Published by Matty | Becoming A Bowhunter
Join host Matty Tuner as he becomes a bowhunter. Discovering tips, tricks and insights to help fast-track YOUR journey as a bowhunter.
Listen on Apple Podcasts2 hr 20 min
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 Why Ned believes every hunter represents the entire hunting community. How the Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association was formed and why it exists today. The biggest threats facing hunting in Australia and why "being left alone" is no longer an option. Why data not emotion is changing the way governments view hunters. The story behind the Great Australian Pig Hunt and how it recorded millions of pigs harvested across Australia. How hunters built the world's largest wildlife DNA collections through the 10,000 Ears Project. Why building relationships with researchers, media and politicians is just as important as hunting itself. The biggest mistakes hunters make on social media and how they damage the image of hunting. How APDHA is working towards expanding public land hunting opportunities across Australia. What every individual hunter can do to protect hunting for the next generation. 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 Bowhunter Instagram: @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
1 hr 41 min
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: The story behind Dallas' viral Instagram post showing the injuries and close calls he's experienced while hunting around the world. A hunter collapsing from severe dehydration in remote Mexico and why simple mistakes can become life-threatening hours from medical help. Dallas' terrifying helicopter crash in Tanzania, rescuing injured passengers, and spending hours stranded before help could arrive. How a rifle exploded while shooting a Cape buffalo, leaving metal lodged beside Dallas' optic nerve and permanently changing his bow setup. Why learning to shoot left-handed after losing vision in his dominant eye actually made him a better archer. What years of hunting alongside African PHs taught Dallas about reading country, adapting to different species and becoming a more complete hunter. The reality of conservation in Tanzania, including anti-poaching patrols, hunting concessions and why hunters fund the protection of huge wild areas. Why banning trophy imports can have unintended consequences for wildlife and the communities responsible for protecting it. Dallas' current arrow setup, broadheads and the lessons he's learned after years of obsessive testing and building hundreds of arrows. Why getting closer—not shooting further—is still one of the biggest challenges and rewards in bowhunting. 🧠 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
56 min
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
2 hr 13 min
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
1 hr 56 min
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
1 hr 14 min
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 management Predator control in New Zealand and the impact of stoats, rats, cats, and possums Why healthy habitat is the true foundation of sustainable hunting Sika deer history in New Zealand and how they became established Why Sika outcompete red deer in certain environments The relationship between nutrition, breeding success, and antler growth Why hunters should focus more on harvesting females How overabundant deer populations damage habitat and herd quality Jaw studies, herd analysis, and measuring deer condition GPS collar tracking and what it revealed about Sika movement patterns Sika rut behaviour, scrapes, and vocalisations How to call Sika stags during the rut Why Sika are such an exciting species for bowhunters Public land vs helicopter-access hunting in New Zealand The role hunting organisations play in protecting hunting’s future Retaining 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
1 hr 46 min
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 best Why wind and setup matter more than the call itself Using terrain (benches, folds, cover) to force movement Drawing early vs getting busted at full draw Hind & fawn calls vs stag roars Spot-and-stalk vs calling, and when to use each Why most hunts fall apart inside 50m The importance of repetition and experience 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
1 hr 57 min
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 encounters A return to the family red deer block during peak rut, putting everything together 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: Breaking the rut into three separate hunts and what changed across each Early mistakes under pressure: rushing shots and missing opportunities Lessons from hunting with experienced hunters and adjusting setup decisions Drawing early vs drawing late, and why it matters more than you think Calling strategies: when to use hind calls vs roars How stags actually respond when pressured by other deer in the area A close-range wild dog encounter and the mental side of making the shot count The reality of pressure in the moment, even when you’ve done the work Camel hunting… stalking, shot placement, and dealing with sheer size What happens when a hunt turns into a logistical challenge (heat, meat, time) Managing meat recovery and processing when things don’t go to plan Returning to the red deer block during peak rut Reading wind, terrain, and access differently after previous experience How small decisions (where you park, where you listen) change everything The importance of patience and positioning during the roar Why some hunts finally come together after years of near misses 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
1 hr 44 min
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 18 The culture of alcohol as a coping mechanism in trade environments Building a successful business… and burning out in the process Getting sober and the role medication played in stabilising his life Moving rural and finding purpose through physical work and hunting The moment everything changed. Firearms license revocation after seeking help Why fear is stopping people from going to the doctor The lack of consistency in legislation around mental health and firearms The real difference between “mental health” and violent intent Why being proactive about your mental health matters The role of hunting as a form of meditation and mental reset Building Mental Hunts and advocating for change at a legislative level Why storytelling is more powerful than telling people what to do How to actually have conversations around mental health with mates The importance of listening and not trying to “fix” someone Physical tools: exercise, cold exposure, nutrition, time in the bush Why what you put into your body (food, alcohol, media) matters 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
2 hr 14 min
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 life Learning knife skills and craftsmanship from a young age Transition from military and policing into knife making The impact of trauma and finding balance through making and hunting Hunting as a form of mental reset and “medicine” Why time in the bush changes perspective and reduces stress The importance of community within hunting Challenges facing hunting in Australia and lack of unified representation How hunters are perceived and why image matters Social media, communication, and presenting hunting responsibly Fitness, discipline, and preparation for hunting Traditional bow vs compound vs rifle — and what each teaches you How pushing yourself in the bush builds better decision-making 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 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
2 hr 20 min
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
2 hr 21 min
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 toe A 10-week of hunting with Dave Whiting The Blurry Fox & The Boots Hunting Hares Catching brumbies in the Snowy’s Instinctive hunting with a trad bow The Alamo Boar 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
1 hr 44 min
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 philosophy Why ethical sourcing and preparation matter How to make a bloody good venison pieand sausage roll The loopholes and legislation in place to stop wild meat from being sold. Thoughts on introducing kids to hunting and wild food Jo’s tips and tricks to cooking venison and other wild game species What’s coming up next for Jo Guest Info: Jo Barrett Instagram: @jobarrett Website: jobarrett.com.au Wild Pie: wildpie.com.au Discovered 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
2 hr 29 min
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 shock 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
2 hr 45 min
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 cats Calling in foxes. Trophy Takers Legend Award Wrestling with boars Stuck up a tree with a buffalo at your feet He almost lost his thumb to a boar's tusks Being inducted into the International Traditional Bowhunting Hall Of Fame What 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
1 hr 33 min
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 2026 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
2 hr 5 min
🎧 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 Giveaway Boars for a Cause Terrorist 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 philosophy Functionality over weight in exercise every day. Key movements for mobility, core strength, and joint stability for bowhunting Warmups in the field to mitigate shoulder injuries. Programming tips for busy hunters who can’t train 5 days a week The fitter you are, the more likely you’ll be successful in the bush 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) Instagram: @ stalkoutdoors.podcast 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
1 hr 12 min
🎧 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 impact How arrow drag, lift, and spine influence penetration Arrow shafts effect on drag Why vane profile matters What 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
1 hr 51 min
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 locations Sambar deer are Browsers… Which means what exactly? Visiting preach tree’s year-round Sambar 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
1 hr 9 min
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.