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The North American Super Slam with Fred Eichler
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with a true icon in the world of archery, Fred Eichler. Known for being the first person to complete the North American Super Slam with a recurve, Fred is absolutely full of life and an amazing storyteller, but he’s also a hunter, outfitter, and steward of the bowhunting tradition. In this episode, Fred recaps some of his favorite hunts of various species from the Super Slam. Fred opens up about the real-life highs and lows of being a bowhunter, including the grit it takes to hunt with traditional equipment and the mindset required to stay sharp. This episode is packed with stories, strategies, laughs, and life lessons from one of the most respected voices in the game. Podcast Topics: The Super Slam: What it is, how Fred accomplished it, and what it taught himRecurve Realities: The extra challenge and satisfaction of hunting with traditional gearFred’s Favorite Game Meat: Listen to til the end to find out what it is.Mindset Over Muscle: How mental preparation often trumps physical prowess in bowhuntingHunting stories Fred shares stories of Muskox, Bison, Antelope, Dall Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Moose, Elk & Deer. The real trophy is: Fred shares his absolute love for each hunt and being in the outdoors. Whether you're a die-hard trad bowhunter or just picking up a bow for the first time, this chat with Fred is a refreshing reminder of what bowhunting is all about: connection, challenge, and conservation. Find Fred Eichler: Instagram: @fredeichler Website: www.fredeichler.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fredeichler 📲 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter: Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Host: @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.
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1:09:06
The Anatomy of a Perfect Shot with Ranch Fairy (Troy Fowler)
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
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2:01:06
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2:01:06
Using Deer Data To Improve Your Bowhunting with Kip Adams
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
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1:22:55
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1:22:55
How Loud Are Your Arrows with Jamie Macintosh & Hayden Rylewski
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
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1:42:12
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1:42:12
Improve Your Accuracy With a Traditional Bow with Tom Clum
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
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2:24:25