Becoming a Bowhunter

This week Matty sits down with Frank Megali and Rob Campbell, the creators of The Hunting App

For years, NSW public land hunters had access to a free mapping option that allowed them to load their maps, see exactly where they were and head into the bush. When that disappeared behind a subscription, Frank and Rob saw an opportunity to give hunters that functionality back.

The result is The Hunting App. An app designed by hunters, for hunters… with a free version that actually stays free.

You can load your maps, download areas for offline use, mark waypoints, build geofences, keep track of hunting locations and start building your own database of what you're seeing in the bush. Then there are paid tiers coming for hunters who want to take things further with e-scouting, weather, property boundaries, terrain analysis and a heap more.

But what I really liked about this conversation is the thinking behind it. These guys aren't trying to take something hunters already had for free and sell it back to them. They wanted to give the community a useful free tool first… then let the hunters themselves help shape where it goes from there.

What We Cover:

How Rob got into hunting through a mate's backyard target shoot before discovering R-Licence hunting and NSW State Forests
Why Rob reckons new hunters should start scouting, setting trail cameras and learning animal behaviour before they've even got all their hunting gear
How watching deer without the pressure of taking a shot helped Rob understand feeding, bedding and movement patterns
Frank's background hunting rabbits, foxes and deer, and how he now hunts with big-game indicating dogs
How Frank and Rob train their dogs to recognise deer scent, ignore non-target animals and work within a controlled range in front of the hunter
Why Avenza's pricing change became the catalyst for creating The Hunting App and why keeping a genuinely free version mattered to them
How the free version handles georeferenced maps, DPI maps, offline satellite and topo mapping, pins, notes and up to nine square kilometres of offline maps
How private-property hunters can use boundaries, geofences, gates and no-go zones to make communication with farmers clearer and safer
How the upcoming e-scouting tools combine property boundaries, routes, watercourses, terrain, slope, weather, wind forecasts and other map layers before you leave home
How NSW public land hunters can store licences and permissions while still carrying the required DPI-provided maps to remain compliant
How bowhunters can use points and distance markers for blood trailing, marking last blood and navigating back to where an animal was standing when the shot was taken
How pins, photos and hunt history could build a long-term record of wallows, rubs, sightings, weather and animal movement so hunters can start recognising patterns over time

Key Takeaway:

Good mapping isn't just about knowing where you are. If you can combine scouting, wind, terrain, boundaries and years of your own hunting observations in one place, you can arrive at a new block with a plan instead of burning the first day figuring everything out.

🔗 Find Our Guest

Frank Megali & Rob Campbell

@the_hunting_app

The Hunting App

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/the-hunting-app/id6763955844?utm_source=chatgpt.comGoogle 

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?hl=zh_HK&id=MAP+BASED+APPS+PTY+LTD&utm_source=chatgpt.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

@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, Matty sits down with Ned Makim, President of the Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association (APDHA).

What started as an obsession with hunting pigs has grown into one of the most influential hunting advocacy organisations in Australia. Through research, data collection and building relationships with the government, the APDHA has helped change the conversation around hunters from being seen as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.

This isn't just a conversation about pig hunting. It's about how every hunter whether you chase pigs, deer, goats or any game, can help protect the future of hunting in Australia.

If you've ever wondered how hunters can earn credibility, influence government decisions and secure hunting opportunities for future generations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Podcast Topics

Why Ned believes every hunter represents the entire hunting community.
How the Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association was formed and why it exists today.
The biggest threats facing hunting in Australia and why "being left alone" is no longer an option.
Why data not emotion is changing the way governments view hunters.
The story behind the Great Australian Pig Hunt and how it recorded millions of pigs harvested across Australia.
How hunters built the world's largest wildlife DNA collections through the 10,000 Ears Project.
Why building relationships with researchers, media and politicians is just as important as hunting itself.
The biggest mistakes hunters make on social media and how they damage the image of hunting.
How APDHA is working towards expanding public land hunting opportunities across Australia.
What every individual hunter can do to protect hunting for the next generation.

Key Takeaway

Hunters don't protect hunting through arguments they protect it through credibility. Every conversation, every social media post and every interaction with the public shapes how hunting is viewed. When hunters work together, present themselves professionally and back their position with real data, they earn a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Find Our GuestNed Makim

Instagram: @themakimmethod

Australian Pig Doggers & Hunters Association (APDHA)

Website: https://apdha.com.au

Instagram: @pigdoggers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APDHA

Follow Becoming a BowhunterInstagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode SponsorsDog 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, Matty sits down with Dallas Hemeyer of 365 Pursuit.

Dallas has spent years filming hunts around the world through 365 Pursuit, from Tanzania and New Zealand to Mexico and across the US. Along the way he's survived a helicopter crash, a rifle exploding in his face, dangerous infections and more than a few situations where getting home wasn't guaranteed.

We talked about hunting some of the wildest places on earth, what it takes to prepare for the unexpected, and why hunters play such an important role in conservation across Africa.

This episode will have you sitting on the edge of your seat from word go.

Podcast topics:

The story behind Dallas' viral Instagram post showing the injuries and close calls he's experienced while hunting around the world.
A hunter collapsing from severe dehydration in remote Mexico and why simple mistakes can become life-threatening hours from medical help.
Dallas' terrifying helicopter crash in Tanzania, rescuing injured passengers, and spending hours stranded before help could arrive.
How a rifle exploded while shooting a Cape buffalo, leaving metal lodged beside Dallas' optic nerve and permanently changing his bow setup.
Why learning to shoot left-handed after losing vision in his dominant eye actually made him a better archer.
What years of hunting alongside African PHs taught Dallas about reading country, adapting to different species and becoming a more complete hunter.
The reality of conservation in Tanzania, including anti-poaching patrols, hunting concessions and why hunters fund the protection of huge wild areas.
Why banning trophy imports can have unintended consequences for wildlife and the communities responsible for protecting it.
Dallas' current arrow setup, broadheads and the lessons he's learned after years of obsessive testing and building hundreds of arrows.
Why getting closer—not shooting further—is still one of the biggest challenges and rewards in bowhunting.

🧠 Key Takeaway

The wilderness doesn't care how experienced you are. Preparation, good decision making and staying calm when things go wrong will save you long before any piece of gear does. Dallas' stories are a reminder that every hunt carries risk—and the people who come home are usually the ones who planned for it.

🔗 Find Our Guest

Dallas Hemeyer

Instagram: @dallashemeyer

365 Pursuit

Instagram: @365pursuit

YouTube: @365PURSUIT

One of the stories we discuss in this episode is featured in Dallas' film Taking a Bow to a Gun Fight follows Devin Leonard bowhunting elk during a Utah rifle season:

https://youtu.be/e9LvqgN9P0U?si=go-QXQg2NtySYjpK

🎙 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

Every now and then it's worth looking back at the gear you've bought and asking yourself... was it actually worth it? That's what this episode is. No sponsorship fluff. Just my honest thoughts after putting this gear through its paces over the last 12 months. 

Some of it has been worth every cent. Other bits I'm still on the fence about. From cameras and boots through to wet weather gear, rangefinders, camping gear and vacuum sealers, I break down what I paid, why I bought it, and whether I'd spend the money again.

I also run through my brand new bow setup after finally pulling the trigger on the Darton TriTech. We talk through why I chose it, how it tuned, what it cost, and the first couple of hunts where it really surprised me.

One moment that still sticks with me was watching a group of hinds barely react after I missed a shot through a lantana bush. They moved, stopped about 60 metres away and just stood there. It was the first real indication of just how incredibly quiet this new bow actually is.

🔍 What We Cover:

Why I chose the DJI Action 5 Pro over a GoPro and Insta360, and how it's handled hunting, spearfishing and low-light filming.
My thoughts on the Stoney Creek Nitz rain jacket after using it in Queensland conditions, including where it excels and where it falls short.
Testing Reebok Tactical boots in steep, muddy country and how they compared to Volleys and Salomons for long days in the hills.
The camping mattress setup that completely changed how I sleep in my swag, including the North Peak inflatable system and pillow combination.
A new rechargeable head torch with adjustable beam patterns, red light mode and gesture controls that has replaced my old setup.
Upgrading from a budget Aldi rangefinder to the Leupold RX-1400i and why quality glass and angle compensation make such a difference in the field.
Why I invested in a chamber vacuum sealer, how it improves meat storage, and the biggest advantage over traditional vacuum sealers.
The process behind choosing the Darton TriTech after the Truth bow production issues and why feedback from bow technicians convinced me.
Setting up the new bow, tuning broadheads with the limb adjustment system, and how quickly it paper tuned.
Two real hunting encounters where the Darton TriTech's incredibly quiet shot helped deer stay calm after the arrow was released.
An update on preparing the camel euro mount, using acetone to remove oils from the skull, and plans for the new podcast backdrop.

🧠 Key Takeaway

The best gear isn't always the most expensive, it's the gear that genuinely solves a problem once you've used it in the real world. Putting equipment through hunts, bad weather and long days in the bush quickly shows what's worth keeping and what isn't.

🎙 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

Public land hunting in Australia gives hunters access to millions of acres of huntable country, but getting started can be confusing. Alex Proft from Aussie Bush Harvest breaks down the NSW public land hunting system, how the R Licence works, where you can hunt, and why public land remains one of the best ways to build hunting skills and experience.

The conversation also covers bowhunting, Sambar deer, public access, hunting culture, conservation, and the future of hunting opportunities in Australia. Alex shares stories from years of hunting public land and explains why learning a piece of country can be more valuable than constantly chasing new locations. 

What You'll Learn

• How the NSW R Licence system works for rifle hunters, bowhunters, and pig doggers

• Where public land hunting is available in New South Wales

• Why public land hunting helped develop Alex's bowhunting skills

• The differences between public land and private property hunting

• How hunting pressure changes deer behaviour on public land

• Why Sambar deer thrive in remote public land country

• The challenges facing hunting access in Australia

• Why hunters, fishers, campers, and outdoor users need a stronger collective voice

About the Guest

Alex Proft is the creator of Aussie Bush Harvest and has spent years documenting hunting, fishing, bushcraft, and outdoor adventures across Australia. He's well known for his public land hunting content, thoughtful approach to hunting, and his passion for helping new hunters get started. 

Find Our Guest

Alex Proft

Aussie Bush Harvest

Instagram: @aussiebushharvest

YouTube: Aussie Bush Harvest

Follow Becoming A Bowhunter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingabowhunter.podcast/

Hosted by Matty Turner: https://www.instagram.com/mattyafter/

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee – Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off | @dogandguncoffee

Kayuga Broadheads – Use code BAB10 for 10% off | @kayuga_broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors | @venturehunting

Jab Stick Outdoors – Use code BAB10 for $10 off | @jabstickoutdoors