Some say Brendan Becker grew his enormous beard to soften the dangerously sharp wit that lurks beneath... Having worked as an international fly-fishing guide for many years. Brendan has taken clients and chased monsters in some incredibly wild places. Having hung up his guiding waders, he now passes on his knowledge and incredible stories to customers visiting the Johannesburg brand of Mavungana fly fishing - South Africa. Now we get to hear some too. Hang on folks, we've hooked a big one here.

A huge thanks again to Brendan and Mavungana for allowing us to record in your space.

Give Brendan a follow on Instagram, Follow the Mavungana site and Instagram while you're at it too.

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Originally a journalist from the city, twenty years ago Holly stopped chasing copy deadlines, and started chasing wild game. Now an obsessed hunter of waterfowl, she's making up for lost time, by helping other latecomers to the hunting world. Simply sharing best ways to prepare for a hunt, AND how to make the most of the protein you harvest.

A huge thank you to Holly for sharing her stories and knowledge with us today!

Follow her on Instagram, YouTube and check out her linktree with a bunch of tips you never knew you needed.

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00:00 — Welcome and podcast intro

5:00 — Becoming an Adult-Onset Hunter

7:20 — Growing Up Around Food

10:43 — How Hunting Started

12:04 — The Duck Dinner Moment

13:25 — Holly's First Pig Hunt

17:48 — Thinking About AI and Convenience

19:14 — Why Animals Deserve Respect

25:28 — Pushing Too Hard at Work

30:07 — Why Duck Hunters Use Gear

38:34 — Hunting Ducks Alone

42:25 — Learning to Shoot Well

53:15 — Bird Bands & Training Dogs

69:24 — Why She Waited to Get a Dog

80:37 — The Dog Training Journey

In this Episode Robin visits Doug Cockroft –founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy– in his incredible factory and studio space.

The conversation delves into the journey of taxidermy, It's origins, the unknown passion involved, and the future of the industry. It explores the impact of importation rules and its evolving solutions to new challenges. Amongst Doug's own fascinating stories we also cover the evolution of 3D printing technology, the art of taxidermy and anatomy, tanning techniques, ethics and principles in taxidermy, and the discussion of hunting, conservation, and responsibility. We also couldn't tip our hat to the future of taxidermy without giving a comical nod to taxidermy 100 years ago.

A huge thank you to Doug for the thought provoking chat, and to the Splitting Image team for their help setting up the space.

Check out the Splitting Image website

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This episode dives into the fascinating world of taxidermy, guided by Doug Cocroft, founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy. We explore the history, technological advancements, ethical considerations, and the profound connection between hunting and conservation.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction and the importance of respecting wildlife in taxidermy

00:44 - Doug Cockroft’s entrance into taxidermy

01:30 - The origin of taxidermy practices

02:16 - The transformative role of hunting and conservation in Africa

04:10 - The relationship between taxidermy and wildlife storytelling

05:16 - Personal reflections on connecting with nature

06:40 - The importance of patience, observation, and respect

08:07 - Hunting versus non-hunting – A spectrum of attitudes

09:13 - Memorable experiences and mishaps

10:52 - The story of a vehicle mishap

14:50 - The role of hunting

18:49 - Transition from guiding to taxidermy

20:00 - How 9/11 reshaped Doug’s career path into taxidermy

21:40 - Early training and challenges in taxidermy

25:12 - Doug's true passion for the craft and conservation’s role

28:49 - The history and cultural roots of taxidermy in Africa and beyond

38:31 - 3D printing, scanners, and chemical advancements

42:17 - Evolution of techniques and technologies

48:44 - Handling ethical considerations

53:01 - Taxidermy and creative, respectful expressions

56:46 - The influence of legislation and poaching

60:39 - The connection between hunting, storytelling, and societal perception

64:18 - The importance of authentic outdoor experiences a

65:33 - Resources and inspirations for those interested in taxidermy

Congrats to three lucky guests from our EP100 Giveaway Competition! It's been an amazing few years and 100 episodes, here's a few favourites from other participants of Alone, and a wild African spear hunters tale from the Eastern Cape. Thanks again everyone, here's to another 100 episodes!

Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Get ready for a diverse episode blending exciting contest announcements, gripping outdoor adventures, survival stories, and ethical hunting insights. Robin shares behind-the-scenes moments of a podcast competition, followed by intense narratives from seasoned adventure and hunting experts, revealing raw emotions and incredible wildlife experiences.

• Announcing winners of a wilderness podcast contest and the behind-the-scenes process
• An in-depth recount of a solo wilderness hunting experience, focusing on tracking, hunting strategies, and emotional resilience
• The story of a grappling encounter with a highly aggressive bushbuck, showcasing extraordinary animal behavior and human ingenuity
• Insights into outdoor gear preparation, clothing strategies for cold environments, and psychological tactics like stoicism and self-affirmation

• Robin announces the top three winners from San Jose and Minnesota with a live draw process
• Aubrey Tibbury recounts wresting and suffocating a wounded bushbuck with a jersey as a makeshift tourniquet
• An exploration of a hunter’s meticulous gear preparation, especially handmade clothing suitable for Arctic-like conditions
• Emotional reflections on the risks, disappointments, and mental resilience involved in hunting larger game like moose
• Discussions on ethical hunting challenges, wildlife tracking, and the importance of mental readiness in survival situations
• Philosophical insights into the human drive, driven by seeking approval and deep personal values

00:00 - Contest Winners
02:04 - Episode Setup
04:19 - Bushbuck Story
07:11 - Solo Survival
09:10 - Tracking Techniques
14:02 - Moose Hunt
18:02 - Ethical Tracking
22:34 - Lost Game
26:21 - Mental Resilience
28:01 - Personal Drive
32:20 - Purpose Shift
33:41 - Show Prep
36:13 - Homestead Build
40:23 - Support System
43:24 - Sacrifice
48:06 - Cold Gear
53:48 - Facing Fear
57:08 - Bushbuck Encounter
63:22 - Survival Tactics
67:13 - Final Reflections

The first Woman to win Alone, and holder of the highest number of days spent out in the wildernes – Woniya Thibeault is an incredibly skilled, exceptionally strong willed, and a wonderful story teller all at the same time. Despite life changing experiences both times on the Alone show, her deep relationship with the wild began long before Alone even existed. Join us for this special episode as Woniya shares the fascinating journey that brought her to this moment: Author, Mother, Wilderness Expert and highly respected surthrivalist within the community.

A huge thankyou again to Woniya for sharing her time and knowledge with us today!

Follow Woniya On Instagram, Facebook, YouTube... And visit her website: www.Woniyathibeault.com where you can find her memoir Never Alone, online and in-person wilderness courses and other fantastic resources too.

Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube too.
00:00 - Welcoming Woniya Thibault
02:00 - Woniya’s background
04:30 - The significance of prime numbers
07:00 - Transitioning to Timeless Ways
09:00 - A wilderness ethic of respect and asking permission
12:00 - Woniya’s decision decision to leave or stay
17:00 - How community and collaboration influence survival success
20:00 - barefoot walking and sensory awareness
25:00 - The powers gained from wilderness skills
30:00 - Creative problem solving: natural sources of salt
36:00 - The importance of sensory engagement with the earth
42:00 - Woniya’s story behind her name and cultural considerations
46:00 - Her approach to cultural respect
50:00 - Insights on mental resilience and gratitude
55:00 - lessons learned from health issues
60:00 - Gender dynamics on "Alone"
65:00 - The role of respect for the land
70:00 - Strategies for avoiding common survival mistakes
75:00 - The significance of community, and internal motivation
80:00 - Reflections on rules, creativity, and pushing boundaries
85:00 - Techniques for cultivating gratitude amid adversity
90:00 - Key mistakes to avoid in solo wilderness survival
95:00 - Woniya’s upcoming projects, books, and ways to connect

In this Episode, Rich Gardner - Local legend from the traditional 3D Archery circuit - shares a quiver-full of stories from his past. Known for his highly addictive archery footage landing across millions of people's Facebook feeds. Episode 99 gives us an insight to the jolly man behind the camera. This one's got some great tales from the wilds of California, competitive 3D tournaments, and plenty of other adventures from afar too.

Be sure to give Rich a follow on his Facebook page, where he regularly posts footage of archery that's guaranteed get you itching to grab the bow and heading for the hills. Be sure to also sign up for the Longbow Safari happening at Rancho Neblina on the 4th of July, and say hi to Rich yourself!

Watch/Follow Robin and The Wild Dispatch on:

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In this episode of The Wild Dispatch, Robin sits down with Rich Gardner for a fascinating conversation about traditional archery, bow hunting, wildlife encounters, and the stories behind Rich’s viral social clips. From his first bow-killed buck to unforgettable turkey hunts, Alaska fishing adventures, mountain lion sightings, and the mindset behind shooting instinctively, this episode is packed with practical insight and wild outdoor storytelling.If you’re interested in traditional archery, recurve and longbow shooting, bow hunting tips, wild game, hunting stories, or the outdoors lifestyle, this conversation delivers plenty to learn and enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner archer, an experienced bowhunter, or simply love real stories from the outdoors, this episode offers a mix of humour, wisdom, and hard-earned lessons from years in the woods and on the range.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro to Rich Gardner and his viral archery content
02:12 Episode 100 giveaway announcement
03:52 Rich’s background and early archery interest
05:27 Turkey hunting stories and calling techniques
10:12 How Rich moved from rifle hunting to archery
11:14 First bow setup and first buck story
14:13 Early fishing adventures and bowfishing attempts
21:42 Sturgeon fishing and Alaska salmon trips
29:57 The first buck and transition to traditional archery
30:17 Longbow hunting and the first wild pig
36:05 Bow setup, arrows, and broadheads
40:09 Bear and mountain lion encounters
52:08 How Rich’s Facebook archery videos took off
54:24 3D competitions and travelling for shoots
57:58 Learning to shoot from mentors and tuning bows
68:35 Neck injury, pain, and choosing lighter bows
73:20 Why Rich no longer hunts with rifles or shotguns
75:36 Judging distance by eye and shooting uphill
83:17 Mitchell story and a meaningful connection at the range
87:06 Closing thoughts and where to find Rich

Howdy Folks Episode 100 is right around the corner. To celebrate this milestone, we're doing a giveaway:

Lancaster Archery, Easton, Tarp Tent, VPA, Western Obsession, The Mission Fly Mag, Mavungana Fly Fishing, Ethics Archery, Wilderness Athlete and Strand Coffee Roasters have all thrown their hats (and prizes) into the ring... more brands in the pipeline too!

Learn how to sign up to the comp here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZxz7A6OsmF/

Both a prolific hunter, and relentless entrepreneur... For Kurt Belding, it was inevitable that his two passions would collide. Western Obsessions TV is both a hunting channel that inspires people with their content, and an outfitter that gives fans the chance to experience some adventures of their own. This one's got it all: incredible stories from the wild, (including a very close call with a grizzly bear), and some gritty, but inspiring insights from the world of business too.

A huge thank you to Kurt for his time and stories today!

Watch more stories on Youtube and WOTV.com

And check out the many hunts they're offering too.

They say a cat has nine lives, but we think Piet Goosen must have 90. He's been head-butted by a rhino, he's been knee-capitated by a giraffe, he's even survived wrestling a 15ft python while driving down a highway! Every single one of these mind blowing moments has conservation at it's core, because Piet plays a huge part in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Snakes, tortoises, birds, antelope... Piet has has helped them all. He even works against poachers too. Through his many years spent in the bush, he has grown to understand that nature is interconnected in the most complex of ways. Hang on to your headphones folks - this one's a bumpy ride!

Thanks again Piet, it was a pleasure meeting you.

Be sure to follow Klien Piet on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, where he puts out a bunch of his wild animal encounters.

You can also donate to Piet's animal rescue center at the following account:

FNB Business Account

Branch: Potchefstroom (240438)

Account Number: 63197136394

Like many things in the wild, it’s small details that make the difference. Trained by the late Gordon Macpherson as part of an elite fly tying team in Zimbabwe, Ray Mutemeri has known this fact to be true for almost 40 years. It was this same attention to detail that brought him up through the ranks, and eventually gave him the opportunity to move to South Africa. He is now the lead tyer at the Johburg office of South africa’s biggest fly fishing shop and outfitter -Mavungana Fly Fishing. Perhaps the wildest part of this story: it was almost twenty years and hundreds of thousands of flies later that Ray could first experience the effectivenes of his own craftmanship in the water. 

A huge thankyou to Ray for sharing his time and stories with us today!

Give Mavungana a follow on Instagram

and check out all kinds of information and classes including fly tying with Raymond at Mavungana fly fishing

• Raymond’s fishing journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa
• Evolution and specialization in fly tying
• Techniques for tying various fly sizes
• Environmental influences on fly selection
• Fly fishing culture in Zimbabwe and South Africa
• Conservation through catch-and-release
• Teaching fly tying to new generations
• Mentorship and continuous learning
• Identifying and adapting fly techniques
• Unusual fly requests
• Building a foundation in fly tying
• Impact of Zimbabwe’s economy on tourism
• Women’s role in fly tying and fishing

00:31 - Introduction to Raymond Mutemere and his background

04:02 - The history of fly fishing in Zimbabwe and Raymond’s early life

06:36 - The influence of Scottish fly tyer Gordon MacPherson

07:45 - The scale of the fly tying industry in Zimbabwe 08:45 - Tying rates and specialization in dry flies

12:23 - Raymond’s childhood near rivers in Zimbabwe

14:01 - Fly fishing trips to Eastern Highlands for trout

16:14 - Personal stories of first catches and learning from guides

20:41 - Popular fly patterns like the Shamare Timi

22:00 - The cultural difference between catch and release and consumption

24:46 - The significance of size in catch-and-release practices

26:29 - Technical challenges in fly tying,

36:23 - Teaching others and passing on skills

41:44 - Creating custom flies and imitating environmental cues

44:41 - Types of hooks used in fly tying

46:12 - The process of tying a fly step by step

50:14 - Material application and proportions

54:33 - How observing insects in nature informs fly design 58:23 - Handling unusual requests, creative tying stories 60:18 - Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them 63:49 - Women in fly tying and fishing

66:00 - The importance of continuous learning and mentorship

68:51 - Philosophy of humility in skill mastery

70:15 - Maintaining connections with fly fishing peers

71:07 - How to find Raymond for lessons or custom flies 72:54 - Closing remarks and future episodes

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