Becoming A Bow Hunter

This week Matty sits down with Zoran Art, President of Twin City Bowmen and a bloke with a heap of experience chasing deer with a bow. After spending time together around the Trophy Takers event, we got into Sambar hunting around the Albury-Wodonga region… when Zoran likes to call, why patience matters after making a call, and the hunt that ended with his biggest Sambar stag to date. From there we cover his Snake Island hog deer hunt, chasing whitetail on Stewart Island, bowhunting elk in Montana and getting amongst scrub bulls and buffalo in the Northern Territory. But a big part of this conversation is simply years spent bowhunting. Learning from other hunters, making your own mistakes, developing your "bush eyes" and realizing that sometimes the only way a lesson really sticks is to get out there and bugger it up yourself.

This week Matty sits down with Willie Waldrip, a 21-year-old bowhunter from Texas who's already packed an unbelievable amount of hunting into his life. Willie grew up in a hunting family, killed his first deer with a bow at seven and was hunting by himself at 10. Today he's balancing full-time college with guiding, filming and spending pretty much every spare day he can hunting. We get into axis/chital, bison, sheep, a Kodiak brown bear at six or seven yards, and a wild Utah public land mule deer hunt that eventually ended with Willie taking a buck just shy of 197 inches. But what really stood out was Willie's approach. Slow down when you get close. Learn something from every stalk. Stay present when the pressure builds. At only 21, he's already got a heap of experience… and a really interesting perspective on what it takes to keep getting better with a bow.

This week Matty sits down with Jeff Helm, bowhunter, guide and owner of Arrowhead Bow Shop in McGregor, Texas. Jeff's been bowhunting for around 40 years and chasing elk for more than 20 of those… and last season he managed to go four for four on elk across four different states. We work through those hunts and how much the game changes as the season progresses. Calling bulls on public land, switching to spot and stalk when they shut up, reading terrain, predicting where an elk is heading instead of simply chasing it and learning to recognise those little signs that tell you you're suddenly right in the red zone. But what I really liked about this conversation is Jeff's approach to hunting after doing it for so long. He'll be the first to tell you there's an exception to just about every rule. You can have a plan, but you've still got to listen to what the animals, wind and terrain are telling you and be willing to change it. And sometimes you've just got to stay out there long enough to give yourself a c

This one's a little different. I was invited to speak at Hunt Fest, and my talk was all about two things that can make or break a hunt... stalking and shot placement. I broke stalking down into a framework I've built from eight years of bowhunting, plenty of mistakes, and hundreds of conversations with hunters through the podcast. It's called STALK: Spot the animal, Test the wind, Assess the approach, Let the animal dictate your pace, and Know your shot. From there, I get into wind and thermals, reading animal behaviour, using terrain and shadows to close distance, and knowing when to move versus when to stay completely still. For me, the goal with a bow is always to get close. Ideally, I'm looking for 20 metres or under rather than stretching the shot just because I can. Then we get into the other half of the Hunt Fest talk... shot placement. I use models of the heart and lungs to show where the vitals actually sit, why shot angle matters, and why I prefer aiming around the vital triangle rather

This week Matty sits down with Frank Megali and Rob Campbell, the creators of The Hunting App For years, NSW public land hunters had access to a free mapping option that allowed them to load their maps, see exactly where they were and head into the bush. When that disappeared behind a subscription, Frank and Rob saw an opportunity to give hunters that functionality back. The result is The Hunting App. An app designed by hunters, for hunters… with a free version that actually stays free. You can load your maps, download areas for offline use, mark waypoints, build geofences, keep track of hunting locations and start building your own database of what you're seeing in the bush. Then there are paid tiers coming for hunters who want to take things further with e-scouting, weather, property boundaries, terrain analysis and a heap more. But what I really liked about this conversation is the thinking behind it. These guys aren't trying to take something hunters already had for free and sell it back to them. Th

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

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 be

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.

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

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.

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, pract

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

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 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 eachEarly mistakes under pressure: rushing shots and missing opportunitiesLessons from hunting with experienced hunters and adjusting set

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 Z

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 uni

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. 

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.

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

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 w

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.