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 Valley
• 
  
• Hard-earned wins from hunters battling tough weather and tougher stags
• 
  
• Creative meat-saving tricks for rut-tainted venison
• 
  
• The highs, lows, and chaos of calling in reds and fellow in the thick stuff
• 
  
• Gear 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 episode is a celebration of persistence, community, and the wild ride that is bowhunting in the rut.

🦌 Shoutout to all the contributors: Luke Samuels, Jason Wells, PJ Lindley, Jack O'Neil, Jed Davidson, Colin Gair, Kritstian Gerathy and Kenny Riddle.

🎧 Listen in for laughs, lessons, and that sweet sound of the rut echoing through the hills.

Story Contributors: 

@_lukesamuels

@mindfulbowhunter

@pjlindley94

@jacklewisoneill

@jeddavidson

@outlawcustombows

@followingabrokencompass

@keeny_riddle

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting
•  Jab Stick Outdoors: @jabstickoutdoors - Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off Jab Stick Outdoors

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 for every possible outcome.
• Stalking Billys Year-Round: Insights into goat behavior, bachelor group patterns, and hunting pressure.
• Gear Talk: Compound vs. recurve, Clicker systems, hinge vs. thumb releases, set up for a multi-day backpack hunt, and more.
• Access & Landowner Trust: Bailey’s experience securing new properties through relationships.
• Douglass Point Scoring System: Bailey wen’t and did his scoring course with the trophy takers crew earlier this year
• Meat, Mounts & More: Packing out heavy reds, cooking goat curry, and his passion for Euro mounts.

And heaps more.

Find Bailey Simmons:

Instagram: @_bailey_simmons_

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting
•  Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos

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 tension during the shot process and how to overcome target panic.
• The Importance of Equipment Fit: How ensuring your bow fits you properly is crucial for avoiding injury and improving shooting accuracy.

Archery Coaching Secrets: George’s tried-and-tested methods for improving form and precision, including his "Big Four" process that has helped athletes elevate their performance.

Plus much, much more.

Find George Ryals: 

Instagram: @georgeryalsiv

Website: ImproveMyArchery.com

Find Becoming a Bowhunter: 

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off.

Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.

Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt.

Jab Stick Outdoors: @jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts.

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 unique approach to using landscape and vegetation.
• Gear Essentials & Field Processing: Efficient methods for handling your deer after the harvest, including Harry’s preference for boning out in the field.
• Hunting Stories & Lessons Learned: Insightful anecdotes, successes, and lessons from Harry's personal hunts, including close calls and memorable stalks.

Whether you're preparing for your first red deer rut or seeking advanced techniques to refine your hunting style, this episode is loaded with practical tips and detailed strategies to help you become more successful this season.

Find Harry Watson:

Instagram: @ihuntnfish

Website: https://www.jackall.com.au/

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting
•  Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos

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 success.
• Gold Prospecting 101: A surprising crossover of hunting and prospecting—tips for finding gold in Australian rivers.
• Rutting Tales: Kristian’s most challenging and rewarding hunts during the rut season.

And loads more

Find Kristian Gerathy:

Instagram: @followingabrokencompass

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FollowingABrokenCompass

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting
•  Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos

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 perspective has brought. 
• Buffalo & Banteng Encounters: The intensity of hunting these massive, powerful animals.
• Community & Clubs: The value of archery clubs and the benefits of competing in ABA shoots.

This episode is packed with knowledge for bowhunters of all experience levels, from those just starting out to seasoned hunters looking to refine their skills. Whether you're interested in tuning your own bow, understanding Northern Territory hunting dynamics, or just hearing some incredible hunting stories — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Find Jim McWilliam:

Instagram: @topendoutdoors

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast 

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee - Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting

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 and confidence.
• Hilarious Anecdotes: From whistling at strippers to chewing wires in the bush, Graham doesn’t hold back on stories that make this episode as entertaining as it is informative.

Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable advice for overcoming mental hurdles, refining your technique, and rediscovering the joy of hunting.

Find Graham Cahill:

Instagram: @ecomuseimages

Watch Graham on 4WD 24/7: https://www.youtube.com/user/4wdaction

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee: @dogandguncoffee Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Dog and Gun Coffee 
• Kayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga Broadheads

• • Venture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting

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 vastness of the outback.

- The challenges of bowhunting camels include their sharp eyesight and tendency to roam.

- Fun and surprising facts about camels, like their rutting calls and the use of their fat in cooking.

- Stuff the Crocs — Donkeys are what you have to look out for

- Horses don’t attack, do they? Think again.

- Do you know those stingray barbs? Well, they’re sharp as hell and leave you in a lot of pain

- Look, hear me out — Crocodiles aren’t too bad

And much, much more

Find Pete Griffiths:

@ihunt_downunder

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee: Fuel your hunt with the best coffee for bowhunters. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee

Kayuga Broadheads: For precision, power, and reliability in every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Visit Kayuga Broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors: Your one-stop-shop for hunting gear. Get ready for your next adventure with the best products. Visit Venture Hunting

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 environment and each other influences hunting tactics, including strategies for calling and stalking.
• Practical Tips: Ayden shares his process for assessing properties, understanding deer patterns, and maximizing the hunting experience.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to Chital deer hunting, this episode offers valuable knowledge to help you make the most of your next hunt. 

Tune in and get ready for some incredible insights from one of the best in the game for Chital/Axis Deer.

Find Ayden Doumtsis:

@aydendoumtsisoutdoors

@twinelements

@spottedsafaris

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee: Fuel your hunt with the best coffee for bowhunters. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off your next purchase. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee

Kayuga Broadheads: For precision, power, and reliability in every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Visit Kayuga Broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors: Your one-stop-shop for hunting gear. Get ready for your next adventure with the best products. Visit Venture Hunting

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 bowhunter
• Equipment woes: From bow failure to upgrading setups
• The science behind bow setup, tuning, and arrows
• The adrenaline dump and the emotional rollercoaster of bowhunting
• Stalking techniques: Lessons learned in the field
• Ethics in bowhunting and respecting the animal
• The importance of preparation and gear: What worked and what didn’t
• Overcoming mistakes and the value of patience in the hunt
• The lessons learned about bow hunting after the first shot and the first animal
• Overcoming a bow malfunction on the eve of a big hunt
• Lessons on stalking and shot placement
• The emotional highs and lows of bowhunting for the first time
• Practical tips for first-time hunters on setting up their gear and expectations

Find Grant Muir:

@grantjmuir369

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee: Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. Visit Dog and Gun Coffee

Kayuga Broadheads: For precision and reliability in your hunting gear. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Visit Kayuga Broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors: For all your hunting gear needs. Visit Venture Hunting