Becoming a Bowhunter podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 167

2025 Rut Stories From The Community
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 ValleyHard-earned wins from hunters battling tough weather and tougher stagsCreative meat-saving tricks for rut-tainted venisonThe highs, lows, and chaos of calling in reds and fellow in the thick stuffGear 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 CoffeeKayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga BroadheadsVenture 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
--------
1:47:00
Bucks and a Stag Down This Rut with Bailey Simmons
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 yearMeat, 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 CoffeeKayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga BroadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos
--------
2:05:41
Training for Accuracy with George Ryals
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.
--------
1:48:37
Red Deer Rut Bowhunting Gameplan with Harry Watson
In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, we welcome back Harry Watson (@ihuntnfish) to unpack his detailed strategies for hunting red deer during the rut. Known for his incredible ability to get close to animals, Harry shares decades of knowledge and practical insights to help you make the most of this exciting hunting season. We dive deep into: Red Deer Behaviour & Rut Timing: Understanding the full cycle of red deer from antler growth, velvet shedding, to rutting behavior.Early Season Tactics: Harry’s approach to hunting in mid-to-late March, including finding and stalking stags before they become vocal.Close Encounters: Closing the gap not only increases your chances of a successful hunt but also enhances your overall bowhunting experience.Advanced Calling Techniques: The importance of starting with hind calls, when to switch to roars, and specific calling scenarios to attract wary stags.Setting Up for Success: Proven tactics for positioning yourself to maximize shot opportunities, including Harry’s unique approach to using landscape and vegetation.Gear Essentials & Field Processing: Efficient methods for handling your deer after the harvest, including Harry’s preference for boning out in the field.Hunting Stories & Lessons Learned: Insightful anecdotes, successes, and lessons from Harry's personal hunts, including close calls and memorable stalks. Whether you're preparing for your first red deer rut or seeking advanced techniques to refine your hunting style, this episode is loaded with practical tips and detailed strategies to help you become more successful this season. Find Harry Watson: Instagram: @ihuntnfish Website: https://www.jackall.com.au/ 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 CoffeeKayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga BroadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos
--------
2:08:57
Gold, Grit, and Bowhunting with Kristian Gerathy
In this episode of Become a Bowhunter, we sit down with Kristian Gerathy—an adventurer, gold prospector, and passionate bowhunter—to discuss his journey from searching for gold in Australian rivers to chasing deer in the bush. Kristian shares his evolution from a casual shooter to a dedicated bowhunter, offering valuable insights into persistence, access challenges, and the mental game needed to succeed. From finding gold nuggets to landing his first hard-earned stag, his stories highlight the relentless determination that defines true hunting. Topics Covered: From Prospecting to Bowhunting: Kristian’s transition from gold-digging rivers to chasing deer in dense bushland.The Struggle for Access: Hard-earned lessons on how to secure hunting spots and build relationships with landowners.Persistence Pays Off: The challenges and triumphs of solo hunting trips, including finding success in remote, unforgiving environments.The Mental Game: How setbacks, failed hunts, and personal grit contribute to hunting success.Gold Prospecting 101: A surprising crossover of hunting and prospecting—tips for finding gold in Australian rivers.Rutting Tales: Kristian’s most challenging and rewarding hunts during the rut season. And loads more Find Kristian Gerathy: Instagram: @followingabrokencompass YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FollowingABrokenCompass 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 CoffeeKayuga Broadheads: @kayuga_broadheads - Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. Kayuga BroadheadsVenture Hunting & Outdoors: @venturehunting - Gear up for your next hunt. Venture Hunting Jab Stick Outdoors: jabstickoutdoors - Precision engineered carbon shafts. Jab Stick Outddos
--------
1:39:51