Becoming a Bowhunter
Sports
About
Join host Matty as he documents his journey to becoming a bowhunter while interviewing specialists within the field to help fast track your bowhunting adventures.
Episodes
- Red Deer Rut Tactics That Actually Work with Mick Cullen
In this episode, Mick Cullen shares practical tactics for hunting red deer during the rut, covering calling strategies, terrain use, stag behaviour, and managing pressure during hunts. The discussion includes comparisons of calling versus…
- 2026 Red Deer Rut Recap - The trifecta with Matty Turner
This episode recaps three distinct red deer hunts from the 2026 rut, covering wins, mistakes, and crucial moments. Matty Turner discusses various aspects including hunt progression, hunting challenges like pressure and logistics, and lesso…
- How to Cape a Deer for a Shoulder Mount | Brian Anderson
In this episode, host Matty sits down with taxidermist Brian Anderson to discuss the practicalities and deeper meaning of taxidermy. The conversation includes a detailed guide on caping a deer for a shoulder mount, emphasizing field care a…
- A Lifetime of Traditional Bowhunting | Shane & Doug Dupille
This episode features Shane and Doug Dupille discussing their extensive experiences with traditional bowhunting in Australia. Doug shares early bowhunting stories from the 1960s and 70s, while Shane offers insights and practical advice for…
- From Field To WildPie: Meat is the Trophy with Jo Barrett
Australian chef Jo Barrett joins "Becoming a Bowhunter" to discuss the connection between hunting, food, and sustainability. Barrett shares insights on ethical sourcing, cooking wild game, and her venture, Wild Pie, which focuses on game m…
- How to Choose a 2026 Hunting Bow | Ian Summers
This episode features Ian Summers discussing the selection process for 2026 hunting bows, covering flagship models, performance factors, engineering changes, and practical advice for bowhunters.
- How to Bowhunt Australian Small Game Species
In this episode, Dave Whiting, a traditional bowhunter with extensive experience in Australia, discusses bowhunting small game species such as rabbits, hares, foxes, and cats. The conversation covers hunting techniques, finding productive…
- Reflection and Bowhunting Goal Setting for 2026 with The Boyz
Matty is joined by Grant Rand, Benny Fensom, Brett Meldrum, and Ben Atherton to review 2025 hunting highlights and outline their 2026 bowhunting goals. The discussion includes community fundraising achievements and preparation for future h…
- How to Prepare Physically for Bowhunting
This episode features Matty Turner detailing his "Lazy Man
- How Arrow Flight Really Works With Dr James Park
Dr. James Park, an expert in archery physics, joins Becoming a Bowhunter to discuss the complete lifecycle of an arrow, from release to impact. The conversation covers how factors like drag, lift, and spine affect penetration, and the infl…
- How to Successfully Bowhunt Sambar Deer
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, expla…
- Fred Eichler's North American Super Slam Explained
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…
- The Anatomy of the Perfect Bowhunting Shot | Ranch Fairy
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Troy Fowler, better known as Ranch Fairy, to dive deep into the science, ethics, and gear setups behind repeatable bowhunting. Troy’s known for testing gear, sharing data, and h…
- Using Deer Data to Become a Better Bowhunter
In this episode, Matty is joined by Kip Adams (@kipadams_nda), the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association (@deerassociation), to talk about all things whitetail, conservation, and the evolving role of hunters. Kip bri…
- How Loud Are Your Arrows? Bowhunting Noise Explained
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Jamie Macintosh and Hayden Rylewski. These two recently conducted a sound test on arrows, and what they found is pretty incredible. Inside this episode, we go into all of the elem…
- How to Improve Accuracy with a Traditional Bow
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Tom Clum Sr., a lifelong bowhunter and founder of RMS Gear, to talk all things traditional archery, effective shot execution, and making clean kills with a trad bow. Tom has coa…
- Where to shoot a Deer with a bow and arrow | Brian Johnson
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Brian Johnson, also known as The Anatomy Hunter, for a deep dive into why understanding the anatomy of your target species can make or break your hunt. Brian’s mission is simple:…
- Meaningful Connection To The Land with Alesha Tomasi
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Alesha Tomasi — a passionate hunter, cook, and content creator — to talk all things meat, mindset, and meaningful connection to the land. From harvesting her first goat to launc…
- Bowhunting The South Pacific Slam Explained | Ben Salleras
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined once again by Ben Salleras, one of only a handful of hunters to ever complete the elusive South Pacific Slam. But what even is that? Ben unpacks the “South Pacific 15,” the challenge…
- Building Jabstick Outdoors | Benny Fensom & Jack Spinks
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…
- Bowhunting Bucks and Boars | Logan Hawker
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 bo…
- The App That Connects Hunters | Josh Forster
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…
- Traditional Bowhunting Gear and Trophy Takers | Steve Dimitrakellis
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…
- Saving New Zealand Wapiti | Fiordland Wapiti Foundation
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 de…
- Fallow Deer Rut Recap 2025
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…
- Best Rut Stories from the Bowhunting Community 2025
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 pu…
- Bowhunting Bucks and Stags During the Rut | Bailey Simmons
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,…
- Training for Archery Accuracy | George Ryals
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, emp…
- Red Deer Rut Bowhunting Strategy | Harry Watson
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 kn…
- Bowhunting, Gold Mining and Adventure | Kristian Gerathy
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 sha…
- Bowhunting Australia’s Top End | Jim McWilliam
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 su…
- How to Overcome Target Panic in Archery | Graham Cahill
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 personali…
- Bowhunting Wild Camels in Australia | Pete Griffiths
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 dis…
- Chital Deer Bowhunting Tactics
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 be…
- Lessons from My First Bowhunt | Grant Muir
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 inten…
- How to Grow a Healthy Deer Herd on Your Property | Sean Chick
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…
- The Science of Arrow Penetration | Dr. Ed Ashby
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 arrow…
- How to Eliminate Target Panic | Joel Turner (Shot IQ)
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 g…
- Bowhunting for Beginners: Complete Guide
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 b…
- Overcoming Target Panic in Traditional Archery
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 co…
- How to Improve Bowhunting Fast (Lessons From Hunting with Beginners)
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’…
- Bowhunting Secrets for New Zealand Game with Poldi Waldmann Moloney
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 t…
- Wilderness First Aid for Hunters | Save Your Life in the Field (Christie Pisani)
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…
- How to Make the Perfect Trad Bow with Colin Gair
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 t…
- Bowhunting Basics for Beginners | What to Know Before Your First Hunt
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 B…
- What Can Go Wrong Hunting Overseas? | Lessons from Corey Seymonsbergen
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 trave…
- Stewart Island Whitetail Bowhunting Guide
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 incred…
- How to Preserve Your Trophy Animal - Riverleigh Taxidermy
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 g…
- Getting Into Traditional Bowhunting | What to Expect & Why It Hooks You
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…
- Women in Bowhunting: Getting Started
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…