Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Becoming a Bowhunter
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Bowhunters Can Learn From The Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association, with Ned Makim | 31 Jul 2026 | 02:20:54 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with Ned Makim, President of the Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association (APDHA). What started as an obsession with hunting pigs has grown into one of the most influential hunting advocacy organisations in Australia. Through research, data collection and building relationships with the government, the APDHA has helped change the conversation around hunters from being seen as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution. This isn't just a conversation about pig hunting. It's about how every hunter whether you chase pigs, deer, goats or any game, can help protect the future of hunting in Australia. If you've ever wondered how hunters can earn credibility, influence government decisions and secure hunting opportunities for future generations, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Podcast Topics
Key Takeaway Hunters don't protect hunting through arguments they protect it through credibility. Every conversation, every social media post and every interaction with the public shapes how hunting is viewed. When hunters work together, present themselves professionally and back their position with real data, they earn a seat at the table where decisions are made. Find Our GuestNed Makim Instagram: @themakimmethod Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association (APDHA) Website: https://apdha.com.au Instagram: @pigdoggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APDHA Follow Becoming a BowhunterInstagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode SponsorsDog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Cheating Death with Dallas Hemeyer | 17 Jul 2026 | 01:41:52 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with Dallas Hemeyer of 365 Pursuit. Dallas has spent years filming hunts around the world through 365 Pursuit, from Tanzania and New Zealand to Mexico and across the US. Along the way he's survived a helicopter crash, a rifle exploding in his face, dangerous infections and more than a few situations where getting home wasn't guaranteed. We talked about hunting some of the wildest places on earth, what it takes to prepare for the unexpected, and why hunters play such an important role in conservation across Africa. This episode will have you sitting on the edge of your seat from word go. Podcast topics:
🧠 Key Takeaway The wilderness doesn't care how experienced you are. Preparation, good decision making and staying calm when things go wrong will save you long before any piece of gear does. Dallas' stories are a reminder that every hunt carries risk—and the people who come home are usually the ones who planned for it. 🔗 Find Our Guest Dallas Hemeyer Instagram: @dallashemeyer 365 Pursuit Instagram: @365pursuit YouTube: @365PURSUIT One of the stories we discuss in this episode is featured in Dallas' film Taking a Bow to a Gun Fight follows Devin Leonard bowhunting elk during a Utah rifle season: https://youtu.be/e9LvqgN9P0U?si=go-QXQg2NtySYjpK 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| The Hunting Gear I Actually Regret Buying (And The Gear I Love) | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:56:50 | |
Every now and then it's worth looking back at the gear you've bought and asking yourself... was it actually worth it? That's what this episode is. No sponsorship fluff. Just my honest thoughts after putting this gear through its paces over the last 12 months. Some of it has been worth every cent. Other bits I'm still on the fence about. From cameras and boots through to wet weather gear, rangefinders, camping gear and vacuum sealers, I break down what I paid, why I bought it, and whether I'd spend the money again. I also run through my brand new bow setup after finally pulling the trigger on the Darton TriTech. We talk through why I chose it, how it tuned, what it cost, and the first couple of hunts where it really surprised me. One moment that still sticks with me was watching a group of hinds barely react after I missed a shot through a lantana bush. They moved, stopped about 60 metres away and just stood there. It was the first real indication of just how incredibly quiet this new bow actually is. 🔍 What We Cover:
🧠 Key Takeaway The best gear isn't always the most expensive, it's the gear that genuinely solves a problem once you've used it in the real world. Putting equipment through hunts, bad weather and long days in the bush quickly shows what's worth keeping and what isn't. 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Public Land Hunting in Australia with Alex Proft | 19 Jun 2026 | 02:13:58 | |
Public land hunting in Australia gives hunters access to millions of acres of huntable country, but getting started can be confusing. Alex Proft from Aussie Bush Harvest breaks down the NSW public land hunting system, how the R Licence works, where you can hunt, and why public land remains one of the best ways to build hunting skills and experience. The conversation also covers bowhunting, Sambar deer, public access, hunting culture, conservation, and the future of hunting opportunities in Australia. Alex shares stories from years of hunting public land and explains why learning a piece of country can be more valuable than constantly chasing new locations. What You'll Learn • How the NSW R Licence system works for rifle hunters, bowhunters, and pig doggers • Where public land hunting is available in New South Wales • Why public land hunting helped develop Alex's bowhunting skills • The differences between public land and private property hunting • How hunting pressure changes deer behaviour on public land • Why Sambar deer thrive in remote public land country • The challenges facing hunting access in Australia • Why hunters, fishers, campers, and outdoor users need a stronger collective voice About the Guest Alex Proft is the creator of Aussie Bush Harvest and has spent years documenting hunting, fishing, bushcraft, and outdoor adventures across Australia. He's well known for his public land hunting content, thoughtful approach to hunting, and his passion for helping new hunters get started. Find Our Guest Alex Proft Aussie Bush Harvest Instagram: @aussiebushharvest YouTube: Aussie Bush Harvest Follow Becoming A Bowhunter: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingabowhunter.podcast/ Hosted by Matty Turner: https://www.instagram.com/mattyafter/ Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off | @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Use code BAB10 for 10% off | @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors | @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Use code BAB10 for $10 off | @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Why Hunters Miss Easy Shots Under Pressure with Amon Woulfe | 05 Jun 2026 | 01:56:03 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Amon Woulfe to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of hunting, sport, business and life... the mind. After a missed opportunity on a mature stag during the red deer rut, Matty shares the story that led him to Amon's new book, Missing In Action: Master Your Mind in Moments That Matter. Amon has spent years working with elite athletes, sporting teams, military personnel and business leaders, helping them understand what happens when pressure rises and performance falls away. Together, Matty and Amon discuss target panic, pressure, fear, confidence, anxiety, resilience and the mental tools hunters can use when everything is on the line. This episode isn't just about bowhunting. It's about understanding what happens when your mind leaves the moment and learning how to bring it back when it matters most. 🔍 What We Cover: • Why the modern mind is under more pressure than ever before • The connection between target panic and mental performance • Why pressure is the gap between your mind and the moment • How elite athletes train their minds for high-pressure situations • The difference between physical resilience and mental resilience • Why focusing on outcomes can sabotage performance • The four low-performance mind states: agitated, anxious, critical and foggy • Practical reset tools to regain control when pressure builds • How breathwork affects performance and decision-making • Why anxiety often comes from avoiding fear • The role of self-belief and limiting beliefs in performance • How these mental skills apply to hunting, business, parenting and everyday life And a heck of a lot more. 🧠 Key Takeaway The goal isn't to eliminate pressure. The goal is to stay present when pressure arrives. The moment your mind drifts into the future, the past, fear, outcomes or self-doubt, performance starts to suffer. Learning how to reset and return to the moment may be one of the most valuable skills you'll ever develop. 🔗 Find Our Guest Amon Woulfe Website: amonwoulfe.com Human Performance Group: humanperformancegroup.co Instagram: @amonwoulfe 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Hunting Sika Deer in New Zealand with Cam Speedy | 22 May 2026 | 01:14:24 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with New Zealand ecologist and Sika Foundation member Cam Speedy for a deep dive into Sika deer, deer ecology, habitat management, and the role hunters play in conservation. Cam shares decades of experience working in wildlife management throughout New Zealand, including predator control, deer tracking studies, biodiversity work, and research around Sika deer populations in the Central North Island. The conversation explores how deer density directly impacts habitat quality, breeding success, antler growth, and overall herd health. Cam explains why healthy hunting systems rely on balanced harvests, particularly around female deer, and how hunters themselves often act as the primary predator within modern deer systems. There’s also a fascinating breakdown of Sika deer behaviour, including rut timing, scrape systems, home ranges, dispersal patterns, and why Sika have become such a sought-after species for bowhunters. This is a grounded conversation that blends science, practical hunting knowledge, and conservation into one of the most detailed discussions we’ve had on deer ecology and management. 🔍 What We Cover:
👤 Find Our Guest: Cam Speedy Instagram: @SikaFoundation 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Red Deer Rut Tactics That Actually Work with Mick Cullen | 08 May 2026 | 01:46:04 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with long-time mate and experienced red deer hunter Mick Cullen. Mick is someone who’s been in Matty’s ear for years, helping break down mistakes and sharpen decision-making in the field. This is a practical conversation about what actually works when you’re chasing red deer in the rut. Mick shares the systems he’s developed over more than a decade of consistent hunting. From calling setups and reading terrain, to understanding how stags behave across different phases of the rut. There’s a big focus on execution under pressure, why most hunters get busted at the last moment, and the small decisions that separate blown opportunities from clean kills. Podcast topics:
Find Our Guest: Mick Cullen Instagram: @bows_dogs_n_rods Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| 2026 Red Deer Rut Recap - The trifecta with Matty Turner | 24 Apr 2026 | 01:57:18 | |
This one’s a full recap of the 2026 rut and for once, it’s not just close calls. Across three separate hunts, Matty breaks down what actually played out in the field… the wins, the stuff-ups, and the moments that could’ve gone either way. The episode moves through three key hunts:
There’s a bit of everything in this one… calling sequences that worked (and didn’t), pressure getting the better of moments, wild dog encounters, and what happens when things don’t go to plan but still come together over time. It’s not polished. It’s just how it happened. Podcast topics:
You can do all the right prep. Shoot well, train hard, understand animals — and still mess it up in the moment. But over enough time in the bush, those lessons stack. And eventually… things start to go your way. 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Why Firearms Owners Are Scared to Speak Up About Mental Health with Glen Thurston | 10 Apr 2026 | 01:44:37 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with Glen Thurston, the founder of MentalHunts, for a conversation that goes well beyond hunting. Glen shares his journey through mental health struggles that started early in life, including an attempted suicide at 18, years of self-medicating through alcohol, and eventually hitting rock bottom while running a growing business. From the outside, things looked like they were working, but behind the scenes, it was a different story. What followed was a complete shift. Glen opens up about getting sober, starting medication, and rebuilding his life from the ground up… Including time spent working on a high country farm, reconnecting with purpose, and finding stability again. But the turning point that led to Mental Hunts came later… when Glen made the decision to be proactive about his mental health and was punished for it. After seeking help, he had his firearms license revoked. That experience exposed a much bigger issue, one that affects hunters across Australia and New Zealand, where people are now hesitant to seek help out of fear of losing their livelihood, identity, and connection to the outdoors. From there, Glen set out to create change. This conversation covers the realities of mental health within the farming and hunting communities, the importance of being proactive, and why time in the bush can act as a powerful reset — not just physically, but mentally. It’s an honest, raw conversation about what’s really going on beneath the surface — and why more people need to speak up. What We Cover:
Key Takeaway Hunting isn’t just about the outcome… It’s one of the few places where everything else switches off. For a lot of people, it’s where clarity comes back, where conversations happen, and where you can actually process what’s going on in your life. But if people are scared to seek help… that becomes a bigger problem than anything else. Find Our Guest Glen Thurston Instagram: @glen_thurston Mental Hunts: @mentalhunts Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| When Hunting Becomes Medicine - Rob Herbert | 27 Mar 2026 | 02:14:01 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with Rob Herbert from R&N Blades for a conversation that goes well beyond knives. Rob shares his background growing up on a farm where hunting and using tools was simply part of everyday life — from trapping rabbits to learning how to keep a knife sharp from his grandfather. That early exposure eventually led him into knife making, but also into careers in the military, Victoria Police, and later the Game Management Authority. As the conversation unfolds, Rob opens up about the impact of trauma from his time in policing, and how making knives, along with time spent hunting, became a way to manage that mental load. There’s a strong theme throughout the episode around hunting as more than just a pursuit… For many people it becomes a form of reset, a place to think clearly, and a way to reconnect with something real. The discussion also moves into the current state of hunting in Australia, including challenges around legislation, representation, and the need for a more unified voice across the broader outdoor community. Rob shares a grounded perspective on how hunters are perceived, the importance of presenting the right image, and why education matters more than emotion when it comes to protecting the future of hunting. There’s also plenty of practical insight from Rob’s own hunting journey, from traditional bows through to compound and rifle, and how changing tools can expose weaknesses and ultimately make you a better hunter. This is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about hunting, mental health, community, and the role it all plays in people’s lives. 🔍 What We Cover:
For a lot of people, hunting isn’t just about the outcome — it’s about what happens while you’re out there. Time in the bush, working with your hands, and focusing on something real has a way of cutting through everything else. Find Our Guest Rob Herbert Instagram: @robert_herbert Follow Becoming a BowhunterInstagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How to Cape a Deer for a Shoulder Mount | Brian Anderson | 13 Mar 2026 | 02:20:48 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with taxidermist and lifelong hunter Brian Anderson for a practical conversation about preserving memories from the field and the deeper meaning behind taxidermy. We do a full deep dive into caping any animal out for a shoulder mount… Covering every major cut needed, and even the finer details on flipping ears and splitting lips. Although it seems complex, the way that Brian explains and shares how to cape an animal makes it feel much easier and less overwhelming. Brian’s biggest bit of advice is to practice before game day. If you get the opportunity to shoot a nanny goat or hind/doe, then take the time to practice on these animals so that when it comes to doing an animal of a lifetime… You’re prepared. Brian’s hunted all over the world and taken some pretty incredible animals with both guns and bows. He shares some pretty epic stories at the end of the episode from some of his most memorable hunts. 🔍What We Cover:
🧠 Key Takeaway Good taxidermy starts in the field. Care taken during skinning, caping, and handling directly affects the final result and ultimately how well the memory of that hunt is preserved. 🔗 Find Our Guest Brian Anderson Instagram: @brianandersontaxidermy 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| A Lifetime of Traditional Bowhunting | Shane & Doug Dupille | 27 Feb 2026 | 02:21:50 | |
In this episode, Matty sits down with Shane and Doug Dupille to talk about there many experiences bowhunting in Australia. We kick off the interview hearing some incredible stories from Doug (father), where he explains what bowhunting was like when he was younger. What the game numbers were like back in the 60’s & 70’s. And how they used to import arrow shafts by the thousands and make their own broadheads from steel shelving. The second half of the interview is centred around Shane Dupille. Shanes had a great life, with lots of passion and dedication to bowhunting. Shane tells many funny tales and also gives some incredible tips and insights into hunting and being successful with a traditional bow. If you enjoy honest hunting stories, practical lessons, and conversations that reflect the culture and reality of Australian bowhunting, this episode will resonate. 🔎 What We Cover
Find Our Guests: Shane & Doug Dupille Instagram: @shanedupille 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| From Field To WildPie: Meat is the Trophy with Jo Barrett | 13 Feb 2026 | 01:44:28 | |
In this special episode, Matty sits down with Australian chef, author, and passionate forager Jo Barrett to explore the deeper connection between hunting, food, and sustainability. Jo’s journey from top-tier kitchens to the wild has taken her into remote hunting camps, kitchens powered by fire, and now to her own venture Wild Pie—where she turns ethically sourced game meat into gourmet handheld experiences. Together, we talk about the respectful harvesting of animals, the power of real food, and what it means to eat with intention. If you’ve ever wanted to take your wild game cooking beyond snags on the grill… or understand why food is the great connector, this one’s for you. Jo shares insights from her partnership at Discovered Foods, her passion for whole animal butchery, how she approaches cooking venison, goat and wild boar, and why she believes food has the power to shift cultural perceptions around hunting. What We Cover in This Episode:
Guest Info: Jo Barrett
🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How to Choose a 2026 Hunting Bow | Ian Summers | 30 Jan 2026 | 02:29:39 | |
What do you really need to look for in a new bow? In this episode, I sit down with Ian Summers to unpack the process of choosing a 2026 model hunting bow. We get real about the 2026 bows and their stats, and what actually matters when you’re out in the bush versus what’s just clever marketing. Ian brings deep insight from years of archeryand bowhunting experience… Plus many years of running Summers Archery Solutions, where he tunes bows daily and helps to coach bowhunters and archers through better shot mechanics. We talk about the quirks and improvements of the 2026 flagship bows from top manufacturers, including Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, Elite, Bear, PSE, Expedition, Truth, Darton and more. We also explore some of the engineering changes, personal setup preferences, and why some bows feel better in hand than others even with the same specs on paper. Whether you're upgrading your current rig or diving deep into your first major bow purchase, this episode offers grounded advice and real talk about what's worth your money… and what’s not. 🔍 What We Cover in This Episode:
Find Our Guest: Ian Summers Instagram: @summersarchery @iansummersofficial 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How to Bowhunt Australian Small Game Species | 16 Jan 2026 | 02:45:27 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Dave Whiting, a highly respected traditional bowhunter with decades of experience hunting Australia’s small game species. Today we’re diving deep into bowhunting the small game species Australia has to offer, specifically, rabbits, hares, foxes and cats. Dave shares stories and lessons gathered over a lifetime with trad bows, covering everything from finding productive ground to learning how to move slowly, read sign, and wait for the right opportunity. This is a practical, experience-driven episode that highlights how small game hunting builds better bowhunters. After bowhunting for 55 years dave has had some incredible experiences in the bush and after we cover the small game species, Dave enlightens us with some of his fond memories and tales. 🔍 What We Cover:
🏹 Supporting Dave Whiting: Dave is currently being inducted into the International Traditional Bowhunting Hall Of Fame — a huge and well-earned honour. There is an active GoFundMe to help support his travel to the USA for the induction ceremony. If you’d like to contribute or share support, you can do so here: 👉 https://www.gofundme.com/f/dave-whiting-travel-to-to-usa-for-hall-of-fame-induction 🔗 Find Our Guest: Dave Whiting Instagram: @whiting.dave 🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Reflection and Bowhunting Goal Setting for 2026 with The Boyz | 02 Jan 2026 | 01:33:03 | |
This week Matty sits down with Grant Rand, Benny Fensom, Brett Meldrum, and Ben Atherton. Given the time of year, the boys reflect on 2025 to share their highlights. Plus, share their goals they’ve each set for 2026. This episode is full of laughs, stories, and some pretty aspirational goals for the year ahead from 5 Aussie bowhunters. If you haven’t already taken the time to reflect on your year of hunting in 2025 and set some goals for 2026, be sure to take a beat and write down some goals. Podcast topics
Whether you’re preparing for an overseas hunting trip yourself or you just want to get in better physical shape for bowhunting in general, this is a great episode for you. Connect with the Guests Grant Rand Instagram: @grant_randy_rand Brett Meldrum Instagram: @brettmeldrum085 Benny Fensom Instagram: @benny_fensom Ben Atherton Instagram: @ben_atho_hunts Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How to Prepare Physically for Bowhunting | 19 Dec 2025 | 02:05:14 | |
🎧 Listen Now: This is a 2-part podcast. Part 1 is a solo episode with Matty Turner explaining how he gained 12 kg over 3 months and then lost it in the following 6 months. He gives you the calculations and protocol for what he calls “The Lazy Man’s Carb Cycling.” This was the exact method Matty used to drop the 12 kgs over a 12-week period. Part 2 is from an interview hosted by Andy Leonard from the Stalk Outdoors Podcast. Around July 2025, Andy interviewed Matty on his podcast to discuss all things nutrition and fitness for preparing for a backpack hunt in New Zealand. They cover potential exercises to focus on, nutrition for the mountains, and potential weight gain in the lead-up to the trip. Podcast topics
Whether you’re preparing for an overseas hunting trip yourself or you just want to get in better physical shape for bowhunting in general, this is a great episode for you. Connect with the Guests Andy Leonard (Stalk Outdoors)
Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How Arrow Flight Really Works With Dr James Park | 05 Dec 2025 | 01:12:01 | |
🎧 In This Episode: Dr. James Park brings a scientific lens to the world of archery. As a highly respected archer, Olympic coach, engineer, and researcher, James has authored numerous scientific papers on arrow life cycle performance and physics. In this episode, Matty and Dr. Park dive into:
If you’ve ever been confused about tuning, arrow weight, or whether speed helps or hinders your hunt… this is the deep-dive you’ve been waiting for. Find Our Guests: Dr James L Park https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Park-39 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| How to Successfully Bowhunt Sambar Deer | 21 Nov 2025 | 01:51:30 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Brad Murphy and Ben Atherton for a deep dive into Australia’s most elusive and challenging deer species: Sambar. Brad shares his decades of experience as a bowhunting coach, explaining how to pattern sambar behaviour, know where to find them and how to best set your expectations for hunting them. Ben has hunted Sambar deer his whole life… It’s only within the past few years he’s chased them with a bow, but in that time he’s successfully taken them with a stick bow and has a lot of incredibly useful knowledge on Sambar deer to share. We break this detailed overview into a few sections. Seasonal hunting, how to find them, habits of the deer, and how to best be successful on public land. Whether you’re planning your first hunt or chasing your 20th, this is the most comprehensive and practical episodes we’ve ever recorded on hunting sambar deer with a bow. 🔍 What We Cover:
And a heck of a lot more. Find Our Guests: Brad Murphy Instagram: @thebowhuntingcoach Ben Atherton Instagram: @ben_atho_hunts Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Fred Eichler's North American Super Slam Explained | 07 Nov 2025 | 01:09:06 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with a true icon in the world of archery, Fred Eichler. Known for being the first person to complete the North American Super Slam with a recurve, Fred is absolutely full of life and an amazing storyteller, but he’s also a hunter, outfitter, and steward of the bowhunting tradition. In this episode, Fred recaps some of his favorite hunts of various species from the Super Slam. Fred opens up about the real-life highs and lows of being a bowhunter, including the grit it takes to hunt with traditional equipment and the mindset required to stay sharp. This episode is packed with stories, strategies, laughs, and life lessons from one of the most respected voices in the game. Podcast Topics:
Whether you're a die-hard trad bowhunter or just picking up a bow for the first time, this chat with Fred is a refreshing reminder of what bowhunting is all about: connection, challenge, and conservation. Find Fred Eichler: Instagram: @fredeichler Website: www.fredeichler.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fredeichler 📲 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – @dogandguncoffee Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Kayuga Broadheads – @kayuga_broadheads Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Venture Hunting & Outdoors – @venturehunting Gear up for your next hunt. Jab Stick Outdoors – @jabstickoutdoors Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. | |||
| The Anatomy of the Perfect Bowhunting Shot | Ranch Fairy | 24 Oct 2025 | 02:01:06 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Troy Fowler, better known as Ranch Fairy, to dive deep into the science, ethics, and gear setups behind repeatable bowhunting. Troy’s known for testing gear, sharing data, and helping bowhunters take clean, lethal shots on animals. He works closely with the Ashby Foundation, and everything they do aims to use physics and numbers to speak for the results. Whether you’re brand new to bowhunting or you’ve been flinging arrows for decades, this episode may challenge the way you think about arrow weight, broadheads, tuning, and arrow speed. What you’ll hear about in this episode:
This episode is a wake-up call. If you’ve ever hit an animal and wondered why it didn’t die… you need to hear what Ranch Fairy has to say. Follow Troy Fowler (Ranch Fairy) Instagram: @ranchfairy YouTube: Ranch Fairy Channel Website & Resources: ranchfairy.com https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/ Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium blends. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Kayuga Broadheads – Precision-engineered for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for serious hunts. Jab Stick Outdoors – High-performance carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. | |||
| Using Deer Data to Become a Better Bowhunter | 10 Oct 2025 | 01:22:55 | |
In this episode, Matty is joined by Kip Adams (@kipadams_nda), the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association (@deerassociation), to talk about all things whitetail, conservation, and the evolving role of hunters. Kip brings over two decades of experience in wildlife biology and land management. In this conversation, we dig into deer behavior, nutrition, and management strategies, and how hunters can make better decisions in the field and in the off-season. We also touch on the science behind antler growth, buck-to-doe ratios, and habitat improvement tips that the average hunter can apply. If you want to become a better hunter, it starts with a deep understanding of your target. This episode takes the data collected over the past 23 years from the National Deer Association in America and compiles it in one place for you to learn all you need to know. Podcast Topics:
Find Our Guest: Kips Adam - Instagram: @kipadams_nda 🎙️ Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: 📸 Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast 🎙️ Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. | |||
| How Loud Are Your Arrows? Bowhunting Noise Explained | 26 Sep 2025 | 01:42:12 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Jamie Macintosh and Hayden Rylewski. These two recently conducted a sound test on arrows, and what they found is pretty incredible. Inside this episode, we go into all of the elements they tested and break down exactly what makes your arrows loud or quiet while they’re soaring through the air. The boys then help to draw the lines between their data and what that means for us bowhunters. Pretty much the sound of your arrow in flight could be the difference between an animal ducking the shot or not. Podcast Topics:
Whether you’re a gear tinkerer or just want to make your setup as silent as possible, this is one of the most practical deep dives we’ve ever done. Find Our Guests: Hayden Rylewski - Instagram: @dos_bowhunting Jamie Macintosh - Instagram: @archery_sound_lab Find Becoming a Bowhunter: 📸 Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast 🎙️ Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors Wild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ @wilddeerexpo | |||
| How to Improve Accuracy with a Traditional Bow | 12 Sep 2025 | 02:24:25 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Tom Clum Sr., a lifelong bowhunter and founder of RMS Gear, to talk all things traditional archery, effective shot execution, and making clean kills with a trad bow. Tom has coached hundreds of archers through form issues, target panic, and inconsistent results. This episode cuts through the noise and gets straight to the stuff that actually makes you a better archer and bowhunter. They talk about how to practice with purpose, what really matters in high-pressure moments, and how Tom uses coaching and failure as a platform for growth. Whether you shoot compound, trad, or something in between, you’ll walk away from this one with plenty to chew on. Podcast Topic:
Follow Tom: Instagram: @tom_clum_sr Website: www.rmsgear.com Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Where to shoot a Deer with a bow and arrow | Brian Johnson | 29 Aug 2025 | 02:15:02 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Brian Johnson, also known as The Anatomy Hunter, for a deep dive into why understanding the anatomy of your target species can make or break your hunt. Brian’s mission is simple: to help bowhunters take more ethical, effective shots by knowing exactly where to aim. From deer to elk, pigs to predators, we unpack how a little anatomical knowledge can dramatically improve your odds in the field. We cover everything from broadside and quartering shot placement to 3D targets, bone structure, and why visualising the vitals before you draw is critical. Whether you’re new to bowhunting or a seasoned hunter, this conversation will make you think differently about your next shot. Podcast topics:
Follow Brian: Instagram: @theanatomyhunter Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Meaningful Connection To The Land with Alesha Tomasi | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:49:17 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Alesha Tomasi — a passionate hunter, cook, and content creator — to talk all things meat, mindset, and meaningful connection to the land. From harvesting her first goat to launching a female-led hunting community, Alesha shares how she went from tagging along on hunts to being an advocate for sustainable meat, mental health, and women in the outdoors. This episode is equal parts inspirational, educational, and grounded in the reality of rural life. Podcast topics:
Whether you're a seasoned hunter, an aspiring provider, or just someone who wants to live a little closer to the land, this is a conversation that hits home. Follow Alesha: Instagram: @alesha_tomasi Community: @daughters_of_the_wild Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Wild Deer Hunting & Outdoor Expo – Live at Lardner Park in Victoria on the 11th & 12th of October. Get your tickets at https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. | |||
| Bowhunting The South Pacific Slam Explained | Ben Salleras | 02 Aug 2025 | 02:46:46 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined once again by Ben Salleras, one of only a handful of hunters to ever complete the elusive South Pacific Slam. But what even is that? Ben unpacks the “South Pacific 15,” the challenges of defining a slam in our part of the world, and why the pursuit became such a personal obsession. We dive deep into the last hunt that finished off his South Pacific Slam, the Wapiti from the intense terrain in Fiordland, NZ Podcast Topics:
Whether you’ve dreamed of your own slam or just love hearing in-depth yarns about a hunt, this is a thoughtful and wild ride through Benny’s South Pacific’s bowhunting feat. Find Ben Salleras: Instagram: @bensalleras Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Building Jabstick Outdoors | Benny Fensom & Jack Spinks | 18 Jul 2025 | 02:55:26 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty catches up with two stickbow hunters and top blokes — Benny Fensom and Jack Spinks — for a laugh-filled and brutally honest yarn about traditional archery, wild meat processing, serious health scares, and why red deer still haunt their dreams. From hand-pumping 20 kilos of sausages to dodging disease from deer urine, this one covers all the messy, meaty, and memorable moments that come with hunting hard and living wild. Podcast Topics:
This one’s got it all — equal parts funny, filthy, and full of hard-won bowhunting wisdom. Find Benny & Jack: Benny: @benny_fensom Jack: @jackspinks_ Jabstick Outdoors: @jabstickoutdoors https://jabstickoutdoors.au/ Find Becoming a Bowhunter:
Episode Sponsors:
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| Bowhunting Bucks and Boars | Logan Hawker | 04 Jul 2025 | 01:41:41 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with 21-year-old Logan Hawker — a young bowhunter who’s quickly earning his stripes through persistence, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for the hunt. Logan first got into bowhunting thanks to a mad-keen neighbor, and even managed to pull his rifle-hunting dad over to the dark side (aka stick and string). These days, he’s putting in 20–30 km days chasing boars in the mountains. This one’s full of laughs, insight, and the kind of grounded stories every hunter can relate to. Show topics:
Find Logan Hawker: @loganhawker Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| The App That Connects Hunters | Josh Forster | 20 Jun 2025 | 02:00:45 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Josh Forster, hunter, avid fisherman, YouTuber, and creator of the new outdoor connection platform Hooked Up. From DIY arrows and NT buffalo chases to nearly getting cleaned up by a croc on the boat, Josh’s stories are wild. But this chat goes deeper — into what inspired him to build an app for Aussie hunters, fishos, and outdoor lovers who want real-world connection, not just another scroll hole. Podcast Topics:
Whether you’re in it for the pig stalks, the gear, or the mission behind Hooked Up, this one’s full of stories, insights, and inspiration for every modern-day bushman and woman. Find Josh Forster:
Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Traditional Bowhunting Gear and Trophy Takers | Steve Dimitrakellis | 06 Jun 2025 | 02:15:08 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Steve Dimitrakellis—chairman of Trophy Takers Australia—for a yarn that dives deep into traditional gear, bowhunting history, and why community is everything in this game. Steve shares how he got started with a bow as a workaround for not being allowed a rifle, and how that decision sparked a lifelong obsession with bowhunting. From building wood arrows and tuning longbows to keeping the culture alive through Trophy Takers, this is a rich conversation full of wisdom, laughs, and bowhunting tradition. What You’ll Hear About:
Whether you’re a trad bow shooter, new to bowhunting, or someone who’s been around long enough to remember wood arrows and score sheets by post, this episode is a celebration of everything that makes bowhunting special. Find Steve Dimitrakellis Instagram: @memosity48 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Saving New Zealand Wapiti | Fiordland Wapiti Foundation | 23 May 2025 | 01:51:08 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we sit down with Roy Sloan—General Manager of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation—for a deep dive into one of New Zealand’s most iconic herds and the conservation challenges they face. Roy shares his decades of experience managing the only free-range wapiti (elk) herd outside of North America. From helicopter culling operations and habitat regeneration to the myth of the Fiordland moose, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and surprising facts about what it takes to protect a world-class hunting environment. Topics Covered:
Whether you’re a bowhunter planning a ballot hunt or just love hearing about what goes into managing wild herds, this episode is a rare look behind the curtain of one of New Zealand’s most respected conservation efforts. Find the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation: Instagram: @fiordland_wapiti_foundation Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. @jabstickoutdoors | |||
| Fallow Deer Rut Recap 2025 | 09 May 2025 | 02:05:36 | |
In this full-send episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty returns from one of the most action-packed fallow rut seasons yet—and he's brought a truckload of stories with him. From adrenaline-pumping close calls and wild stalks to busted bows and unexpected dog encounters, this one captures all the highs, lows, and bush-beaten realities of bowhunting in peak 2025 rut. You’ll hear from a solid crew of legends as they break down their hunts, share hard-earned lessons, and relive the moments that made this rut unforgettable. We dive into: - Bedded buck stalks, spike chaos, and a textbook 30-yard shot while shaking like a leaf - Sprinting into a gully to arrow a big wild dog mid-howl—plus what happened when the pigs showed up - Blown stalks, lucky arteries, and what happens when your bow gets knocked mid-hunt - Arrow deflections, gear tune-ups, and the moment you realize a missed shot was never the deer’s fault - Campfire banter, rums with jet fuel, and how the right crew makes every rut one for the books - Fallow behavior insights, calling tactics, and what really happens when you hunt bucks on scrapes Whether you’re reliving your own season or gearing up for the next one, this episode is a wild ride through the heart of the fallow rut—chock full of learnings, legends, and the kind of bush time we all dream about. Find The Guests: Matty Moore - @mooreofmatt Grant Rand - @grant_randy_rand Cam Rand - @cameron_cambo_rand Corey Seymonsbergen - @corey_seymo Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Best Rut Stories from the Bowhunting Community 2025 | 25 Apr 2025 | 01:47:00 | |
In this milestone episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we’re flipping the script. Instead of the usual one-on-one chat, this episode features a powerful collection of real rut stories straight from the bowhunting community. Host @MattyAfter put the call out for listeners to share their most memorable moments from the 2025 rut—and after some cat-herding and chasing down voice memos, eight legends stepped up to the plate. From misty mornings and busted gear to blood-trailing heartbreaks and first-stag triumphs, this episode is packed with raw, real, and sometimes hilarious tales from the bush. You’ll hear:
Whether you’re reminiscing on your own rut or looking for inspiration to keep grinding, this episode is a celebration of persistence, community, and the wild ride that is bowhunting in the rut. 🦌 Shoutout to all the contributors: Luke Samuels, Jason Wells, PJ Lindley, Jack O'Neil, Jed Davidson, Colin Gair, Kritstian Gerathy and Kenny Riddle. 🎧 Listen in for laughs, lessons, and that sweet sound of the rut echoing through the hills. Story Contributors: @_lukesamuels @mindfulbowhunter @pjlindley94 @jacklewisoneill @jeddavidson @outlawcustombows @followingabrokencompass @keeny_riddle Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Bowhunting Bucks and Stags During the Rut | Bailey Simmons | 11 Apr 2025 | 02:05:41 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Bailey Simmons (@_bailey_simmons_), a New England-based bowhunter who’s been slinging arrows since he was nine. From stalking big reds to chasing Billy goats through the hills, Bailey shares a real-deal look into the highs and lows of his 2024 rut season. We dive into how a tight-knit crew of bowhunters from Armidale pushes each other forward, the lessons learned from missed shots and meat pack-outs, and Bailey’s deep knowledge of his local terrain, goat behavior, and scrape strategies. With multiple bucks already down and more to come, this one's full of stories, laughs, and gold for any bowhunter gearing up for the next hunt. Podcast Topics:
And heaps more. Find Bailey Simmons: Instagram: @_bailey_simmons_ Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Training for Archery Accuracy | George Ryals | 28 Mar 2025 | 01:48:37 | |
In this episode of Become a Bowhunter, we sit down with George Ryals, a renowned archery coach and the founder of ImproveMyArchery.com. George shares his wealth of knowledge on how to build a solid foundation in archery and bowhunting, emphasizing the importance of precision, practice, and maintaining proper form. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bowhunter, George provides valuable insights into improving your shooting accuracy and mental focus for consistent success. Topics Covered:
Archery Coaching Secrets: George’s tried-and-tested methods for improving form and precision, including his "Big Four" process that has helped athletes elevate their performance. Plus much, much more. Find George Ryals: Instagram: @georgeryalsiv Website: ImproveMyArchery.com Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Jab Stick Outdoors: @jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. | |||
| Red Deer Rut Bowhunting Strategy | Harry Watson | 14 Mar 2025 | 02:08:57 | |
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we welcome back Harry Watson (@ihuntnfish) to unpack his detailed strategies for hunting red deer during the rut. Known for his incredible ability to get close to animals, Harry shares decades of knowledge and practical insights to help you make the most of this exciting hunting season. We dive deep into:
Whether you're preparing for your first red deer rut or seeking advanced techniques to refine your hunting style, this episode is loaded with practical tips and detailed strategies to help you become more successful this season. Find Harry Watson: Instagram: @ihuntnfish Website: https://www.jackall.com.au/ Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Bowhunting, Gold Mining and Adventure | Kristian Gerathy | 28 Feb 2025 | 01:39:51 | |
In this episode of Become a Bowhunter, we sit down with Kristian Gerathy—an adventurer, gold prospector, and passionate bowhunter—to discuss his journey from searching for gold in Australian rivers to chasing deer in the bush. Kristian shares his evolution from a casual shooter to a dedicated bowhunter, offering valuable insights into persistence, access challenges, and the mental game needed to succeed. From finding gold nuggets to landing his first hard-earned stag, his stories highlight the relentless determination that defines true hunting. Topics Covered:
And loads more Find Kristian Gerathy: Instagram: @followingabrokencompass YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FollowingABrokenCompass Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| Bowhunting Australia’s Top End | Jim McWilliam | 14 Feb 2025 | 01:30:07 | |
In this episode of Become A Bowhunter, we sit down with Jim McWilliam. We discuss his transition from hunting with dogs to bowhunting in the rugged Northern Territory. Jim shares insights into hunting the massive boars of Darwin and its surroundings, the challenges of bows and living rurally, hunting in the heat, and much more. With a down-to-earth and humble perspective and a passion for continuous learning, Jim gives us a raw and unfiltered look at what it takes to become a better hunter. Topics Covered:
This episode is packed with knowledge for bowhunters of all experience levels, from those just starting out to seasoned hunters looking to refine their skills. Whether you're interested in tuning your own bow, understanding Northern Territory hunting dynamics, or just hearing some incredible hunting stories — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Find Jim McWilliam: Instagram: @topendoutdoors Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
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| How to Overcome Target Panic in Archery | Graham Cahill | 31 Jan 2025 | 01:50:11 | |
In this episode we welcome back Graham Cahill, one of 2024’s fan favorites, for an insightful and entertaining conversation about his bowhunting journey and overcoming target panic. Known for his down-to-earth and highly positive personality, Graham shares the ups and downs of mastering the mental game of archery to overcome a multi-year battle with target panic. We dive into topics such as:
Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable advice for overcoming mental hurdles, refining your technique, and rediscovering the joy of hunting. Find Graham Cahill: Instagram: @ecomuseimages Watch Graham on 4WD 24/7: https://www.youtube.com/user/4wdaction Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors:
• • Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting | |||
| Bowhunting Wild Camels in Australia | Pete Griffiths | 17 Jan 2025 | 01:46:19 | |
In this unique episode of Become A Bowhunter, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of camel hunting in Australia with Pete Griffiths. Known for their resilience and intelligence, Australia’s wild camel population poses distinct challenges for bowhunters. Pete brings his wealth of experience to the table, sharing in-depth knowledge about these animals, their behavior, and how to successfully hunt them. From understanding their grazing habits to navigating the expansive Australian outback, this episode is packed with actionable insights and intriguing stories on camels. And then the adventure begins when Pete starts to unleash some jaw-dropping stories of the most pain he’s ever suffered whilst bowhunting, multiple near misses with crocodiles, and much more. Topics Covered: - The history of Australia's wild camels and their unique purity as a species. - Key behaviors of camels and how to use them to your advantage when hunting. - Strategies for tracking camels, even in the vastness of the outback. - The challenges of bowhunting camels include their sharp eyesight and tendency to roam. - Fun and surprising facts about camels, like their rutting calls and the use of their fat in cooking. - Stuff the Crocs — Donkeys are what you have to look out for - Horses don’t attack, do they? Think again. - Do you know those stingray barbs? Well, they’re sharp as hell and leave you in a lot of pain - Look, hear me out — Crocodiles aren’t too bad And much, much more Find Pete Griffiths: @ihunt_downunder Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: Fuel your hunt with the best coffee for bowhunters. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee Kayuga Broadheads: For precision, power, and reliability in every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Visit Kayuga Broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors: Your one-stop-shop for hunting gear. Get ready for your next adventure with the best products. Visit Venture Hunting | |||
| Chital Deer Bowhunting Tactics | 03 Jan 2025 | 02:01:45 | |
In this episode of Become Your Bowhunter, we're joined by Ayden Doumtsis for a deep dive into Chital deer hunting strategies both in and out of the rut. Ayden shares his extensive experience in North Queensland, covering topics from rut behavior to the best hunting approaches in varying conditions. We discuss key signs of Chital activity during the rut to look for — such as rub trees and the significance they play in scouting and area. Some of the highlights from this episode include:
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to Chital deer hunting, this episode offers valuable knowledge to help you make the most of your next hunt. Tune in and get ready for some incredible insights from one of the best in the game for Chital/Axis Deer. Find Ayden Doumtsis: @aydendoumtsisoutdoors @twinelements @spottedsafaris Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: Fuel your hunt with the best coffee for bowhunters. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee Kayuga Broadheads: For precision, power, and reliability in every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Visit Kayuga Broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors: Your one-stop-shop for hunting gear. Get ready for your next adventure with the best products. Visit Venture Hunting | |||
| Lessons from My First Bowhunt | Grant Muir | 20 Dec 2024 | 01:25:44 | |
This episode is packed with experiences and lessons learned from a first-time bowhunter, Grant Muir, as he takes on his first-ever hunt. Joined by host Matty, Grant navigates through equipment setbacks, unexpected challenges, and the intense emotions of the hunt. From a cracked bow to the powerful moments of stalking animals, they discuss the trials and triumphs that come with the journey. Topics Covered:
Find Grant Muir: @grantjmuir369 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee Kayuga Broadheads: For precision and reliability in your hunting gear. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Visit Kayuga Broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors: For all your hunting gear needs. Visit Venture Hunting | |||
| How to Grow a Healthy Deer Herd on Your Property | Sean Chick | 06 Dec 2024 | 01:57:57 | |
This week, Matty is joined by Sean Chick, a dedicated hunter who shares the unique story of gaining access to a property with a struggling deer herd and taking steps to boost its numbers and quality. Sean’s journey highlights the practical challenges and rewarding outcomes of managing deer populations while balancing ethical hunting practices. If you, too, have deer numbers dwindling on your block, the information provided by Sean could be the information you need to completely turn the deer numbers around, just like Sean was able to do. Despite being limited in his bowhunting due to a shoulder injury, Sean’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to herd improvement shines through. Podcast Topics: - Sean’s bowhunting origins and evolution - The impact of wild dogs on deer herds - Ethical and sustainable deer management practices - Managing genetics: Why “mong heads” need to go - Balancing the herd: The importance of mature does - Strategies to create a thriving hunting block - Wild dog trapping: Methods, tools, and insights - Navigating the of herd dynamics year-round (when to shoot and not shoot what) - Filming The Season And much, much more. Find Sean Chick: @src_huntntrap Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure - Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ Venture Hunting & Outdoors @venturehunting For all of your hunting gear and needs head over to https://venturehunting.com.au/ | |||
| The Science of Arrow Penetration | Dr. Ed Ashby | 22 Nov 2024 | 02:03:57 | |
This week Matty is joined by living legend Dr. Ed Ashby. Dr. Ashby was the man who helped to reinstate bowhunting in South Africa. The man documented over 630+ animals that he took with his bow and arrow. Each time trialing different arrows, broadheads and total weight setups to come to a conclusion of best setups for bowhunters which is all documented and shared through “The Ashby Bowhunting Foundation.” https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/ “The goal of every bowhunter should be to achieve the most penetration possible on an animal, with the intent of a full passthrough.” - Dr. Ed Ashby | Founder Podcast topics: - The Science of Bowhunting: Ethical Hunting Redefined - Heavy Bone Thresholds and Their Impact on Success - Stalking Skills: The Lost Art of Close-Range Hunting - Lessons from 631 Animals: Dr. Ashby’s Bowhunting Insights - Mechanical vs. Fixed Broadheads: The Ultimate Debate - Conservation Through Bowhunting: A Hunter’s Role in Wildlife Management - The Physics of Penetration: Why Momentum Matters Most - The Future of Bowhunting: Innovations and Challenges Ahead And much, much more… Find Dr. Ed Ashby’s Work: https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/ Make a donation to the foundation: https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/make-a-donation Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure - Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ | |||
| How to Eliminate Target Panic | Joel Turner (Shot IQ) | 08 Nov 2024 | 01:39:08 | |
This week Matty is joined by Joel Turner from Shot IQ. Joel has cracked the code to override the human instinct and safety mechanisms that we have in place can negatively affect your accuracy inside of shooting. Whether you’re shooting a gun or shooting your bow, this system is an easy-to-implement process that removes target panic and makes a repeatable process every time. Podcast Topics: - The Australian paddy melons - how did this all come to fruition - The Science and psychology behind the shot process - Open and closed loop systems - Thoughts are not thinking - How to override your thoughts and take back control - Applying the system to each style of release aid - Compound Vs. Trad Shot - An elk hunt to remember - The trick to calling in Bull Elk and Red Stags And much, much more. Find Joel Turner: @joelturneractual Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure - Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ | |||
| Bowhunting for Beginners: Complete Guide | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:56:31 | |
This week is another solo episode in which Matty does his best to bring you a beginners' guide to bowhunting. Inside this episode, Matty takes you through the A-Z of everything you’ll need to know to get started in bowhunting in 2024 and beyond. Think of this episode as an open letter to anyone looking to get into bowhunting, new to bowhunting, or even someone still looking for their first success with the bow. Episode topics:
Relevant Episodes: #1 - Buying the perfect bow with Ian Summers #133 - Using Wilderness First-Aid To Save Your Life with Christie Pisani #115 - Gaining Hunting Access w/ Matty Turner #98 - Liam’s Rut Recap and Perfect Shot Placement with Liam Woods #43 - Meat Safety When Hunting with Bevan Blacklock #97 - Cooking Wild Meat with Ross O'Meara Videos Worth Watching: Home-made target: https://youtu.be/uvy2-lWB9sI?si=GI9kcmhB0HGV1cnA Shot placement for Australian Bowhunters with Liam Woods: https://youtu.be/nKSvR4_2RSU?si=2lmnTlHwTbeeh91o Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure - Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ | |||
| Overcoming Target Panic in Traditional Archery | 11 Oct 2024 | 01:40:38 | |
In this episode, Matty is joined by renowned traditional bowhunter Ben Maher. Ben has been pursuing his passion for traditional archery and bowhunting for decades. But it hasn’t always come easily, which sent Ben on a pursuit of gaining coaching and becoming the best shooter he can be. A lot of great tips and tricks were shared inside this one that helped Ben to overcome his target panic. Ben is a very passionate lover of all things traditional bows and bowhunting and has been a helpful pillar of the traditional community for a long time. Podcast Topics: - Ben's early introduction to archery and bowhunting through his father - Stuff your wheels, give me recurves & longbows - Bowhunting turkeys in New Zealand - Target panic: Overcoming mental hurdles and embracing a triggerless shot - Many mentors make light work — unless you’re Ben Maher (or so Tom Clum, Rod Jenkins, and Joel Turner would say) - Key lessons and takeaways from the best in the biz - Bowhunting transforms lives - Sometimes, the best hunts are the unsuccessful ones - Promoting positive perceptions of bowhunting to the wider community - The growing popularity of traditional archery and bowhunting in Australia And much more... Find Ben Maher: @benmaher73 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure - Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads | |||
| How to Improve Bowhunting Fast (Lessons From Hunting with Beginners) | 27 Sep 2024 | 01:50:05 | |
In this episode, Matty is joined by Jordan De Jong and Adam Barter as they recap the hunt that was on their drive home. This hunt was Jordan’s first-ever experience of bowhunting. Matty and Adam made it their goal to help fast-track Jordy’s hunting abilities and get him his first animal with the bow. They were successful; however, they didn’t come without challenges. This recap gives great insights into what worked well, what didn’t work at all and what each member of the hunting party would have done differently to make good of the opportunities that weren’t fruitful. Podcast Topics: - How’d we get here? - The excitement that new blocks bring - Seeing your first critters in the wild - The first stalk failed - Good! - The second stalk failed - Good, what did you learn? - What made the third stalk a charm? - Pigs, & goats… Take your pick - Wind - Day 2 - Hello Mr Fox - Check your gear, DUMMY. - The mountaintop that keeps on giving. - Biggest takeaways - Bowhunting changes lives! And much, much more. Find our guest: Jordan: @Jordodejong Adam: @adam.j.barter Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure — Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ | |||
| Bowhunting Secrets for New Zealand Game with Poldi Waldmann Moloney | 13 Sep 2024 | 01:33:10 | |
This week, Matty is joined by Poldi, the man behind the YouTube channel Westcoast Adventures. To keep the adventures alive, Poldi set himself the challenge of going stickbow only moving forward and has been trying to master his craft for the past year. What’s cool to see is with the system Poldi has adopted he has truly become a beast with the recurve, especially when it matters with a live animal in front of him. Podcast topics: - Kayaking Norway - The influence of Bruce Barns - Getting the right start in the outdoors - I sold my wheels to go on an adventure - Push archery - Hunting is tough with a bad back - Stewart Island - Patterning the animals year-round. - Springtime red deer - Chamois can see - Tahr love slips And much more… Find Poldi: @poldi_wm https://youtube.com/@westcoastadventures8877?si=-pmAiUl2sAvUQ8s3 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure — Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ | |||