Avsnitt
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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:
Why I chose the DJI Action 5 Pro over a GoPro and Insta360, and how it's handled hunting, spearfishing and low-light filming.My thoughts on the Stoney Creek Nitz rain jacket after using it in Queensland conditions, including where it excels and where it falls short.Testing Reebok Tactical boots in steep, muddy country and how they compared to Volleys and Salomons for long days in the hills.The camping mattress setup that completely changed how I sleep in my swag, including the North Peak inflatable system and pillow combination.A new rechargeable head torch with adjustable beam patterns, red light mode and gesture controls that has replaced my old setup.Upgrading from a budget Aldi rangefinder to the Leupold RX-1400i and why quality glass and angle compensation make such a difference in the field.Why I invested in a chamber vacuum sealer, how it improves meat storage, and the biggest advantage over traditional vacuum sealers.The process behind choosing the Darton TriTech after the Truth bow production issues and why feedback from bow technicians convinced me.Setting up the new bow, tuning broadheads with the limb adjustment system, and how quickly it paper tuned.Two real hunting encounters where the Darton TriTech's incredibly quiet shot helped deer stay calm after the arrow was released.An update on preparing the camel euro mount, using acetone to remove oils from the skull, and plans for the new podcast backdrop.🧠 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
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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
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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
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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:
Cam’s background in ecology and wildlife managementPredator control in New Zealand and the impact of stoats, rats, cats, and possumsWhy healthy habitat is the true foundation of sustainable huntingSika deer history in New Zealand and how they became establishedWhy Sika outcompete red deer in certain environmentsThe relationship between nutrition, breeding success, and antler growthWhy hunters should focus more on harvesting femalesHow overabundant deer populations damage habitat and herd qualityJaw studies, herd analysis, and measuring deer conditionGPS collar tracking and what it revealed about Sika movement patternsSika rut behaviour, scrapes, and vocalisationsHow to call Sika stags during the rutWhy Sika are such an exciting species for bowhuntersPublic land vs helicopter-access hunting in New ZealandThe role hunting organisations play in protecting hunting’s futureRetaining hunting’s social license through education and responsibility👤 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
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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:
Early vs late rut behaviour and when calling works bestWhy wind and setup matter more than the call itselfUsing terrain (benches, folds, cover) to force movementDrawing early vs getting busted at full drawHind & fawn calls vs stag roarsSpot-and-stalk vs calling, and when to use eachWhy most hunts fall apart inside 50mThe importance of repetition and experienceFind 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
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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:
A March trip focused on getting the drop on a red deer, gone a little differently.Easter weekend on family ground, including a camel hunt and pig encountersA return to the family red deer block during peak rut, putting everything togetherThere’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:
Breaking the rut into three separate hunts and what changed across eachEarly mistakes under pressure: rushing shots and missing opportunitiesLessons from hunting with experienced hunters and adjusting setup decisionsDrawing early vs drawing late, and why it matters more than you thinkCalling strategies: when to use hind calls vs roarsHow stags actually respond when pressured by other deer in the areaA close-range wild dog encounter and the mental side of making the shot countThe reality of pressure in the moment, even when you’ve done the workCamel hunting… stalking, shot placement, and dealing with sheer sizeWhat happens when a hunt turns into a logistical challenge (heat, meat, time)Managing meat recovery and processing when things don’t go to planReturning to the red deer block during peak rutReading wind, terrain, and access differently after previous experienceHow small decisions (where you park, where you listen) change everythingThe importance of patience and positioning during the roarWhy some hunts finally come together after years of near missesYou 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
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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:
Glen’s early struggles with mental health and suicide attempt at 18The culture of alcohol as a coping mechanism in trade environmentsBuilding a successful business… and burning out in the processGetting sober and the role medication played in stabilising his lifeMoving rural and finding purpose through physical work and huntingThe moment everything changed. Firearms license revocation after seeking helpWhy fear is stopping people from going to the doctorThe lack of consistency in legislation around mental health and firearmsThe real difference between “mental health” and violent intentWhy being proactive about your mental health mattersThe role of hunting as a form of meditation and mental resetBuilding Mental Hunts and advocating for change at a legislative levelWhy storytelling is more powerful than telling people what to doHow to actually have conversations around mental health with matesThe importance of listening and not trying to “fix” someonePhysical tools: exercise, cold exposure, nutrition, time in the bushWhy what you put into your body (food, alcohol, media) mattersKey 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
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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:
Growing up with hunting as part of everyday lifeLearning knife skills and craftsmanship from a young ageTransition from military and policing into knife makingThe impact of trauma and finding balance through making and huntingHunting as a form of mental reset and “medicine”Why time in the bush changes perspective and reduces stressThe importance of community within huntingChallenges facing hunting in Australia and lack of unified representationHow hunters are perceived and why image mattersSocial media, communication, and presenting hunting responsiblyFitness, discipline, and preparation for huntingTraditional bow vs compound vs rifle — and what each teaches youHow pushing yourself in the bush builds better decision-makingFor 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
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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:
Brian’s journey into hunting and professional taxidermy
What happens inside a taxidermy workshop and the process behind the scenes
How to properly prepare capes and hides immediately after harvest
Common mistakes hunters make that affect final mount quality
Balancing taxidermy collecting with home life and space limitations
Why taxidermy is about memories, not just trophies
Brian’s personal hunting experiences and collection over the years
Practical advice for hunters considering their first mount🧠 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
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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
Dougie Drops by the hundreds. Why you should never walk around the Macquarie Marshes barefoot. Hunting the camp with young kids in toeA 10-week of hunting with Dave WhitingThe Blurry Fox & The BootsHunting HaresCatching brumbies in the Snowy’sInstinctive hunting with a trad bowThe Alamo BoarFind 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
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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:
How Jo’s hunting experiences influence her cooking philosophyWhy ethical sourcing and preparation matterHow to make a bloody good venison pieand sausage rollThe loopholes and legislation in place to stop wild meat from being sold.Thoughts on introducing kids to hunting and wild foodJo’s tips and tricks to cooking venison and other wild game species What’s coming up next for JoGuest Info: Jo Barrett
Instagram: @jobarrettWebsite: jobarrett.com.auWild Pie: wildpie.com.auDiscovered Foods: discoveredfoods.com🎙 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
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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:
All Flagship bows on offer in 2026
How brace height, draw length, and axle-to-axle affect performance
Differences in cam design and let-off feel
Tuning quirks and 2026 bow setup tips
Advice for bowhunters with a 30” draw length
Why specs don’t always tell the whole story
Considerations around noise, vibration, and hand shockFind 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
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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:
All things rabbits… where to find 'em and how to hunt them with a bow.How hares differ from rabbits and how you should hunt them with a bow.Dave’s new-found method for hunting catsCalling in foxes. Trophy Takers Legend AwardWrestling with boarsStuck up a tree with a buffalo at your feetHe almost lost his thumb to a boar's tusks Being inducted into the International Traditional Bowhunting Hall Of FameWhat a life of bowhunting has offered Dave🏹 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
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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
Almost $40K raised by the bowhunting community The standout performance for the year goes to…Highlights of the year. Picking up the trad bow. Plans, goals and aspirations for 2026Whether 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
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🎧 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
Brett Meldrum’s Hunt GiveawayBoars for a CauseTerrorist attack in Bondi and what that potentially means for gun ownership in Australia.Gaining and losing 12kgs over a 6-month timeframe.How Andy’s own injuries reshaped his training philosophyFunctionality over weight in exercise every day.Key movements for mobility, core strength, and joint stability for bowhuntingWarmups in the field to mitigate shoulder injuries.Programming tips for busy hunters who can’t train 5 days a weekThe fitter you are, the more likely you’ll be successful in the bushWhether 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)
Instagram: @stalkoutdoors.podcastFollow 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
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🎧 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:
The complete lifecycle of an arrow — from release to impactHow arrow drag, lift, and spine influence penetrationArrow shafts effect on dragWhy vane profile mattersWhat James would test more of and use if he were a hunter.Working with Olympians on shot process and mindset.What Technology upgrades are doing for the world of archery and bowhunting.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
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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:
How sambar differ from other deer (and why so many hunters get it wrong)What to look for when trying to locate Sambar deer in new locationsSambar deer are Browsers… Which means what exactly?Visiting preach tree’s year-roundSambar are creatures of habit like every other deer.How to plan a trip and hunt them on public land.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
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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:
The Super Slam: What it is, how Fred accomplished it, and what it taught him
Recurve Realities: The extra challenge and satisfaction of hunting with traditional gear
Fred’s Favorite Game Meat: Listen to til the end to find out what it is.
Mindset Over Muscle: How mental preparation often trumps physical prowess in bowhunting
Hunting stories Fred shares stories of Muskox, Bison, Antelope, Dall Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Moose, Elk & Deer.
The real trophy is: Fred shares his absolute love for each hunt and being in the outdoors.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.
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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:
Heart Vs. Lung shots
The different compartments of the lungs and how they function
Why bowhunters need to stop chasing speed and start chasing penetration
Why bow tuning + arrow nock tuning should be the standard
Kinetic energy vs Momentum and what this actually means
Arrow weight, mechanical vs fixed, and the real test: shoulder bones
Troy’s journey into bowhunting and how Ranch Fairy was born from hard truths and experimentation
Stories from the field: pigs, elk, shoulder shots, and what makes Troy trust his systemThis 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.
@dogandguncoffee
Kayuga Broadheads – Precision-engineered for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.
@kayuga_broadheads
Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for serious hunts.
@venturehunting
Jab Stick Outdoors – High-performance carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.
@jabstickoutdoors
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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:
How Kip got into deer conservation and his time with the NDA
Declining hunter numbers in the U.S.
Buck and doe movement in the rut and how it can help dictate your hunting outcomes
Antler size myths vs. science: what determines growth potential
Improving your hunting property for both habitat and herd health
Understanding “predator-prey balance” and what we can learn from it
Why hunter numbers matter and how recruitment efforts are changing
Kip’s take on Australia's bowhunting challenges and advocacy needsFind Our Guest:
Kips Adam - Instagram: @kipadams_nda
@deerassociation
🎙️ 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
- Visa fler
