Becoming A Bow Hunter

This week is another solo episode in which Matty does his best to bring you a beginners' guide to bowhunting. Inside this episode, Matty takes you through the A-Z of everything you’ll need to know to get started in bowhunting in 2024 and beyond. Think of this episode as an open letter to anyone looking to get into bowhunting, new to bowhunting, or even someone still looking for their first success with the bow.  Episode topics:  Buying a bowAccessories Arrow weights and spinesBroadheadsPerfect practice - develop a repeatable processGain access (paid, public or private)How to approach a new hunting block on your first visitThe stalkAnimal behaviour Field dressing - different approachesMeat careMeat processing.  Relevant Episodes: #1 - Buying the perfect bow with Ian Summers  #133 - Using Wilderness First-Aid To Save Your Life with Christie Pisani #115 - Gaining Hunting Access w/ Matty Turner #98 - Liam’s Rut Recap and Perfect Shot Placement with Liam Woods #43 - Meat Safety When Hunting wit

In this episode, Matty is joined by renowned traditional bowhunter Ben Maher.  Ben has been pursuing his passion for traditional archery and bowhunting for decades. But it hasn’t always come easily, which sent Ben on a pursuit of gaining coaching and becoming the best shooter he can be. A lot of great tips and tricks were shared inside this one that helped Ben to overcome his target panic. Ben is a very passionate lover of all things traditional bows and bowhunting and has been a helpful pillar of the traditional community for a long time. Podcast Topics: - Ben's early introduction to archery and bowhunting through his father - Stuff your wheels, give me recurves & longbows - Bowhunting turkeys in New Zealand - Target panic: Overcoming mental hurdles and embracing a triggerless shot - Many mentors make light work — unless you’re Ben Maher (or so Tom Clum, Rod Jenkins, and Joel Turner would say) - Key lessons and takeaways from the best in the biz - Bowhunting transforms lives - So

In this episode, Matty is joined by Jordan De Jong and Adam Barter as they recap the hunt that was on their drive home. This hunt was Jordan’s first-ever experience of bowhunting. Matty and Adam made it their goal to help fast-track Jordy’s hunting abilities and get him his first animal with the bow. They were successful; however, they didn’t come without challenges. This recap gives great insights into what worked well, what didn’t work at all and what each member of the hunting party would have done differently to make good of the opportunities that weren’t fruitful. Podcast Topics:  - How’d we get here?  - The excitement that new blocks bring - Seeing your first critters in the wild - The first stalk failed - Good! - The second stalk failed - Good, what did you learn? - What made the third stalk a charm? - Pigs, & goats… Take your pick - Wind - Day 2 - Hello Mr Fox - Check your gear, DUMMY. - The mountaintop that keeps on giving. - Biggest takeaways - Bowhunting changes l

This week, Matty is joined by Poldi, the man behind the YouTube channel Westcoast Adventures. To keep the adventures alive, Poldi set himself the challenge of going stickbow only moving forward and has been trying to master his craft for the past year.  What’s cool to see is with the system Poldi has adopted he has truly become a beast with the recurve, especially when it matters with a live animal in front of him. Podcast topics:  - Kayaking Norway - The influence of Bruce Barns - Getting the right start in the outdoors - I sold my wheels to go on an adventure - Push archery  - Hunting is tough with a bad back - Stewart Island - Patterning the animals year-round. - Springtime red deer - Chamois can see - Tahr love slips And much more… Find Poldi: @poldi_wm https://youtube.com/@westcoastadventures8877?si=-pmAiUl2sAvUQ8s3 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody grea

This week Matty is joined by Christie Pisani. Christie has a background in both paramedics and bowhunting. She now teaches wilderness first aid courses, sharing her knowledge and time in the bush to teach people how to save their lives if things go wrong. Podcast topics:  - Heart Of The Huntress - Why do Bowhunters need to understand first-aid? - Personal location beakers - What’s in a good first-aid kit? - Broadhead and knife wounds - Gunshots - Common farm injuries to be prepared for - Rolls and breaks - What to do if you’re bitten by a snake And much, much more. Find Christie Pisani: @wildernessfirstaidconsultants www.wfac.com.au Heart Of The Huntress: https://youtu.be/mU--NjlNE70?si=dkr4SQNZVWKOlSJA Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure — Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ K

This week Matty is joined by Colin Gair from Outlaw Custom Bows. Colin recently created Matty’s daughters two absolutely stunning bows, to help them transition from toys to real bows. Colin has a background in engineering that allows him to tinker and recreate traditional longbows and recurve bows. Through applying basic maths, physics and what he learned through his structural engineering degree Colin has created many variations of specialised custom trad bows. Podcast Topics: - Kids bows - What led to Colin making custom bows  - The different types of low bows and recurve bows - What goes into making a bow - The Australian naming series - Why do people question the speed of your bows? - How are you able to make these bows so fast? - The current lineup - What to look for when buying a trad bow - Bringing your kids into hunting - Hunting stories with the trad bow And much, much more. Find our guest: @outlawcustombows Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

This week is Matty is in Deer Camp With Grant Rand, Corey Seymondsbergen, and four relatively new hunters. It was very cool to go back to basics and help fast-track the learnings in the field within a few hunts. Podcast Topics: - Matty’s Buck - Why it’s important to introduce others to good bowhunting practices - Great questions - Simple mistakes leading to stalks ending - Be mindful of your movements - You usually have more time than you think - Danny’s Boar - The penetration test - Good mates = great camps And much, much more. Find our guest: @corey_seymo @grant_randy_rand Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee @dogandguncofee Bloody great coffee ready for adventure — Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next o

This week host Matty is joined by Returning guest Corey. If you listened to the marathon episode “Bowhunting Bulgaria’s Finest Fallow, Boars and Mouflon w/ Grant Rand — You’ll be somewhat familiar with this story as Corey was Grant’s travel buddy on this hunt. Corey’s trip also included many ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and stepping outside of his comfort zone and boundaries. Note that this episode is not to warn off of hunting abroad — In fact, the opposite, just to give you a full perspective of what can go right and wrong on any hunt. Podcast Topics: - Trying to speak without talking - Doing the same old thing - I want to hunt like I do at home - Stalking unshootable critters - Cliffs are mild inconveniences - The Kieler: #1 human Killer - In hindsight… Actually nah - When push comes to shove - Expectations will kill the outcome Find Corey: @corey_seymo Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun

This week Matty is joined by returning guest Tobie Hynes. Tobie recently went to Stewart Island, New Zealand, to hunt Whitetail Deer in one of the only places in the southern hemisphere where they can be hunted. Stewart Island is an incredibly popular hunting destination and is booked out 365 days of the year. Based on Tobie’s stories, you’ll start to understand why. Podcast topics: The Whitetail deer herdOpportunities through the Hunters ClubLogistics of the tripDeclare EVERYTHING, and don’t buy a new pack of bulletsDon’t get lost — Here’s howGullies become a trip hazard at nightYour best chance at hunting these deer is… The sea lifePolicing and fisheries on the islandBringing hope your capes And much more…  Find Tobie: @hunt_mountains @thebighorndeercaller https://www.youtube.com/@thynes2995 Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: Enhance your hunting morning with a rich cup from Dog and Gun Coffee. Use cod

This week Matty is joined By William Platell from Riverleigh Taxidermy. William has been tinkering with Taxidermy for the past 16 years. After suffering a nasty shoulder injury in the army, he decided to turn his passion into a full-time gig. As you’ll see and feel throughout the episode will is an absolute lover of animals and obsessive with mastering his craft. Will Loves the fact that he gets to preserve not only the animal… BUT also the adventure and story of the hunt for the hunter to hold onto for the rest of their days. Podcast Topics Include: Hunting or taxidermy, what came first Soulders, who needs them anyway?Picking the bow back up after many yearsQuick turnaround for big outcomes Obsessed is an understatement The one that got away Bring me the boars baby!Full body mount Camel you say? Next steps for Riverleigh And much more. Find William Platell : @riverleigh_taxidermy Where to Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @d

This week Matty is joined By Mark Pitts from Marksman Quivers. Mark grew up in The U.K. and lived on a farm managing game animals for harvesting each year. With opportunities for hunting being much more prevalent overseas, he found himself moving to Australia. Now, alongside his wife, he creates incredible gear for trad bowhunters at Marksman Quivers. Podcast Topics Include: Growing up on a game farm in the U.K.WTF is a beaterNZ is callingWhat do you mean you can hunt every day in AustraliaThe pull to traditional bowsThe bonds and friendships bowhunting providesThe forums of Australian BowhuntingPick a crew with a great vibeThe products at Marksman QuiversHow to ACTUALLY use the finger tabClose encountersUpcoming hunts And much more. Find Mark Pitts: @marksmanquivers https://marksmanquivers.com/ Where to Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @dogandguncoffee https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Use checkout code BOWHUNTE

This week Matty sits down with Ashlee Strange, who shares her incredible story of resilience and determination. From literally being moments away rom dying to thriving in the world of hunting, Ashlee's journey is nothing short of inspiring.  The conversation covers her health battle, her road to recovery, and her passion for hunting that was instilled in her from a young age by her father.  Ashlee also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a female hunter and offers advice for women looking to get into the sport. Plus future ambitions with her own hunting and guiding endeavours. Podcast Topics: Ashlee's health scare and recoveryThe impact of a life-threatening tumorTransitioning from rifle to bow huntingYTG in huntingAdvice for new hunters, especially womenHunters ed. In NZHunting in New Zealand vs. AustraliaConservation efforts and hunting regulationsAshlee's favourite hunting experiencesHave you seen how big a Tahr Bull is? And much more Find Ashlee Strange: Instagram: @ashlee.str

Join Matty as he interview bowhunting legend Brad Smith. Brad has helped hundreds of bowhunter to up their game in the bush. Through years of guiding and filming he has studied every animal hunt able within Australia. Today the boys do a deep dive into the Rust Deer Rut. Walk away with in depth knowledge of how to attack your block at any stage of the upcoming rush rut.  Where to Find Brad Smith: Instagram: @bradsmith_bowhunt_downunder Where to Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @dogandguncoffee https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Use checkout code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next order ✌️ @kayuga_broadheads https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ Use checkout code BAB10 for 10% off your next order ✌️

Join Matty as he dives into the wild with renowned hunter, filmmaker, and conservationist, Donnie Vincent. Known for his profound connection with nature and extensive experience as a wildlife biologist, Donnie shares insights that blend adventure with a deep reverence for the natural world. Podcast Topics The transformative power of nature on our mindset.Insights into wildlife behaviour and ecosystem balance.The role of hunting in conservation and personal growth.Challenges and adversity build characterPerspectives on wildlife management and environmental policy.The problem with social media is the lensWhat hunters could do betterThe constant fight that we have to show up forWas that a bear in your tent?  And much, much more. Where to Find Donnie Vincent: Instagram: @donnie_vincent Website: Donnie Vincent Watch his films on https://www.youtube.com/@Donnie_Vincent Where to Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @dogandguncoffe

Join Matty as he recaps his week of chasing red deer in the 2024 roar. This week was full of explorations, learning and a lot of freaking effort — All of which was not a waste. In typical hunting style, it came right down to the 111th hour to have success on this hunt.  Podcast Topics: Slow afternoon into an exciting morningThe damn windThe weird rutWhy’s this happeningHello spikeyNow we’re talking, and yes, I want you to come here. Pick yourself up, the jobs not done yetWhat are you really hunting for? The 11th hour And much more…  Find Matty and Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @dogandguncoffee https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Use checkout code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next order ✌️ @kayuga_broadheads https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ Use checkout code BAB10 for 10% off your next order ✌️

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty Turner dives into his recent pre-rut fallow deer hunting adventure, sharing thrilling stories, unexpected encounters ( and HUGE GIFT), PLUS valuable insights from the hunt. While he didn’t capture the voices of the others in camp, he’s preserved what he can with his recap.  Matty recounts the excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments from the hunt. Podcast Topics: The 5 year anniversary of BABHSurrounding yourself with incredible people makes camp so much fun. Good or bad juju? Too early?My first Croak , I’m a happy man.Insights into deer behavior during the pre-rut seasonCreep’n BucksGrant’s immaculate deer dance And much more…  Find Matty and Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast @mattyafter Podcast sponsors: @dogandguncoffee https://www.dogandguncoffee.com/ Use checkout code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next order ✌️ @kayuga_broadheads https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/ Use checkout code BAB10 for 10%

This week on Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Benny Fensom in a unique on-the-hunt podcast episode.  Benny is a mad keen stick bow hunter and often takes his kids out with him to call in critters.  Benny shares his philosophy on family, the outdoors, and the importance of nurturing a love for nature from a young age. In This Episode: Benny's approach to involving his children in hunting activities.The challenges and rewards of balancing personal hunting time with family time.Anecdotes from the hunt: A real-time hunting session with Benny and Matty, providing insights into their strategies, the excitement of the chase, and the occasional misfire.Reflections on how hunting strengthens family bonds and instills values of patience, responsibility, and respect for nature.The Stalker stick bowBoars busting out in real timeThe perfect amount of time to fox call And much much more. Find Benny Fensom: @benny_fensom Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted

This week Matty is joined by Julz Bennic. Julz is no stranger to getting the job done in bowhunting and fishing.  Littered across his socials are endless encounters of successful hunts that he’s had all over Australia.  This episode is packed with insights that both novice and seasoned bowhunters will find invaluable as they navigate the challenges of the early rut. Podcast Highlights: Early rut observations on his local blocksStrategic Stalking - keep in the shadows. Calling and Rattling Techniques Julz Successfully Uses.Hunting in the heat. Bowhunting & fishing the top en of Australia. Chasing Chital Deer. Fishing for BIG ASS Murray CodThe frustrations of bowhunting Rut ambitions and future endeavours Gear upgrades and bow technology.  Find Julz Bennic: Instagram: @julzbennic_bowhunting_fishing Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcastHosted by Matty: @mattyafter Podcast Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee: Jumpstart your outdoor adventures with high-quality coff

This episode delves deep into the behaviors, strategies, and experiences surrounding the fallow deer rut, featuring seasoned hunters Grant "Randy" Rand and first-time guest Toby Hines. With their extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences, they unpack the intricacies of hunting during the rut, offering invaluable insights for both novice and veteran bow hunters. Podcast Highlights: Preparing for the rut: understanding the timeline and behaviors of fallow deer.Strategies for hunting pre-rut, during the rut, and post-rut.The importance of knowing your hunting block and how seasonal changes affect deer behavior.Tactics for setting up game cameras, using scents, and strategic stalking.The role of genetics in trophy hunting and managing deer populations.Each week of the rut broken into what to do’s and hunting scenarios. Calling Masterclass: Understand how to sound like a buck and doe and when to use the callsThe boys ambitions for this years rut Where to Find the Guests: Grant Rand:  @grant_randy_rand

This week, join us as we dive deep with archery legend Tim Gillingham, known for his unparalleled expertise and innovative techniques in the world of archery.  With years of experience and a knack for pushing the boundaries of equipment and skill, Tim shares his journey, from the early days of experimenting with archery mechanics to becoming a pivotal figure in the sport's evolution. Podcast Topics: Exploring Tim's approach to a torque-free grip and its impact on shooting accuracy.The significance of equipment customization, including Tim's shift to 3D printed grips and the rationale behind it.Insight into Tim's mental strategies for handling pressure in competitive and hunting scenarios.A look at the evolution of archery equipment through Tim's lens, highlighting the critical role of tuning.Tim's philosophy on continuous learning and sharing knowledge within the archery community. And much much more.  Find Tim Gillingham: @gillingham.tim Find Becoming a Bowhunter: @becomingabowhunter.podcast