Australian Hunting and Beyond Podcast

Matt Clark

Join Matt on his hunting journey in Australia. Each episode he will explore everything that the outdoors has to offer in Australia and beyond. He will be covering hunting, shooting, fishing, spearfishing, camping, 4x4, hiking and much more! Join Matt each week as he brings you a range of exciting guests, and hear all about their experiences, some crazy stories, as well as tips and tricks on a variety of topics related to hunting and all the outdoor pursuits! Let's get into it!

  1. 3d ago

    148. BrassTrack - Reloading app

    Matt is joined by Wayne Savage, creator of BrassTrack, an Australian-developed platform designed to help shooters organise and keep track of their shooting and reloading data. Wayne's journey into shooting quickly became a family affair, with his daughters joining him in competitive benchrest shooting. As he became more involved in the technical side of the sport, he found himself recording more and more information — and realised that scribbling notes on pieces of paper wasn't exactly the best long-term system. When he couldn't find something that suited what he wanted from an Australian perspective, he decided to build it himself. In this episode, Wayne explains the story behind Brass Track and how it can help shooters organise their range sessions, load development, targets, equipment and other important information in one place. We also discuss some of the additional features Wayne has incorporated, including equipment and barrel tracking, inventory management, a community section and the ability for shooters to share information and learn from each other. From there, the conversation dives into the rabbit hole that is precision shooting. We talk about rifle harmonics, ammunition selection, barrel tuners, group sizes, reading wind, consistency and just how much seemingly tiny variables can influence what happens downrange. Wayne also shares his experiences competing in benchrest and fly shooting, including travelling to Wagga for competition and the friendly rivalry he now has with his daughters — who are already giving Dad a serious run for his money! That leads into a great discussion about shooting as a family sport and the supportive community surrounding competition shooting. We talk about getting kids outdoors, away from screens and involved in something that requires patience, concentration and continual improvement. Matt and Wayne also get into the psychological side of shooting. Why does that final shot of a great group sometimes seem to go flying? Why can you occasionally shoot better when you're not trying so hard? And how much does overthinking affect what happens behind the rifle? There's also plenty of discussion about equipment, scopes, upgrading gear, hunting rifles versus dedicated precision setups and why you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune when you're first getting started. Finally, we return to Brass Track and the role technology could play in the future of shooting. Wayne explains how the platform can help keep information organised and accessible, while Matt and Wayne discuss both the opportunities and potential limitations of emerging technology and AI within highly technical areas such as reloading. Whether you're into hunting, recreational target shooting, benchrest, precision shooting or you're considering getting into reloading, there's plenty in this conversation about improving your shooting, learning from others and making better use of the information you collect along the way. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Always follow applicable firearms laws, range rules, manufacturer instructions and established safe reloading practices. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

  2. Sep 7

    147. Timm's First Deer Journey

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Tim to talk about something every hunter remembers... their first deer! What makes Timm's story a little different is just how quickly it happened. After spending months waiting for his firearms licence, listening to hunting podcasts, researching State Forests and trying to learn as much as possible before he could get started, Timm managed to take his first fallow buck just two weeks into hunting with a rifle. Timm takes us through the hunt, from initially throwing his game plan out the window on his first trip, to returning the following weekend determined to sit in one location where all his preparation was suddenly put to the test. Rather than rushing the opportunity, Timm explains how his background in spearfishing and target archery helped him stay calm, follow his shot process and eventually take his first deer. But apparently one deer wasn't enough. Only two weeks later, Tim headed back out and managed to put a second fallow deer on the deck. We talk about how much easier everything became the second time around — from taking the shot to breaking the animal down, carrying it out, processing the meat and getting everything vacuum sealed and into the freezer. We also have a laugh about some of the lessons that only come from actually doing it, including Tim discovering the hard way that he was looking at the wrong end of the animal for the tenderloins on his first attempt. That leads into a broader discussion about one of the things we both love about hunting: you never really stop learning. We talk about reflecting after every hunt, learning from mistakes, developing routines and having a consistent process so that when an opportunity finally presents itself, you're ready. Tim's background in spearfishing also takes the conversation in an unexpected direction as we discuss the similarities between hunting on land and underwater. From remaining calm when an opportunity appears to completely immersing yourself in the environment, there are plenty of lessons that transfer between the two. After Matt's recent family trip to Sea World, the boys also get into an interesting discussion about keeping intelligent wild animals in captivity. Dolphins, seals, polar bears and orcas all come up as Matt and Tim debate the educational and conservation arguments for zoos and marine parks against the experience of seeing wildlife behaving naturally in the wild. Tim shares some incredible encounters from spearfishing, including seeing dolphins, octopus and cuttlefish in their natural environment and an unexpected encounter with what he believes was a pygmy sperm whale. This leads into a conversation about something that hunting, fishing, spearfishing and simply spending time outdoors can give us that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in modern life — the opportunity to switch everything else off and simply focus on what's happening around you. From taking your first deer and learning through experience, to spearfishing, wild places, firearm ownership and why getting outdoors can be such an important escape from everyday life, this is a great conversation with a hunter right at the beginning of his journey. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Always ensure you understand and comply with the relevant hunting, firearms and public-land regulations in your jurisdiction. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    147. Timm's First Deer Journey
  3. Aug 30

    146. Hold on to your guns! Jason Selmes from the Australian Hunting Podcast

    Matt is joined by Jason from Australian Hunting Podcast for an in-depth and at times fiery discussion about the current state of firearms laws in New South Wales, what the changes could mean for licensed firearm owners, and where the shooting community goes from here. Jason has been talking about firearms legislation and politics on his podcast for more than a decade, and many of the concerns he raised years ago are now becoming reality. Together, Matt and Jason discuss why they believe licensed shooters are facing some of the most significant changes seen in years and why firearm owners need to understand exactly what is happening rather than simply assuming it won't affect them. One of the biggest issues discussed is the removal of access to NCAT appeals for certain firearms licensing decisions. Jason explains why he believes the loss of an accessible avenue to challenge a decision could have consequences extending well beyond firearms, particularly when the alternative of pursuing a matter through the Supreme Court may be financially unrealistic for an ordinary person. The conversation also turns to firearm limits, lengthy licensing and PTA processing times, the effect on firearm dealers and businesses, and the proposed compensation figures for affected firearms. Matt and Jason question whether the scheduled payments realistically reflect the value of many firearms and discuss the potential financial impact on shooters who have invested thousands of dollars into rifles and shotguns that may be affected. With the NSW election approaching, politics inevitably becomes a major part of the discussion. Matt and Jason examine the response from Labor, the Liberals, Nationals, Shooters Fishers and Farmers, the Libertarian Party and One Nation, and discuss why promises to oppose legislation are very different from an explicit commitment to repeal it. The conversation goes well beyond simply telling people who they should vote for. Instead, it raises a bigger question for Australia's shooting community: after decades of relying on the same political strategies, does something need to change? Matt and Jason also discuss the importance of firearm owners becoming more engaged, contacting representatives, supporting organisations that genuinely represent their interests and having conversations with people outside the shooting community. Importantly, both reinforce throughout the conversation that firearm owners must continue to comply with the law. Their argument is that change needs to occur through democratic and lawful processes, particularly through political engagement and the ballot box. The episode also examines the response of Australia's major shooting organisations and asks whether the shooting community could have been better organised years ago. With organisations increasingly working together now, Matt and Jason discuss whether the industry needs a stronger united voice and whether personal interests, politics and organisational differences have prevented that from happening in the past. This isn't a traditional hunting story. It's a long-form conversation about firearms ownership, politics, due process, the future of shooting in Australia and what could happen next. Whether you agree with everything said or strongly disagree, this is a conversation worth having. Have a listen, make up your own mind, research the changes for yourself and, most importantly, understand what the decisions being made today could mean for the future of hunting and shooting in Australia. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Australian Hunting and Beyond. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered legal advice. Firearms owners are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws and regulations. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    146. Hold on to your guns! Jason Selmes from the Australian Hunting Podcast
  4. Jul 19

    145. Food science for producing the best quality game meat.

    In this episode, Matt welcomes back Dave from Fish Eat Repeat for an in-depth conversation that every hunter who values wild game should hear. Drawing on his background as a food scientist and years of practical hunting experience, Dave explains the science behind producing high-quality wild game, tackling common myths around ageing meat, reducing gamey flavour, and why proper meat handling starts the moment the animal hits the ground. The discussion dives deep into wet ageing versus dry ageing, hanging meat on the bone, cooling techniques, vacuum sealing, freezer burn, food safety, bacterial growth and best practice for processing animals in the field. Matt and Dave compare different approaches, explain the reasoning behind their own methods, and discuss how small improvements can make a significant difference to the quality of venison, regardless of whether you're hunting fallow, sambar, rusa or other game species. Beyond meat care, the conversation also explores the realities of creating hunting content. From balancing full-time careers and family life with YouTube and podcasting, to sponsorships, authenticity, improving audio and video quality, and the misconception that content creators spend every day hunting, Matt and Dave provide an honest look behind the scenes of producing outdoor content while staying true to the hunting community. Packed with practical knowledge, genuine conversation and plenty of laughs, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone wanting to improve the quality of their wild game, better understand the science behind meat processing, or simply enjoy an authentic discussion between two passionate hunters who love learning and sharing their experiences. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. For the full disclaimer, click on this link. Hunt Eat Repeat Youtube Australian Hunting and Beyond Youtube

    145. Food science for producing the best quality game meat.
  5. Jul 12

    144. Tanning Hides with Hunters Pride

    In this episode, Matt is joined by Jack from Hunter's Pride for a fascinating conversation that goes far beyond tanning hides. The boys begin by talking about balancing hunting with family life, raising young children who already love venison, and why providing wild food for the family has become such an important part of the hunting lifestyle. They discuss cooking game, making the most of every harvest, and why living closer to the land is something more hunters are striving towards. The conversation then turns to tanning, where Jack explains how Hunter's Pride began and why he became passionate about utilising more of every harvested animal. He walks through the tanning process, from skinning and fleshing through to pickling, tanning, breaking the hide and producing a soft, high-quality finished product. Along the way, he shares practical tips on caring for hides in the field, avoiding common mistakes, and why preparation before a hide reaches the tannery is critical to achieving a quality result. Matt and Jack also dive into several thought-provoking topics surrounding modern hunting. They discuss the ongoing debate around thermal technology, fair chase, social media criticism, hunting ethics, and the importance of respecting different hunting styles while remaining honest about how game is harvested. The boys also reflect on why hunters should focus more on supporting one another, continually learning, and sharing knowledge rather than tearing each other down online. The episode finishes with an inspiring discussion about personal growth, constantly learning from every hunt, and why no hunter ever truly stops improving. Whether it's refining hunting skills, learning new bushcraft techniques, or discovering better ways to utilise harvested animals, this conversation is packed with practical knowledge, honest opinions, and plenty of laughs along the way. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    144. Tanning Hides with Hunters Pride
  6. Jul 5

    143. Zerotech Optics with Jack Muir

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Jack Muir from ZeroTech Optics to dive into the world of rifle scopes, binoculars, long-range shooting and what really makes quality hunting optics. From explaining the differences between HD and ED binoculars to discussing why objective lens size matters in low light, Jack shares practical advice to help hunters choose the right equipment for their style of hunting. If you've ever wondered whether premium glass is worth it or what magnification you actually need, this episode is packed with valuable insights. The conversation also explores the story behind ZeroTech, one of Australia's fastest-growing optics companies. Jack explains how the Australian-owned company was created, why customer service and lifetime warranty are at the core of the business, and how feedback from everyday hunters continues to shape new product development. Matt also shares his own experience with ZeroTech's warranty process and why reliable after-sales support is just as important as optical performance. For those interested in precision shooting, Jack takes listeners inside the world of F-Class competition, explaining long-range ballistics, ammunition consistency, projectile selection, chronographs and the science behind accurate shooting beyond 1,000 metres. They discuss popular calibres including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, 7mm PRC and .300 PRC, along with why choosing the right projectile is often more important than simply choosing the biggest cartridge. The episode finishes with plenty of hunting talk, covering Sambar deer in Victoria's High Country, why Jack still prefers getting within 100 metres despite his long-range experience, ethical shot selection, red dot sights versus traditional rifle scopes, and why spending time in the bush continues to teach lessons no matter how experienced you become. Whether you're a new hunter or an experienced shooter looking to improve your equipment and understanding, there's something in this conversation for everyone. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    143. Zerotech Optics with Jack Muir
  7. Jun 28

    142. Voice of the hunter

    In this episode, Matt is joined by Michael, the creator behind Voice of the Hunter, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about hunting, advocacy, and why it's more important than ever for hunters to stand together. Michael shares how he found his way back into hunting after years away, the influence of his grandfather, and how that passion eventually led him to create hunting content that educates, inspires, and gives ethical hunters a stronger voice. The discussion explores the challenges facing hunters today, from firearm legislation and conservation debates to the importance of presenting hunting in a positive light. Matt and Michael talk about why accurate information matters, the role of advocacy, and how the hunting community can work together rather than against itself. They also discuss the value of creating hunting content, the realities of filming in the field, and the responsibility that comes with sharing hunting online. The conversation then turns to hunting itself, covering thermal equipment, public land hunting, Sambar and fallow deer behaviour, reading the bush, and the lessons that only come from spending countless hours in the field. Michael shares practical insights into understanding deer movement, learning from mistakes, and continually improving as a hunter. It's an episode full of hunting stories, practical knowledge, and a passionate discussion about protecting Australia's hunting heritage for future generations. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you'd like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    142. Voice of the hunter
  8. Jun 21

    141. Hunting pigs, trapping wild dogs and shooting competitively with Brodie Hewitt

    Pig hunting, wild dog control, trap and skeet shooting, shotguns, chokes, and target-leading techniques with Brodie Hewitt. In this episode, Matt is joined by Brodie Hewitt for a wide-ranging discussion covering hunting, shooting sports, and predator management. The conversation explores the different methods used for pig hunting, the advantages and limitations of various approaches, and the equipment that hunters commonly rely on in the field. Matt and Brodie also discuss the impact wild dogs can have on farms and livestock, the challenges landholders face managing them, and the role that trapping and hunting can play as part of broader pest management programs. The discussion focuses on responsible and lawful approaches to managing pest species and the importance of understanding local regulations and landholder needs. The episode then shifts to the shotgun range, where Brodie shares his experience with trap and skeet shooting. The boys talk about shotgun setup, the purpose of different chokes, how they affect shot patterns, and the skills involved in consistently hitting moving targets. They also discuss reading target flight paths, developing good shooting habits, and the techniques that help improve performance on the range. Packed with practical knowledge, personal experiences, and plenty of hunting and shooting stories, this episode offers something for everyone interested in improving their skills and understanding the broader world of hunting and shooting sports. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here. If you have a question, topic, gear review suggestion or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, get in touch via our socials. Disclaimer: Content shared on this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. For the full disclaimer, click on this link.

    141. Hunting pigs, trapping wild dogs and shooting competitively with Brodie Hewitt

Ratings & Reviews

About

Join Matt on his hunting journey in Australia. Each episode he will explore everything that the outdoors has to offer in Australia and beyond. He will be covering hunting, shooting, fishing, spearfishing, camping, 4x4, hiking and much more! Join Matt each week as he brings you a range of exciting guests, and hear all about their experiences, some crazy stories, as well as tips and tricks on a variety of topics related to hunting and all the outdoor pursuits! Let's get into it!

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