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

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 dog trapping: Methods, tools, and insights

- Navigating the of herd dynamics year-round (when to shoot and not shoot what)

- Filming The Season

And much, much more.

Find Sean Chick:

@src_huntntrap

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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

Venture Hunting & Outdoors @venturehunting

For all of your hunting gear and needs head over to https://venturehunting.com.au/

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 Penetration: Why Momentum Matters Most

- The Future of Bowhunting: Innovations and Challenges Ahead

And much, much more…

Find Dr. Ed Ashby’s Work:

https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/

Make a donation to the foundation: https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/make-a-donation

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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

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

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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

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 bow
• Accessories 
• Arrow weights and spines
• Broadheads
• Perfect practice - develop a repeatable process
• Gain access (paid, public or private)
• How to approach a new hunting block on your first visit
• The stalk
• Animal behaviour 
• Field dressing - different approaches
• Meat care
• Meat 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 with Bevan Blacklock 

#97 - Cooking Wild Meat with Ross O'Meara

Videos Worth Watching: 

Home-made target:  https://youtu.be/uvy2-lWB9sI?si=GI9kcmhB0HGV1cnA

Shot placement for Australian Bowhunters with Liam Woods: https://youtu.be/nKSvR4_2RSU?si=2lmnTlHwTbeeh91o

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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

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

- Sometimes, the best hunts are the unsuccessful ones

- Promoting positive perceptions of bowhunting to the wider community

- The growing popularity of traditional archery and bowhunting in Australia

And much more...

Find Ben Maher:

@benmaher73

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

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 lives!

And much, much more.

Find our guest:

Jordan:

@Jordodejong

Adam:

@adam.j.barter

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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

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 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 order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/

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/

Kayuga Broadheads @kayuga_broadheads

For precision and reliability in your hunting gear use code BAB10 for 10% off your next order. Check out https://www.kayugabroadheads.com.au/