Becoming A Bow Hunter

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty catches up with two stickbow hunters and top blokes — Benny Fensom and Jack Spinks — for a laugh-filled and brutally honest yarn about traditional archery, wild meat processing, serious health scares, and why red deer still haunt their dreams. From hand-pumping 20 kilos of sausages to dodging disease from deer urine, this one covers all the messy, meaty, and memorable moments that come with hunting hard and living wild. Podcast Topics: Rutting Chaos – Benny & Jack give some detailed recaps of their fallow rut together plus some yarns from previous rut experiences they’ve shared. Red Deer Vs Fallow – Which deer is harder to hunt and why is it reds? Stickbow Only – No wheels here. The boys break down why they’ve gone all-in on trad bows and what it takes to consistently get kills inside 10 meters.Sausage Shenanigans – Making 100kg of snags with a cement mixer, exploding cheese sticks, and the absolute art of tying off links without losing your mind.Q Fever &

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with 21-year-old Logan Hawker — a young bowhunter who’s quickly earning his stripes through persistence, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for the hunt. Logan first got into bowhunting thanks to a mad-keen neighbor, and even managed to pull his rifle-hunting dad over to the dark side (aka stick and string). These days, he’s putting in 20–30 km days chasing boars in the mountains.  This one’s full of laughs, insight, and the kind of grounded stories every hunter can relate to. Show topics: Big Buck Down: The play-by-play on Logan’s big 2025 fallow buck — a calculated stalk and clean kill after years of chasing deer.Chasing Big Mountain Boars: Logan’s approach to boar hunting during the rut, including the grind of long walks and thick country.Stick Bows: How a short stint with a Black Widow traditional bow sharpened his skills and made him a better all-round hunter.Surround Yourself with Good Hunting Buddies: Why learning from experienced hunter

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Josh Forster, hunter, avid fisherman, YouTuber, and creator of the new outdoor connection platform Hooked Up. From DIY arrows and NT buffalo chases to nearly getting cleaned up by a croc on the boat, Josh’s stories are wild. But this chat goes deeper — into what inspired him to build an app for Aussie hunters, fishos, and outdoor lovers who want real-world connection, not just another scroll hole. Podcast Topics: Josh’s Origin Story: Bare-fingered bowhunting, pig stalks, and bush-raised beginningsCroc Close Calls: The 4-meter saltie that missed his mate’s neck by inchesNorthern Territory Buffalo Hunts: Long-range treks, frontal shot breakdowns, and hot-season gear lessonsThe Pig Rut & Moon Phase Theory: Tracking behavior and sow cycle times. Is there rhyme to this reason? Water Filtration Fails in The Heat: When it’s hot, you need to be aware of your water needs. Josh shares what didn’t work for them in the NT.Why Josh Built the Hooked Up Ap

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Steve Dimitrakellis—chairman of Trophy Takers Australia—for a yarn that dives deep into traditional gear, bowhunting history, and why community is everything in this game. Steve shares how he got started with a bow as a workaround for not being allowed a rifle, and how that decision sparked a lifelong obsession with bowhunting. From building wood arrows and tuning longbows to keeping the culture alive through Trophy Takers, this is a rich conversation full of wisdom, laughs, and bowhunting tradition. What You’ll Hear About: Growing up with a strong bowhunting culture in Albury and Twin City BowmanHow traditional gear shaped Steve’s hunting style and preferencesTips for tuning arrows, brace height, and reducing bow noiseThe appeal (and obsession) of longbows over compoundsThe story and mission behind Trophy Takers AustraliaThe importance of community, mentorship, and passing on the passionScoring systems: Douglas vs Pope & Young vs Boon

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we sit down with Roy Sloan—General Manager of the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation—for a deep dive into one of New Zealand’s most iconic herds and the conservation challenges they face. Roy shares his decades of experience managing the only free-range wapiti (elk) herd outside of North America. From helicopter culling operations and habitat regeneration to the myth of the Fiordland moose, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and surprising facts about what it takes to protect a world-class hunting environment. Topics Covered: The Origins of Fiordland Wapiti: How elk came to New Zealand—and why their survival is a miracle.Managing a Wild Herd: The 30-year evolution of the Wapiti Foundation’s work in conservation and herd control.Balancing Act: Why reducing red deer and maintaining ideal bull-to-cow ratios matters for both ecology and trophy quality.Moose in the Mist? The ongoing mystery of New Zealand’s lost moose population.Trophy Growth & Genetics: What Roy

In this full-send episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty returns from one of the most action-packed fallow rut seasons yet—and he's brought a truckload of stories with him. From adrenaline-pumping close calls and wild stalks to busted bows and unexpected dog encounters, this one captures all the highs, lows, and bush-beaten realities of bowhunting in peak 2025 rut. You’ll hear from a solid crew of legends as they break down their hunts, share hard-earned lessons, and relive the moments that made this rut unforgettable. We dive into: - Bedded buck stalks, spike chaos, and a textbook 30-yard shot while shaking like a leaf - Sprinting into a gully to arrow a big wild dog mid-howl—plus what happened when the pigs showed up - Blown stalks, lucky arteries, and what happens when your bow gets knocked mid-hunt - Arrow deflections, gear tune-ups, and the moment you realize a missed shot was never the deer’s fault - Campfire banter, rums with jet fuel, and how the right crew makes every rut one for the books -

In this milestone episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we’re flipping the script. Instead of the usual one-on-one chat, this episode features a powerful collection of real rut stories straight from the bowhunting community. Host @MattyAfter put the call out for listeners to share their most memorable moments from the 2025 rut—and after some cat-herding and chasing down voice memos, eight legends stepped up to the plate. From misty mornings and busted gear to blood-trailing heartbreaks and first-stag triumphs, this episode is packed with raw, real, and sometimes hilarious tales from the bush. You’ll hear: Matty’s soggy and fogged-up gear lessons from the Brisbane ValleyHard-earned wins from hunters battling tough weather and tougher stagsCreative meat-saving tricks for rut-tainted venisonThe highs, lows, and chaos of calling in reds and fellow in the thick stuffGear tips, meat care hacks, and calls that actually worked Whether you’re reminiscing on your own rut or looking for inspiration to keep grinding, this

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Bailey Simmons (@_bailey_simmons_), a New England-based bowhunter who’s been slinging arrows since he was nine. From stalking big reds to chasing Billy goats through the hills, Bailey shares a real-deal look into the highs and lows of his 2024 rut season. We dive into how a tight-knit crew of bowhunters from Armidale pushes each other forward, the lessons learned from missed shots and meat pack-outs, and Bailey’s deep knowledge of his local terrain, goat behavior, and scrape strategies. With multiple bucks already down and more to come, this one's full of stories, laughs, and gold for any bowhunter gearing up for the next hunt. Podcast Topics: Red Deer & Fallow Rut Tactics: Bailey explains the 3 successful hunts from this years rut, showcasing how he’s successfully taken 2x Fallow Bucks and 1 x Red Stag Assessing all possibilities: A raw look into how deer have a mind of their own (especially in the rut) and how you truly need to be prepared

In this episode of Become a Bowhunter, we sit down with George Ryals, a renowned archery coach and the founder of ImproveMyArchery.com. George shares his wealth of knowledge on how to build a solid foundation in archery and bowhunting, emphasizing the importance of precision, practice, and maintaining proper form. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bowhunter, George provides valuable insights into improving your shooting accuracy and mental focus for consistent success. Topics Covered: The Foundation of Archery: George's approach to teaching archery from the ground up, focusing on developing a consistent and repeatable shot process.Common Mistakes in Bowhunting: Key issues bowhunters face with form and technique, and how to correct them to ensure better accuracy in the field.Training for Consistency: How practicing target archery can improve your ability to handle the adrenaline of a real hunt and maintain focus under pressure.The Psychology of Shooting: George’s advice on managing anxiety and muscle t

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we welcome back Harry Watson (@ihuntnfish) to unpack his detailed strategies for hunting red deer during the rut. Known for his incredible ability to get close to animals, Harry shares decades of knowledge and practical insights to help you make the most of this exciting hunting season. We dive deep into: Red Deer Behaviour & Rut Timing: Understanding the full cycle of red deer from antler growth, velvet shedding, to rutting behavior.Early Season Tactics: Harry’s approach to hunting in mid-to-late March, including finding and stalking stags before they become vocal.Close Encounters: Closing the gap not only increases your chances of a successful hunt but also enhances your overall bowhunting experience.Advanced Calling Techniques: The importance of starting with hind calls, when to switch to roars, and specific calling scenarios to attract wary stags.Setting Up for Success: Proven tactics for positioning yourself to maximize shot opportunities, including Harry’s

In this episode of Become a Bowhunter, we sit down with Kristian Gerathy—an adventurer, gold prospector, and passionate bowhunter—to discuss his journey from searching for gold in Australian rivers to chasing deer in the bush. Kristian shares his evolution from a casual shooter to a dedicated bowhunter, offering valuable insights into persistence, access challenges, and the mental game needed to succeed. From finding gold nuggets to landing his first hard-earned stag, his stories highlight the relentless determination that defines true hunting. Topics Covered: From Prospecting to Bowhunting: Kristian’s transition from gold-digging rivers to chasing deer in dense bushland.The Struggle for Access: Hard-earned lessons on how to secure hunting spots and build relationships with landowners.Persistence Pays Off: The challenges and triumphs of solo hunting trips, including finding success in remote, unforgiving environments.The Mental Game: How setbacks, failed hunts, and personal grit contribute to hunting succe

In this episode of Become A Bowhunter, we sit down with Jim McWilliam. We discuss his transition from hunting with dogs to bowhunting in the rugged Northern Territory. Jim shares insights into hunting the massive boars of Darwin and its surroundings, the challenges of bows and living rurally, hunting in the heat, and much more. With a down-to-earth and humble perspective and a passion for continuous learning, Jim gives us a raw and unfiltered look at what it takes to become a better hunter. Topics Covered: From Dogging to Bowhunting: The mindset shift and what drew Jim to archery.Pigs in the NT: Characteristics and habits Jim’s picked up on while hunting boars in the NT.Tuning & Equipment: Why Jim took bow tuning into his own hands and the importance of understanding your gear.Shot Placement on Bedded Boars: The nuances of finding the right angles for a clean kill.Shot Placement for Better and Faster Dispatch: Jim share how he changed his thinking on shot placement and the better outcomes the perspecti

In this episode we welcome back Graham Cahill, one of 2024’s fan favorites, for an insightful and entertaining conversation about his bowhunting journey and overcoming target panic.  Known for his down-to-earth and highly positive personality, Graham shares the ups and downs of mastering the mental game of archery to overcome a multi-year battle with target panic. We dive into topics such as: The Reality of Target Panic: Graham explains how it feels like "a weight pulling your arm down" and how he battled this challenge through methodical practice.Building Better Habits: From daily routines to tools like release trainers, Graham details his transformative six-week training regimen that made all the difference.Gear Insights: Graham discusses his transition to a Bowtech SR bow, the advantages of single-pin sights, and the game-changing impact of rangefinder binoculars.The Importance of Doing the Work: Practical advice from seasoned bowhunters, including daily exercises that helped Graham rebuild his form a

In this unique episode of Become A Bowhunter, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of camel hunting in Australia with Pete Griffiths.  Known for their resilience and intelligence, Australia’s wild camel population poses distinct challenges for bowhunters. Pete brings his wealth of experience to the table, sharing in-depth knowledge about these animals, their behavior, and how to successfully hunt them.  From understanding their grazing habits to navigating the expansive Australian outback, this episode is packed with actionable insights and intriguing stories on camels. And then the adventure begins when Pete starts to unleash some jaw-dropping stories of the most pain he’s ever suffered whilst bowhunting, multiple near misses with crocodiles, and much more. Topics Covered: - The history of Australia's wild camels and their unique purity as a species. - Key behaviors of camels and how to use them to your advantage when hunting. - Strategies for tracking camels, even in the

In this episode of Become Your Bowhunter, we're joined by Ayden Doumtsis for a deep dive into Chital deer hunting strategies both in and out of the rut.  Ayden shares his extensive experience in North Queensland, covering topics from rut behavior to the best hunting approaches in varying conditions.  We discuss key signs of Chital activity during the rut to look for — such as rub trees and the significance they play in scouting and area.  Some of the highlights from this episode include: Chital Rut Insights: Ayden explains how the rut can vary based on rainfall and the condition of the hinds.Patience Pays Off: Learn why taking your time is crucial when hunting Chital deer, especially when working with multiple stags and hinds.Hunting Tactics: Do you call them? Can you rattle them in? We discuss all possible methods to use when chasing these skittish animals, the importance of wind direction, and how to handle both lone stags and rutting mobs.Deer Behavior: Discover how Chital deer’s interaction with their

This episode is packed with experiences and lessons learned from a first-time bowhunter, Grant Muir, as he takes on his first-ever hunt.  Joined by host Matty, Grant navigates through equipment setbacks, unexpected challenges, and the intense emotions of the hunt.  From a cracked bow to the powerful moments of stalking animals, they discuss the trials and triumphs that come with the journey. Topics Covered: The journey of a first-time bowhunterEquipment woes: From bow failure to upgrading setupsThe science behind bow setup, tuning, and arrowsThe adrenaline dump and the emotional rollercoaster of bowhuntingStalking techniques: Lessons learned in the fieldEthics in bowhunting and respecting the animalThe importance of preparation and gear: What worked and what didn’tOvercoming mistakes and the value of patience in the huntThe lessons learned about bow hunting after the first shot and the first animalOvercoming a bow malfunction on the eve of a big huntLessons on stalking and shot placementThe emotional hi

This week, Matty is joined by Sean Chick, a dedicated hunter who shares the unique story of gaining access to a property with a struggling deer herd and taking steps to boost its numbers and quality. Sean’s journey highlights the practical challenges and rewarding outcomes of managing deer populations while balancing ethical hunting practices. If you, too, have deer numbers dwindling on your block, the information provided by Sean could be the information you need to completely turn the deer numbers around, just like Sean was able to do. Despite being limited in his bowhunting due to a shoulder injury, Sean’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to herd improvement shines through. Podcast Topics: - Sean’s bowhunting origins and evolution - The impact of wild dogs on deer herds - Ethical and sustainable deer management practices - Managing genetics: Why “mong heads” need to go - Balancing the herd: The importance of mature does - Strategies to create a thriving hunting block - Wild do

This week Matty is joined by living legend Dr. Ed Ashby. Dr. Ashby was the man who helped to reinstate bowhunting in South Africa. The man documented over 630+ animals that he took with his bow and arrow. Each time trialing different arrows, broadheads and total weight setups to come to a conclusion of best setups for bowhunters which is all documented and shared through “The Ashby Bowhunting Foundation.” https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/ “The goal of every bowhunter should be to achieve the most penetration possible on an animal, with the intent of a full passthrough.” - Dr. Ed Ashby  |  Founder Podcast topics: - The Science of Bowhunting: Ethical Hunting Redefined - Heavy Bone Thresholds and Their Impact on Success - Stalking Skills: The Lost Art of Close-Range Hunting - Lessons from 631 Animals: Dr. Ashby’s Bowhunting Insights - Mechanical vs. Fixed Broadheads: The Ultimate Debate - Conservation Through Bowhunting: A Hunter’s Role in Wildlife Management - The Physics of Penetrati

This week Matty is joined by Joel Turner from Shot IQ. Joel has cracked the code to override the human instinct and safety mechanisms that we have in place can negatively affect your accuracy inside of shooting.  Whether you’re shooting a gun or shooting your bow, this system is an easy-to-implement process that removes target panic and makes a repeatable process every time. Podcast Topics:  - The Australian paddy melons - how did this all come to fruition - The Science and psychology behind the shot process - Open and closed loop systems - Thoughts are not thinking - How to override your thoughts and take back control - Applying the system to each style of release aid  - Compound Vs. Trad Shot - An elk hunt to remember - The trick to calling in Bull Elk and Red Stags And much, much more. Find Joel Turner: @joelturneractual https://www.turnermodel.com/ https://www.shotiq.com/home https://www.mindiq.com/enroll Find Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

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