Becoming a Bowhunter

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Troy Fowler, better known as Ranch Fairy, to dive deep into the science, ethics, and gear setups behind repeatable bowhunting. Troy’s known for testing gear, sharing data, and helping bowhunters take clean, lethal shots on animals. He works closely with the Ashby Foundation, and everything they do aims to use physics and numbers to speak for the results. Whether you’re brand new to bowhunting or you’ve been flinging arrows for decades, this episode may challenge the way you think about arrow weight, broadheads, tuning, and arrow speed. What you’ll hear about in this episode: Heart Vs. Lung shotsThe different compartments of the lungs and how they functionWhy bowhunters need to stop chasing speed and start chasing penetration Why bow tuning + arrow nock tuning should be the standard Kinetic energy vs Momentum and what this actually meansArrow weight, mechanical vs fixed, and the real test: shoulder bones Troy’s journey into bowhunting and how Ranch Fairy was born from hard truths and experimentation Stories from the field: pigs, elk, shoulder shots, and what makes Troy trust his system This episode is a wake-up call. If you’ve ever hit an animal and wondered why it didn’t die… you need to hear what Ranch Fairy has to say.  Follow Troy Fowler (Ranch Fairy) Instagram: @ranchfairy YouTube: Ranch Fairy Channel Website & Resources: ranchfairy.com https://www.ashbybowhunting.org/  Follow Becoming a Bowhunter Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium blends. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision-engineered for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for serious hunts. @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – High-performance carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors

In this episode, Matty is joined by Kip Adams (@kipadams_nda), the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association (@deerassociation), to talk about all things whitetail, conservation, and the evolving role of hunters. Kip brings over two decades of experience in wildlife biology and land management. In this conversation, we dig into deer behavior, nutrition, and management strategies, and how hunters can make better decisions in the field and in the off-season. We also touch on the science behind antler growth, buck-to-doe ratios, and habitat improvement tips that the average hunter can apply. If you want to become a better hunter, it starts with a deep understanding of your target. This episode takes the data collected over the past 23 years from the National Deer Association in America and compiles it in one place for you to learn all you need to know.  Podcast Topics: How Kip got into deer conservation and his time with the NDADeclining hunter numbers in the U.S.Buck and doe movement in the rut and how it can help dictate your hunting outcomesAntler size myths vs. science: what determines growth potentialImproving your hunting property for both habitat and herd healthUnderstanding “predator-prey balance” and what we can learn from itWhy hunter numbers matter and how recruitment efforts are changingKip’s take on Australia's bowhunting challenges and advocacy needs Find Our Guest: Kips Adam - Instagram: @kipadams_nda @deerassociation 🎙️ Follow 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 is joined by Jamie Macintosh and Hayden Rylewski. These two recently conducted a sound test on arrows, and what they found is pretty incredible. Inside this episode, we go into all of the elements they tested and break down exactly what makes your arrows loud or quiet while they’re soaring through the air. The boys then help to draw the lines between their data and what that means for us bowhunters. Pretty much the sound of your arrow in flight could be the difference between an animal ducking the shot or not.  Podcast Topics: Testing Methods: How they measure bow and arrow noise with chronographs, microphones, and a backyard DIY setup that actually worksChallenges in Testing: The impact of changing humidity, shifting light, and what it takes to get results that hold up in the fieldArrow Flight & Noise: How fletching, helical twist, and nock setup all change the sound of your shotBroadhead Comparisons: Two blades versus three, long and pointy versus wide and stubby, vented versus solid, and what that means for noiseReal-World Impacts: Stories of animals jumping the string and how small sound changes can make a big differenceFuture Gear & Testing Plans: What the boys have planned for further tests, plus where you can see the data and use this information for your arrow setup.  Whether you’re a gear tinkerer or just want to make your setup as silent as possible, this is one of the most practical deep dives we’ve ever done. Find Our Guests: Hayden Rylewski - Instagram: @dos_bowhunting Jamie Macintosh - Instagram: @archery_sound_lab 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 Wild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ @wilddeerexpo

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Tom Clum Sr., a lifelong bowhunter and founder of RMS Gear, to talk all things traditional archery, effective shot execution, and making clean kills with a trad bow. Tom has coached hundreds of archers through form issues, target panic, and inconsistent results. This episode cuts through the noise and gets straight to the stuff that actually makes you a better archer and bowhunter. They talk about how to practice with purpose, what really matters in high-pressure moments, and how Tom uses coaching and failure as a platform for growth. Whether you shoot compound, trad, or something in between, you’ll walk away from this one with plenty to chew on. Podcast Topic:  Bio-mechanics for repeatable and accurate shots with a trad bowThe role of the central nervous system in executing a shot you can trustWhy most hunters fail when the moment counts—and how to fix itCoaching through target panic, collapsing, and anticipationHow shot mechanics translate to real-world hunting scenariosWhy form is more than just physicalHow to train your subconscious for better consistencyPlus some hunting stories from Tom  Follow Tom:  Instagram: @tom_clum_sr Website: www.rmsgear.com  Follow 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. @dogandguncoffeeKayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehuntingJab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoorsWild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ @wilddeerexpo

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Brian Johnson, also known as The Anatomy Hunter, for a deep dive into why understanding the anatomy of your target species can make or break your hunt. Brian’s mission is simple: to help bowhunters take more ethical, effective shots by knowing exactly where to aim. From deer to elk, pigs to predators, we unpack how a little anatomical knowledge can dramatically improve your odds in the field. We cover everything from broadside and quartering shot placement to 3D targets, bone structure, and why visualising the vitals before you draw is critical. Whether you’re new to bowhunting or a seasoned hunter, this conversation will make you think differently about your next shot. Podcast topics: Why animal anatomy is a bowhunter’s best tool for successHow to adjust your aiming point based on angle, species, and body positionCommon mistakes bowhunters make when picking a shot placementUsing 3D targets and realistic visuals to train your shot processThe mental game, visualising the kill zone before releaseEthical hunting: reducing tracking time and lost animals through precise shootingHow Brian built The Anatomy Hunter and what’s next for the platform Follow Brian: Instagram: @theanatomyhunter Follow 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. @dogandguncoffeeKayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehuntingJab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoorsWild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ @wilddeerexpo

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Alesha Tomasi — a passionate hunter, cook, and content creator — to talk all things meat, mindset, and meaningful connection to the land. From harvesting her first goat to launching a female-led hunting community, Alesha shares how she went from tagging along on hunts to being an advocate for sustainable meat, mental health, and women in the outdoors. This episode is equal parts inspirational, educational, and grounded in the reality of rural life. Podcast topics: How & why Alesha started huntingThe moment her social media mission began — and the powerful promise behind itWhat it's really like processing your own wild meat week after weekHer go-to gluten- and dairy-free recipes using wild game and homegrown produceThe rise of Daughters of the Wild — a growing community for female huntersThe power of slow cooking, venison steak for breakfast, and making sausages from scratchHow the outdoors helps with mental clarity, purpose, and well-beingPack training for Fiordland and the all-girls Wapiti trip that changed her perspectiveGavin the pack goat. The story behind Gavin, how they’ve trained him to be their trusty sidekick and the gear issues they’ve had thus far.New Zealand’s got it all to offer, from crayfish dives to deer to chamois and tahr. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, an aspiring provider, or just someone who wants to live a little closer to the land, this is a conversation that hits home. Follow Alesha: Instagram: @alesha_tomasi Community: @daughters_of_the_wild Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Wild Deer Hunting & Outdoor Expo – Live at Lardner Park in Victoria on the 11th & 12th of October. Get your tickets at https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ 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 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 officialFiordland Realities: Brutal terrain, vertical jungle, and one of the harder hunts Ben has ever doneCatseye Block Breakdown: Choosing the right block and period for wapiti successCompleting the Slam: The planning, prep, and long-range logistics that led to the final tick — the Fiordland wapitiGotta Catch ’Em All: Why collecting species hits the same nerve as childhood card collectingHybrid Bugles & Elk Behavior: Why most wapiti calls in Fiordland sound more like elk than red deerMindset in the Mountains: Choosing the right hunting partner, dealing with weather windows, and staying cool under pressureThis 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 – @dogandguncoffeeFuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off.Kayuga Broadheads – @kayuga_broadheadsPrecision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.Venture Hunting & Outdoors – @venturehuntingGear up for your next hunt.Jab Stick Outdoors – @jabstickoutdoorsPrecision-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.podcastHosted by: @mattyafter Episode Sponsors: Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffeeKayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehuntingJab 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 beginningsCroc Close Calls: The 4-meter saltie that missed his mate’s neck by inchesNorthern Territory Buffalo Hunts: Long-range treks, frontal shot breakdowns, and hot-season gear lessonsThe 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]