Hunting Connection Podcast

In this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Brad from Aussie Bowhunting Apparel, who is also the man behind an awesome initiative called Boars for a Cause. So, what exactly is Boars for a Cause? It’s pretty simple — bowhunters get out there and chase pigs, while businesses and individuals pledge a dollar amount for every boar taken throughout the campaign. At the end of it, those pigs turn into something positive for people who genuinely need a helping hand. What started as an idea to bring the bowhunting community together has grown into something pretty bloody special. Last year, with the support of hunters, businesses and everyone who got behind the cause, they raised over $11,000. That money went towards toys for children’s hospitals, grocery vouchers, blankets for Ronald McDonald House and support for kids affected by domestic violence. No big organisation. No complicated bullshit. Just hunters, businesses and good people getting behind a good cause and making a difference. Hunt pigs. Raise money. Help people.

G’day and welcome to another episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast! This week, we’re taking you straight into Sambar camp, where I’m sitting around the campfire with Callum, Haydog, Cody (the Podstitute), Brandon and Sanchez — aka “Temu Mexican” (David). We yarn about our hunts, the stories that came out of the bush, Cody’s questionable deception, and the instant karma that followed. It’s one of those campfire sessions full of shit talk, laughs, hunting stories and plenty of banter between mates. So grab a drink, pull up a chair and enjoy The Secret on the Mountain. Hunting Connection Podcast — hunting, mates, stories and a good ol’ laugh.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Michael from Voice of the Hunter. We dive into Michael’s hunting journey — from his very first hunt, to a long break away from hunting, and eventually finding his way back and getting stuck into it full boar! We chat about his Voice of the Hunter YouTube channel, website and books, as well as his experiences with thermal hunting and some of the memorable hunts he’s been on. A great chat covering hunting, getting back into the bush, sharing the experience with others and everything that comes with being a hunter.

After a couple of guest cancellations thanks to me being crook, there was only one bloke I could call to save the day—my good mate, Haydog! It’s been over a year since he was last on the podcast, and this also marks our very first in-person episode recorded in the brand-new Hunting Connection studio shed. As always, there’s no shortage of laughs as we catch up on everything Haydog’s been up to, the hunts he’s been on, a few of his classic misadventures, and we chat about our upcoming sambar hunting trip. Like every episode with Haydog, the conversation goes in every direction and the stories just keep coming. If you’re after plenty of laughs, hunting yarns, and two mates talking absolute rubbish, this one’s for you. Enjoy the return of the one and only—Haydog!

Ben is a passionate hunter, knife maker, and outdoorsman whose hunting adventures have taken him across Australia, Africa, North America, and South America in pursuit of an incredible range of game. We dive into some of his favourite hunts, unforgettable moments, the trophies he’s collected along the way, and the lessons he’s learned from hunting around the world. Ben also shares how he continues to chase his passion for hunting while living with a neurological condition. Using a purpose-built three-wheeled hunting bike, he’s adapted to the challenges without letting them define what he can achieve. His determination and love for the outdoors are a testament to the fact that passion, resilience, and a positive mindset can overcome just about anything. This is a great conversation packed with hunting stories, travel, adventure, and plenty of laughs that you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Kristian Bursell and Melissa Volkanovski, the founders of KMV Tallow. We dive into Kristian’s hunting journey and how he first got started, before hearing about Mel’s introduction to hunting after meeting Kristian and how the outdoors quickly became a shared passion. We also chat about the story behind KMV Tallow and how they turned wild-harvested venison into Australia’s first complete skincare and beard care range powered by wild deer tallow and marrow. Kristian and Mel explain the countless hours of research, product development and hands-on work that have gone into creating a premium range using traditionally rendered wild deer tallow, combined with carefully selected botanical oils. Their products are designed to support the skin’s natural barrier and are made without synthetic fillers or unnecessary additives, with a strong focus on quality, small-batch production and making the most of a sustainable, wild-harvested resource. ( KMV Tallow ⁠) If you’ve ever wondered how hunting can evolve into a unique Australian business, or you’re curious about the benefits of wild deer tallow skincare, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Check out the full KMV Tallow range here: https://kmvtallow.com.au

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Nathan, the creator of Sambar Tracker—an innovative app built by hunters, for hunters. Sambar Tracker is designed to help hunters get more out of every trip to the bush. From integrated Victorian hunting maps and trip planning tools to harvest logging, weather data, freezer management, and sharing hunts with mates, it’s an all-in-one platform created specifically for Australian deer hunters. Nathan shares how he got started hunting, the inspiration behind developing Sambar Tracker, and how the app has grown into a valuable tool for hunters looking to stay organised, track their success, and build a detailed history of their time in the field. We also chat about sambar hunting in Victoria, technology in hunting, and how collecting and analysing hunting data can help hunters learn, improve, and make the most of every opportunity in the bush. A great conversation about hunting, innovation, and giving hunters the tools they need to hunt smarter.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Wright from On Point Hunting Adventures. Matt is a passionate hunter with a particular love for chasing sambar deer behind his team of pointers. We first crossed paths at the Mansfield Hunting Expo in 2024 and have kept in touch ever since. Although it took us a few attempts to line this episode up, with life continually getting in the way, we finally managed to sit down for a chat—and it was well worth the wait. We dive into Matt’s hunting background, his passion for working dogs on sambar, and plenty of stories from the Victorian bush. This was a great conversation with a genuine hunter who lives and breathes the lifestyle. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast I’m joined by Dustin Fincher, better known as “Dusty”. Him and I have been going back and forth for years swapping hunting stories, photos and plenty of good yarns, so it was good to finally sit down and have a proper chat. Since moving house and trying to get the new setup sorted, I’ve been a little short on episodes, so I hit Dusty up for a quick catch up about how he got started hunting and what he’s up to these days. Even though this one only runs for about 45 minutes, it honestly felt like 5. Dusty is a full-time outdoorsman living the sort of lifestyle most hunters dream about. From assisting guided hunts in Alaska during hunting season, to guiding shark fishing charters in Florida, he’s spent his life outdoors. He also took his first deer at just 6 years old, so hunting has been in his blood from the start. This definitely won’t be the last episode with Dusty either — once the new studio is fully set up we’ll be getting him back on for a lot more chats. Give him a follow on Instagram at @runtotheoutdoors.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined once again by Carly from the Women Who Hunt Podcast and Guntraders Australia. Since her last appearance, a lot has changed — from taking her first deer and red stag to chasing goats and diving even deeper into the hunting world. We chat about her hunting journey over the past year, the experiences and lessons that came with her first big game hunts, and everything she’s been working on behind the scenes. Carly also shares how the podcast has been growing, the opportunities that have come with it, and what’s next for her in the hunting space. A great catch-up episode filled with hunting stories, laughs, and plenty happening in the Australian hunting community. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Brett Beesley. After my last chat with Rick from Life Goes On Adventures, Rick suggested I reach out to Brett—and I’m glad he did. We dive into Brett’s story, touching on his accident, the road to recovery, and how he’s adapted to life while continuing to chase his passion for hunting. Brett shares how he’s modified his quad bike to suit his needs, allowing him to get back out there and take on big adventures. Brett’s hunting journey is nothing short of incredible—from chasing buffalo, boars, banteng, and scrub bulls in the Top End, to hunting lions in Africa. He’s another paraplegic hunter proving that nothing can hold you back when the drive is there.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Rick from Life Goes On Adventures. Rick first caught my attention in the Hunting Australia Facebook group, where he shared a couple of his hunts. After a few tags from the community suggesting I get him on the podcast, I reached out—and he was all in for a chat. Rick is a passionate outdoorsman and hunter from Queensland who is also paraplegic. In this episode, we dive into his story—his accident, the road to recovery, and how he’s adapted to life since. We also talk about how he continues to get out there hunting, fishing, and exploring, proving that nothing can hold him back. Rick’s story is genuinely inspiring, and his passion for the outdoors is something else. Make sure to check him out: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PocsxxXpo/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifegoeson_adventures?igsh=NGkyeHg5eGZ2c3k=

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Dan from Hunters Reward Co. We chat about how it all started, what drove him to build it, and his passion for hunting and the Aussie hunting community. Hunter’s Rewards is built by hunters, for hunters — a membership-based community rewarding hunters and fishos for doing what they already love. We dive into the roots of hunting in Australia, the lifestyle, the mateship, and why bringing the community together matters now more than ever. Members get access to monthly giveaways, exclusive discounts, gear deals, and a growing network of like-minded people — all while supporting Aussie businesses that back the industry. It’s not run by suits — it’s built by someone living the lifestyle. Check it out here: https://huntersrewardsco.com.au/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAQ3IoZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaehqdQiH9wMFgcqXD9nhBpoDaw_NFDpm8y2Ru43yFmGuNMY961XbcMhs5VVfQ_aem_jtST4TIO4nQt3QiBrSZ61g

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Shaun from the Australian Recreation Union (ARU), who represents South Australia. We sit down to talk about the upcoming South Australian election and why it matters for hunters, shooters, and outdoor recreation users across the state. Shaun breaks down how the voting system works, how preferences actually flow in South Australia, and why it’s important for voters to understand exactly where their vote goes. We also discuss which political parties are showing support for firearm owners and recreational users, and which ones clearly aren’t standing up for those rights. It’s an honest conversation about the current political landscape, the importance of being informed before heading to the ballot box, and why unity across the hunting and shooting community matters now more than ever. If you’re a hunter, shooter, fisher, or someone who simply values outdoor recreation rights in Australia, this is a conversation worth listening to before election day. You can also follow the Australian Recreation Union pages below to stay up to date with what they’re doing. South Australian Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aMFxzJdiP/?mibextid=wwXIfr National Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/17KhS9GVrk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Scotty Stewart and his 11-year-old son, Khyson. Scotty has over 30 years of bowhunting experience and spent many years pig dogging, and he’s well known for consistently taking big boars and Billy goats. We talk about how Scotty got started, his journey through hunting, and what it’s been like passing that knowledge on to his son. Khyson is in and out of the podcast as we record at a park—chasing a feral cat, catching turtles, and just being a kid. Khyson also shares his own hunting stories, including his first pig and two incredible Billy goats: a 37-inch at just 10 years old and a 38-inch—trophies most bowhunters dream of and spend a lifetime chasing. Scotty dives into some wild stories about “Billy-eating boars”—pigs that are purely predatory and will kill and eat not only kid goats but mid to fully grown goats—and his theories on why this happens. We had to wrap things up quicker than planned, with Scotty getting eaten alive by mozzies by the lake, but I’m looking forward to sitting down with him again and hearing more of his stories in future episodes.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast , I’m joined by Tommy from Tommy Z Customs and I Like It Deep Spearfishing. We dive into Tommy’s journey of getting into hunting and spearfishing later in life, and how that path led him to building his own custom 4WD roof consoles. This episode is about backing yourself, learning skills the hard way, and choosing independence over relying on the system.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Chance from Quillcreek. Chance is a mad-keen waterfowl hunter from Wisconsin with a deep passion for ducks and geese. From guiding waterfowl hunts to competing in waterfowl calling competitions, Chance has been immersed in the waterfowl world for years. We dive into how he first got started in hunting, how he learned and refined the art of calling, and what led him to begin making his own custom calls. We also talk about the waterfowl scene in the United States, the dedication and practice it takes to compete at a high level, and what keeps him driven to chase birds season after season. It’s a great chat covering hunting culture, craftsmanship, and the obsession that comes with waterfowl hunting.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Olly from Rocky Creek Ranch — a horse breeder and farmer from Western Australia who’s been right on the front line of the new firearms laws brought in after the Bondi tragedy. Olly breaks down what’s actually happening on the ground in WA — slow and confusing systems, firearms branch staff giving mixed information, and a lot of uncertainty for farmers and firearm owners trying to work out what they’re allowed to keep and what they’re being forced to surrender. We also talk about why the rest of Australia should be paying attention, what these changes really mean for everyday people who rely on firearms for work and land management, and what lessons can be learned before the same thing rolls out elsewhere. If you care about hunting, farming, firearm ownership, and where this country is heading, this is one you’ll want to hear.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Rob Baldinger, also known as The Venison Diplomat. We dive into how Rob got into hunting, what it truly means to him, and his passion for strengthening the hunting community by educating the next generation. Rob shares the story behind his new children’s book, I Am a Deer Hunter, with more titles already in the works. This fun and engaging book is a fantastic read for kids and a great way to introduce them to hunting values, respect for nature, and where food really comes from. Learn more about Rob and his work at thevenisondiplomat.com.au

The room was crowded, the mics weren’t perfect, and the mission couldn’t be clearer: get Australia’s hunting voices into one place and push back on rushed, headline‑driven laws with unity, evidence, and heart. Cody’s seed turned into a national roundtable featuring hosts from Wild Origins, Get Outdoors With Drew and Cam, Women Who Hunt, Hunting Connection, In The Dark and Bullet Points, Australian Hunting Backcountry, Nature’s Perks, Hunting Republic, and the Australian Hunting Podcast. What followed was a frank, sometimes raw, always focused conversation about protecting a lawful lifestyle that feeds families, fuels regional economies, and keeps ferals in check. We unpack what “four guns” really means for humane shots, competition disciplines, family setups, and the ethics that guide calibre choice. We challenge the proposal to strip appeal rights, knowing due process isn’t a luxury in a democracy. We talk national registry pros and cons without ignoring data‑leak scars, and we explain why registering barrels and stocks would swamp understaffed branches for no safety gain. The group calls out media myths and belt‑fed fantasies, then gets practical: short, respectful emails to MPs; signing both NSW petitions; and supporting each other without ego or infighting. Industry voices outline the real cost to retailers, importers, guides, and country towns, while long‑timers share lessons from 1996 and why the public mood feels different today. This is not a culture war monologue; it’s a plan built on unity and calm persistence. We ask listeners to act locally, communicate clearly, and check on their mates. If you care about hunting, target shooting, conservation, or simply fair process, this conversation gives you the words and the steps to make a difference right now. If this resonated, share it with a mate, sign the petitions, and send your email today. Subscribe for follow‑ups and wins, and leave a review so more Aussies can find this conversation.