissa placing 3rd at the ASA classic in Women’s Pro class in 2021 and Aaron making podium in 2024 in every national event in IBO & ASA in the men’s senior class except one shoot. He was also SOY (Shooter of the Year) in both sanctions.
Whether they're in the backcountry searching for big game or stepping up to the line at a national shoot, Melissa and Aaron show what’s possible when you have each other’s backs. This shared passion has not only made them better archers but also stronger as a couple. They approach every hunt, tournament, and challenge with a team-first mentality. At the end of the day, it’s not just about filling tags or stacking up trophies; for Melissa and Aaron, it’s about the memories made along the way. Their archery style is a blend of precision and teamwork, shaped by years of hunting and competing. Their passion for archery and the outdoors is infectious.
Looking ahead, the Kilburns are excited about exploring new opportunities and continuing to push their limits.
Their journey is proof that archery isn’t just a solo pursuit; it can be a shared adventure. We’re proud to have them on the FL Outdoors Field Staff Team and can’t wait to see what they do next. We’ll be cheering them on from the range to the ridge.