Becoming a Bowhunter

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 challenges of defining a slam in our part of the world, and why the pursuit became such a personal obsession.

We dive deep into the last hunt that finished off his South Pacific Slam, the Wapiti from the intense terrain in Fiordland, NZ 

Podcast Topics:

• The South Pacific 15: What species make the list, what gets left out, and why the official slam isn’t quite official
• Fiordland Realities: Brutal terrain, vertical jungle, and one of the harder hunts Ben has ever done
• Catseye Block Breakdown: Choosing the right block and period for wapiti success
• Completing the Slam: The planning, prep, and long-range logistics that led to the final tick — the Fiordland wapiti
• Gotta Catch ’Em All: Why collecting species hits the same nerve as childhood card collecting
• Hybrid Bugles & Elk Behavior: Why most wapiti calls in Fiordland sound more like elk than red deer
• Mindset in the Mountains: Choosing the right hunting partner, dealing with weather windows, and staying cool under pressure
• This young bull wants to fight… The story of Ben nearly being attacked by an aggressive young Wapiti bull.
• I saw two possible locations for the tent in the 6 days we were there 
• From hunting pigs in Queensland to global adventures… Anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Ben shares future goals, trips planned and a reflection on just what he has achieved with a bow.

Whether you’ve dreamed of your own slam or just love hearing in-depth yarns about a hunt, this is a thoughtful and wild ride through Benny’s South Pacific’s bowhunting feat.

Find Ben Salleras:

Instagram: @bensalleras

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. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.

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 & Lepto – Benny’s experience with leptospirosis, which had him bed-bound for a few weeks. The wild strain, not native to Australia that landed him in hospital for a week.
• Big Kev the Stag – The legendary red named Big Kev.  
• Stickbow Dropouts – Why many trad shooters burn out after 6 months, and how to stick with it when the compound itch creeps in.

This one’s got it all — equal parts funny, filthy, and full of hard-won bowhunting wisdom.

Find Benny & Jack:

Benny: @benny_fensom

Jack: @jackspinks_

Jabstick Outdoors: @jabstickoutdoors

https://jabstickoutdoors.au/

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

• Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast
• Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

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

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 hunters like Jas Ritchie has been a huge upgrade for Logan’s hunting success.
• The Unlucky Barbed Wire Roll: That one time low light, determination, and a very pig-like silhouette led to the most unforgettibly, hilarious story..

Find Logan Hawker:

@loganhawker

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

 Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

 Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

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

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

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

Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors

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 beginnings
• Croc Close Calls: The 4-meter saltie that missed his mate’s neck by inches
• Northern Territory Buffalo Hunts: Long-range treks, frontal shot breakdowns, and hot-season gear lessons
• The 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 App: The rise of an outdoor-only community platform for hunters, fishos, campers & doers (note* nothing to do with dating - everything to do with finding new mates in the outdoor world)
• Hooked On Life: Josh’s philosophy on getting off your phone and into the wild

Whether you’re in it for the pig stalks, the gear, or the mission behind Hooked Up, this one’s full of stories, insights, and inspiration for every modern-day bushman and woman.

Find Josh Forster:

• Instagram: @hookedonlife__
• YouTube: @hookedonlife__
• Hooked Up App: @hookedupapp

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

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

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 Bowman
• How traditional gear shaped Steve’s hunting style and preferences
• Tips for tuning arrows, brace height, and reducing bow noise
• The appeal (and obsession) of longbows over compounds
• The story and mission behind Trophy Takers Australia
• The importance of community, mentorship, and passing on the passion
• Scoring systems: Douglas vs Pope & Young vs Boone & Crockett
• The evolution of bowhunting gear from plastic rests to precision carbons
• Why the Trophy Takers annual awards are more than just a trophy night

Whether you’re a trad bow shooter, new to bowhunting, or someone who’s been around long enough to remember wood arrows and score sheets by post, this episode is a celebration of everything that makes bowhunting special.

Find Steve Dimitrakellis

Instagram: @memosity48

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

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

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 and his team have learned from collaring programs, bull management, and nutrition.
• Conservation = Better Hunting: Why lower deer numbers lead to bigger bulls and healthier landscapes.
• The Wapiti Ballot System: How you can apply for a chance to hunt one of the world’s most unique elk herds.
• Gear Tips & Tough Country: Packing, fitness, and the brutal beauty of the Fiordland terrain.
• Protein, Plants & the Perfect Bull: How environment and nutrition shape the wapiti more than anything else.

Whether you’re a bowhunter planning a ballot hunt or just love hearing about what goes into managing wild herds, this episode is a rare look behind the curtain of one of New Zealand’s most respected conservation efforts.

Find the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation:

Instagram: @fiordland_wapiti_foundation

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

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

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

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

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

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

- Fallow behavior insights, calling tactics, and what really happens when you hunt bucks on scrapes

Whether you’re reliving your own season or gearing up for the next one, this episode is a wild ride through the heart of the fallow rut—chock full of learnings, legends, and the kind of bush time we all dream about.

Find The Guests: 

Matty Moore - @mooreofmatt

Grant Rand - @grant_randy_rand

Cam Rand - @cameron_cambo_rand

Corey Seymonsbergen - @corey_seymo

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. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.

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.