Australian Hunting and Beyond Podcast

140. The Rut 2026 with the Faceless Hunter

A campfire recap of this year’s rut, with close encounters, hard lessons, a good buck on the ground, and the moments that keep us coming back. In this episode, Matt [https://www.instagram.com/ozhuntingandbeyond/] and Dan sit down around the fire with a beer in hand to reflect on this year’s rut and everything that came with it. From early mornings and roaring bucks to missed opportunities and memorable encounters, it’s an honest look back at another season in the bush. Matt managed to take a good buck this year, while Dan couldn’t quite back up the success of last season when he landed two impressive bucks. But as every hunter knows, the rut has a way of humbling even the most experienced hunters, and this year was no different. Dan recounts an incredible stand-off with multiple does barking at him from under 20 metres, testing his patience and nerve as he tried to remain unnoticed. He also shares stories of calling in several bucks, only to watch them hang up just out of range, refusing to cross the fence and offer a shot. It’s those moments of anticipation, frustration, and excitement that make the rut so addictive. While not every opportunity ended with a deer on the ground, the boys reflect on the great experiences, the lessons learned, and why time spent in the bush is about far more than filling a tag. With plenty of laughs and stories shared around the campfire, this episode captures everything that makes the rut such a special time of year. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here [https://linktr.ee/australianhuntingandbeyond]. 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 [https://huntingandbeyond.wixsite.com/mysite/disclaimer].

139. Miksu's recent NZ Tahr success!

A New Zealand Tahr hunt in the snow, lightweight mountain rifles, Finnish hunting culture, and the future of hunting in Australia with Miksu from Nokka Tactical [https://www.nokkatac.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqX0xf4IRs2-yh6X2PlSjpxqzwbSwg54fDMeaCtZlJepIwZC2w1]. In this episode, Matt [https://linktr.ee/australianhuntingandbeyond] is joined by Miksu to relive his recent Tahr hunting adventure in the mountains of New Zealand. From snow-covered peaks and brutal climbs to the satisfaction of hunting one of the most iconic mountain game animals, Miksu shares the highs and hardships of a hunt that tested both gear and determination. The conversation covers the realities of mountain hunting, the challenges of steep terrain, and the lessons learned from spending long days in unforgiving country. Gear is a major focus of the discussion, with Miksu breaking down what performed exceptionally well and what he would change for the next trip. The boys dive into lightweight rifle setups and discuss why they're both big fans of Tikka and Sako firearms when reliability, accuracy, and weight matter most. From packs and optics to rifle configurations, there's plenty of practical insight for hunters planning their own mountain adventures. Originally from Finland and now living in Australia, Miksu also shares his perspective on the differences between hunting cultures in the two countries. The conversation explores traditions, access, attitudes toward hunting, and what makes each hunting culture unique. We also discuss his company, Nokka Tactical, which specialises in premium accessories and upgrades for Tikka rifles, along with his thoughts on where hunting in Australia may be heading in the years to come. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here [https://linktr.ee/australianhuntingandbeyond]. 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 [https://huntingandbeyond.wixsite.com/mysite/disclaimer].

138. A Vic High Country Sambar

A campfire recap from the Victorian High Country after an unforgettable Sambar hunt, with plenty of highs, lows, laughs, and one very hard-earned first deer. In this episode, the microphones come out around the campfire as Matt, Nick and Brad reflect on an incredible few days chasing Sambar in the Victorian High Country. After years of dreaming about it, Matt finally gets his first Sambar deer, marking a milestone hunt in some of Australia's toughest hunting country. The conversation dives into the reality of hunting the High Country. Steep terrain, thick cover, long climbs, and physical demands that make every success feel more than earned. Matt shares the challenges of the hunt, including finding himself flat on his back at times and battling through a gruelling carry-out that tested both body and mind. It's a raw and honest look at what makes Sambar hunting such a rewarding and challenging pursuit. As always, the campfire setting brings out plenty of laughs, stories, and reflections on the moments that made the trip memorable. From the excitement of success to the struggles that come with hunting in rugged country, this episode captures the experience exactly as it happened. 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.

137. Pinnacle Hunting Australia

From the fallow and red deer rut to big barra, hunting gear, mapping apps, and the truth about influencer gear reviews with Jake from Pinnacle Hunting Australia [https://www.instagram.com/pinnacle_hunting_australia/]. In this episode, Matt [https://www.instagram.com/uncommonhunter/] is joined by Jake from Pinnacle Hunting Australia for a wide-ranging conversation covering just about everything happening in the hunting world right now. We recap the fallow and red deer rut that has just wrapped up, including Jake taking his first red stag and the lessons and excitement that came with it. Looking ahead, the boys also discuss the upcoming Rusa rut and what hunters should be preparing for. The conversation then shifts into hunting gear, with honest discussion around boots, backpacks, rifles, optics, and what actually performs in the field. Brands like Tikka, Weatherby, Howa, Savage, and Sako all get mentioned, along with scopes and binoculars from Zerotech and Vortex. Matt and Jake also tackle the growing influencer culture around hunting gear, discussing paid promotions, marketing, and how hunters can work out who and what to trust when spending hard-earned money on equipment. We also talk about Avenza Maps and the frustration surrounding charging changes, before finishing with some fishing yarns — including Jake’s impressive barra over the one metre mark. It’s an episode packed with hunting stories, practical gear talk, 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 [https://linktr.ee/australianhuntingandbeyond]. 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 [https://huntingandbeyond.wixsite.com/mysite/disclaimer].

136. Battling Bucks with Matt from Northwest Outfitters

In this episode, Matt [https://www.instagram.com/uncommonhunter/] is joined by Matt [https://www.instagram.com/scrub.hunter/] from Northwest Outfitters [https://www.instagram.com/northwest_outfitters/] to break down the tactics and strategy behind consistently finding success on fallow deer during the rut. The conversation dives into reading deer behaviour, positioning, calling, timing, and adapting to changing conditions when bucks are fired up and moving hard. We also discuss what it’s like guiding hunters, the pressure and reward that comes with helping others succeed in the field, and some of the memorable encounters that come with spending so much time chasing deer. Matt shares stories and lessons from his recent New Zealand hunting trip, comparing terrain, hunting styles, and the overall experience across the Tasman. One of the highlights of the episode is discussing an incredible piece of footage where Matt successfully takes a buck with his bow on camera, capturing the intensity and emotion of the moment from start to finish. It’s an episode packed with practical deer hunting knowledge, real hunting stories, and a genuine passion for life in the bush. For the latest information, news, giveaways and anything mentioned on the show, you can find all the links here [https://linktr.ee/australianhuntingandbeyond]. 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 [https://huntingandbeyond.wixsite.com/mysite/disclaimer].