On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Olly from Rocky Creek Ranch — a horse breeder and farmer from Western Australia who’s been right on the front line of the new firearms laws brought in after the Bondi tragedy.

Olly breaks down what’s actually happening on the ground in WA — slow and confusing systems, firearms branch staff giving mixed information, and a lot of uncertainty for farmers and firearm owners trying to work out what they’re allowed to keep and what they’re being forced to surrender.

We also talk about why the rest of Australia should be paying attention, what these changes really mean for everyday people who rely on firearms for work and land management, and what lessons can be learned before the same thing rolls out elsewhere.

If you care about hunting, farming, firearm ownership, and where this country is heading, this is one you’ll want to hear.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Rob Baldinger, also known as The Venison Diplomat.

We dive into how Rob got into hunting, what it truly means to him, and his passion for strengthening the hunting community by educating the next generation. Rob shares the story behind his new children’s book, I Am a Deer Hunter, with more titles already in the works.

This fun and engaging book is a fantastic read for kids and a great way to introduce them to hunting values, respect for nature, and where food really comes from.

Learn more about Rob and his work at thevenisondiplomat.com.au

The room was crowded, the mics weren’t perfect, and the mission couldn’t be clearer: get Australia’s hunting voices into one place and push back on rushed, headline‑driven laws with unity, evidence, and heart. Cody’s seed turned into a national roundtable featuring hosts from Wild Origins, Get Outdoors With Drew and Cam, Women Who Hunt, Hunting Connection, In The Dark and Bullet Points, Australian Hunting Backcountry, Nature’s Perks, Hunting Republic, and the Australian Hunting Podcast. What followed was a frank, sometimes raw, always focused conversation about protecting a lawful lifestyle that feeds families, fuels regional economies, and keeps ferals in check.

We unpack what “four guns” really means for humane shots, competition disciplines, family setups, and the ethics that guide calibre choice. We challenge the proposal to strip appeal rights, knowing due process isn’t a luxury in a democracy. We talk national registry pros and cons without ignoring data‑leak scars,

and we explain why registering barrels and stocks would swamp understaffed branches for no safety gain. The group calls out media myths and belt‑fed fantasies, then gets practical: short, respectful emails to MPs; signing both NSW petitions; and supporting each other without ego or infighting. Industry voices outline the real cost to retailers, importers, guides, and country towns, while long‑timers share lessons from 1996 and why the public mood feels different today.

This is not a culture war monologue; it’s a plan built on unity and calm persistence. We ask listeners to act locally, communicate clearly, and check on their mates. If you care about hunting, target shooting, conservation, or simply fair process, this conversation gives you the words and the steps to make a difference right now.

If this resonated, share it with a mate, sign the petitions, and send your email today. Subscribe for follow‑ups and wins, and leave a review so more Aussies can find this conversation.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Hohnke from Hohnke Outdoors. Ben is a passionate outdoorsman with a love for hunting, fishing, spearfishing and foraging. I first discovered Hohnke Outdoors through their TikTok, where they showcased their awesome foraging identification cards for kids.

With the release of his new book, “Rivers of Passage,” it was the perfect time to get Ben on for a chat. We dive into how he got started in all his outdoor pursuits, and how the foraging cards, the book, and the spice mixes all came to life.

Be sure to check out the website, explore everything they’ve created, and grab yourself some gear and a copy of the book!

🔗 https://hohnkeoutdoors.com

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Mike Arnold — hunter, conservationist, biologist, and author of Bringing Back the Lions and his upcoming book Bringing Back the Wild.

Mike’s shooting and hunting journey began the moment he was old enough to hold a firearm, growing up on homemade ranges in the West Texas countryside and harvesting his first whitetail at just five years old. Surrounded by mesquite, prickly pear, and endless small-game opportunities, he developed a lifelong obsession with firearms, hunting, wildlife, and the outdoors.

Today, Mike uses both his scientific background and his storytelling to highlight the critical role hunters play in conservation. Through his books and writing, he shares the deep satisfaction he finds in the field and the importance of restoring wild places and wildlife across the world.

In this episode, we dive into his upbringing in West Texas, his work in biology and conservation, his books Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, and how hunters and conservationists can work together to protect the future of our wild spaces.

Connect with Mike Arnold:

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: www.mikearnoldoutdoors.com

📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/arnoldoutdoorwriter

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined once again by Calem O’Grady for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation.

We take a deep dive into the South Australian bowhunting ban and unpack why Calem believes the right to bowhunt is not just a recreational choice, but a fundamental human right. He explains why banning it is, in his view, morally and ethically wrong—not only for hunters, but for wildlife management, cultural connection, and personal freedom.

From there, we explore Calem’s journey into the world of traditional archery, including his passion for crafting and knapping his own arrowheads. He talks about how going traditional brought him closer to the origins of hunting and deepened his understanding of the craft.

Calem also shares stories from his fieldwork teaching bushcraft and survival skills, and how hands-on learning shapes more responsible and capable outdoorsmen and women. We discuss his involvement with Wild Origins Australia, what the organisation is working toward, and why their message matters now more than ever.

To wrap things up, Calem gives us an exciting preview of his upcoming trip to Africa—what he hopes to learn, what he hopes to teach, and how the experience ties into his broader mission within the hunting community.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Joe Wildman, founder of Ridgewalker Expeditions.

Joe’s a man whose life has been defined by adventure. A retired lawyer and former helicopter pilot, he traded boardrooms and cockpits for the wild — spending over 30 years travelling the world in pursuit of epic hunts and expeditions. From red stags in Europe to lion and buffalo in Africa, to heavy fish in the bluewater of the Coral Sea, Joe’s lived the kind of stories most hunters only dream about.

Through Ridgewalker Expeditions, Joe now shares that lifetime of experience with others — offering world-class hunting, spearfishing, and wildlife photography adventures across the globe. Every trip is tailored to the individual, whether you’re after a rugged challenge deep in the wilderness or a five-star experience in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Driven by integrity, competence, and a passion for exploration, Joe’s mission is simple — to craft unforgettable adventures and help others write their own story of the wild.

Check out Ridgewalker Expeditions:

🌏 Website: ridgewalkerexpeditions.com

📸 Instagram: @ridgewalker_expeditions

In this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Carly Parker — host of the Women Who Hunt Podcast! Carly is a relatively new hunter, but her passion for the outdoors and her drive to inspire others are second to none.

We dive into how she first got into hunting, what sparked her interest, and the experiences that have shaped her journey so far. Carly also shares the story behind starting her own podcast — Women Who Hunt — and the powerful message she hopes to spread through it.

We talk about breaking barriers, encouraging more women to get involved in hunting, and creating a space where female hunters feel supported and connected. Carly’s enthusiasm and positivity really shine through in this chat, making it an inspiring listen for anyone passionate about the outdoors and community.

I really enjoyed this conversation, and I’m sure you will too — tune in and check it out!

“Bonus ep”

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I sit down at Australia’s largest archery store, Archery Supplies, with owner Steven Hann. Steven’s family has a deep and proud history in South Australian archery — from his dad selling bows out of their spare bedroom when Steven was a kid, to the creation of Archery Park, Archery Mart, and eventually Steven’s own venture, Archery Supplies.

We chat about how the recent bowhunting ban has impacted his business, as well as the challenges caused by FedEx Australia’s new restrictions on shipping archery gear. It’s a great conversation with someone who’s lived and breathed archery his whole life. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Cass — better known as The Aussie Adventuress! Cass might be fairly new to hunting, but her passion for the outdoors, conservation, and adventure is absolutely contagious.

We dive into how she first got into hunting, what drew her to the lifestyle, and some of the incredible experiences she’s had along the way. Cass shares her journey of learning the ropes, the challenges of being a newcomer in the hunting world, and how she’s built confidence and skill through each adventure.

We also chat about the idea of her starting her own podcast — what inspired it, the message she hopes to share, and the importance of building a positive and supportive hunting community.

It was an awesome chat with plenty of laughs, insights, and inspiration for anyone who loves the outdoors or is just starting their hunting journey. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!