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Real women. Real stories. Real outdoors.
Pull up a camp chair. The Women Who Hunt Podcast is honest, warm conversations with Australian women finding their way into hunting, fishing and the wild — the awkward starts, the quiet wins, and everything in between. Whether you've never held a rod or you've been in the bush your whole life, there's a seat by the fire for you. New to all this? Start here or read along on the journal.
Women Who Hunt - Lily Patterson on hunting, family, and footy
Women Who Hunt - Lily Patterson on hunting, family, and footy Lily Patterson shares how hunting started with rabbit and fox hunts alongside her dad and grandfather, then grew into a lifestyle built around safety, patience, and making the most of every animal harvested. She also talks about the first date that turned into a hunt, the thrill of calling in deer and wild dogs, and how hunting and AFL fit into a full, busy life.In this episode, we hear from Lily about the skills she learned from her dad, how she and her husband hunt together, and why the quiet moments in the bush matter just as much as the shot. She also reflects on being a woman in hunting, why more women are getting involved, and what she wants to pursue next. Key topics Lily shares how hunting began early, going out with her dad and grandfather on a hobby farm near Storm King Dam for rabbits, foxes, and feral cats. She explains that hunting became more serious when she met her husband Jordan, and their first date was a hunt for red deer. In this episode, Lily talks about harvesting and using the whole animal, including meat, dog bones, and taxidermy. She describes the importance of firearm safety, especially around livestock and while hunting with others. Lily shares the story of her first successful deer, a cull red, and how she remembers the nerves and the satisfaction of the shot. We discuss her recent successful rut hunt, where she called in a red deer stag after about an hour and brought him down with an engine room shot at around 70 meters. Lily explains her setup, including a Remington 700 in .243, and why the smaller rifle suits her build. She says wild dogs are her favorite species to hunt because of the speed, unpredictability, and challenge of calling them in. We discuss how hunting techniques change by species, from walk and stalk deer hunts to sit and call dingo hunts. Lily shares how the quiet moments in hunting help her switch off from work and everyday stress, and how patience and resilience carry over into life. She also talks about playing AFL for Tomba Tigers, the physical demands of footy, and how the two hobbies complement each other. Lily reflects on women in hunting, saying the community is growing and more women are getting out, supported by better clothing and more suitable rifle options. She shares that she mostly hunts close to home to help pest control on local properties, and that camping overnight is less common for now. Lily says her next goals include trying for different deer species, possibly goats, and more cod fishing after a successful first trip. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Lily Patterson and her hunting story 00:43 - Growing up hunting rabbits, foxes, and feral cats with family 01:40 - The first date hunt that started it all 02:59 - Safety lessons that still matter in the field 03:27 - Showing up to the wrong house before the first hunt 05:10 - Why hunting strengthens a relationship 05:49 - First cull deer and learning to harvest the whole animal 07:23 - The rut hunt that led to her first proper trophy 08:27 - Calling a stag in from open country 09:35 - Staying calm, breathing, and making the shot count 10:02 - Her .243 Remington 700 and why it fits her well 11:06 - Full taxidermy and getting the stag back later 12:06 - Can you eat rutting stags? 13:39 - Knowing the stag would be there this season 14:13 - Early starts and long hunts that finish around 9 p.m. 15:02 - Why wild dogs are her favorite hunt 16:04 - Using her husband’s howl to call dogs in 18:18 - Different hunting approaches for deer and dingoes 20:16 - The fast dingo hunt where four dogs came in 21:19 - Council payments for skulls and skins 22:29 - What species Lily still wants to hunt next 23:50 - A first-time cod fishing trip and learning a new technique 26:19 - Why quiet time in the bush matters 27:21 - Walk and stalk, plus using glass effectively 28:04 - Staying aware of footing and wind while stalking 28:50 - How hunting discipline carries into footy 29:45 - Eleven years with Tomba Tigers and falling in love with AFL 30:54 - Reaching 100 games and aiming for 150 32:13 - Switching mental focus between sport, hunting, and work 32:54 - Footy as the tougher physical test 33:27 - How footy helps keep her hunt fit 34:03 - Being a woman in the hunting community 35:00 - More women getting into hunting and better gear options 36:07 - What hunting has taught Lily about patience and resilience 37:04 - Dad’s pride and the family roots of her hunting life 38:39 - Butchering and processing at her father-in-law’s place 39:38 - Why using and sharing the meat matters 40:01 - Go-to venison meals, including schnitzels and spaghetti bolognese 41:42 - Hunting mostly close to home instead of camping away 42:40 - What she wishes she had known before getting back into hunting 44:15 - Her advice to women who want to start hunting 45:08 - Common misconceptions about how hard hunting is 45:57 - The kind of person she hopes others see in her 46:27 - Why her husband is proud of her persistence 47:19 - What’s next: New Zealand hunting plans, more deer, and cod fishing Key frameworks Patience and resilience - Lily repeatedly comes back to these traits as the biggest lessons from hunting and life. Use the whole animal - From meat to bones, Lily and her family make sure nothing goes to waste. Switch on, switch off - She talks about mentally shifting between football, hunting, and work depending on the day. Notable quotes "If you're interested in it, just do it." "It just gives you a rush." "You stop when you've won, right?" Action items If you’re new to hunting, start with confidence-building practice and safe shooting fundamentals. Focus on learning animal behavior, tracks, terrain, and sign before expecting consistent success. Make time for the quiet parts of hunting, not just the shot. If you’re a woman interested in hunting, Lily’s advice is simple: don’t wait, get started.
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Women Who Hunt - Lily Patterson on hunting, family, and footy Lily Patterson shares how hunting started with rabbit and fox hunts alongside her dad and grandfather, then grew into a lifestyle built around safety, patience, and making the most of every animal harvested. She also talks about the first date that turned into a hunt, the thrill of calling in deer and wild dogs, and how hunting and AFL fit into a full, busy life.In this episode, we hear from Lily about the skills she learned from her dad, how she and her husband hunt together, and why the quiet moments in the bush matter just as much as the shot. She also reflects on being a woman in hunting, why more women are getting involved, and what she wants to pursue next. Key topics Lily shares how hunting began early, going out with her dad and grandfather on a hobby farm near Storm King Dam for rabbits, foxes, and feral cats. She explains that hunting became more serious when she met her husband Jordan, and their first date was a hunt for red deer. In this episode, Lily talks about harvesting and using the whole animal, including meat, dog bones, and taxidermy. She describes the importance of firearm safety, especially around livestock and while hunting with others. Lily shares the story of her first successful deer, a cull red, and how she remembers the nerves and the satisfaction of the shot. We discuss her recent successful rut hunt, where she called in a red deer stag after about an hour and brought him down with an engine room shot at around 70 meters. Lily explains her setup, including a Remington 700 in .243, and why the smaller rifle suits her build. She says wild dogs are her favorite species to hunt because of the speed, unpredictability, and challenge of calling them in. We discuss how hunting techniques change by species, from walk and stalk deer hunts to sit and call dingo hunts. Lily shares how the quiet moments in hunting help her switch off from work and everyday stress, and how patience and resilience carry over into life. She also talks about playing AFL for Tomba Tigers, the physical demands of footy, and how the two hobbies complement each other. Lily reflects on women in hunting, saying the community is growing and more women are getting out, supported by better clothing and more suitable rifle options. She shares that she mostly hunts close to home to help pest control on local properties, and that camping overnight is less common for now. Lily says her next goals include trying for different deer species, possibly goats, and more cod fishing after a successful first trip. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Lily Patterson and her hunting story 00:43 - Growing up hunting rabbits, foxes, and feral cats with family 01:40 - The first date hunt that started it all 02:59 - Safety lessons that still matter in the field 03:27 - Showing up to the wrong house before the first hunt 05:10 - Why hunting strengthens a relationship 05:49 - First cull deer and learning to harvest the whole animal 07:23 - The rut hunt that led to her first proper trophy 08:27 - Calling a stag in from open country 09:35 - Staying calm, breathing, and making the shot count 10:02 - Her .243 Remington 700 and why it fits her well 11:06 - Full taxidermy and getting the stag back later 12:06 - Can you eat rutting stags? 13:39 - Knowing the stag would be there this season 14:13 - Early starts and long hunts that finish around 9 p.m. 15:02 - Why wild dogs are her favorite hunt 16:04 - Using her husband’s howl to call dogs in 18:18 - Different hunting approaches for deer and dingoes 20:16 - The fast dingo hunt where four dogs came in 21:19 - Council payments for skulls and skins 22:29 - What species Lily still wants to hunt next 23:50 - A first-time cod fishing trip and learning a new technique 26:19 - Why quiet time in the bush matters 27:21 - Walk and stalk, plus using glass effectively 28:04 - Staying aware of footing and wind while stalking 28:50 - How hunting discipline carries into footy 29:45 - Eleven years with Tomba Tigers and falling in love with AFL 30:54 - Reaching 100 games and aiming for 150 32:13 - Switching mental focus between sport, hunting, and work 32:54 - Footy as the tougher physical test 33:27 - How footy helps keep her hunt fit 34:03 - Being a woman in the hunting community 35:00 - More women getting into hunting and better gear options 36:07 - What hunting has taught Lily about patience and resilience 37:04 - Dad’s pride and the family roots of her hunting life 38:39 - Butchering and processing at her father-in-law’s place 39:38 - Why using and sharing the meat matters 40:01 - Go-to venison meals, including schnitzels and spaghetti bolognese 41:42 - Hunting mostly close to home instead of camping away 42:40 - What she wishes she had known before getting back into hunting 44:15 - Her advice to women who want to start hunting 45:08 - Common misconceptions about how hard hunting is 45:57 - The kind of person she hopes others see in her 46:27 - Why her husband is proud of her persistence 47:19 - What’s next: New Zealand hunting plans, more deer, and cod fishing Key frameworks Patience and resilience - Lily repeatedly comes back to these traits as the biggest lessons from hunting and life. Use the whole animal - From meat to bones, Lily and her family make sure nothing goes to waste. Switch on, switch off - She talks about mentally shifting between football, hunting, and work depending on the day. Notable quotes "If you're interested in it, just do it." "It just gives you a rush." "You stop when you've won, right?" Action items If you’re new to hunting, start with confidence-building practice and safe shooting fundamentals. Focus on learning animal behavior, tracks, terrain, and sign before expecting consistent success. Make time for the quiet parts of hunting, not just the shot. If you’re a woman interested in hunting, Lily’s advice is simple: don’t wait, get started.
Claire shares how a military family background, a lifelong love of the outdoors, and years in fitness led her into hunting, firearms training, and helping more women feel confident in the bush. This episode covers her hunting journey, the realities of game recovery, and why she believes preparedness, community, and self-reliance matter so much for new hunters.We also discuss her work across firearms safety, fitness coaching, and her upcoming Hunt Ready program, which blends practical movement, bush skills, and confidence-building for hunters. Key topics Claire’s upbringing in a military family with nine kids, and how that shaped her connection to discipline, service, and the outdoors. How moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast and then marrying into a hunting family deepened her involvement in hunting. Her first memorable goat hunt, including the lesson that shooting is only part of the job - recovery can be the harder part. Why fitness matters in hunting, especially for steep terrain, backpacking meat out, and staying calm under pressure. Her upcoming Hunt Ready eight-week program, which combines fitness, tactical performance, and hunting-specific preparation. The many qualifications Claire has stacked across personal training, Pilates, Stick Mobility, business admin, bookkeeping, mortgage broking, and more. Why she loves firearms safety training: the community, the stories, and helping nervous people build confidence through knowledge. Common misconceptions about hunters, including fears around firearms and the belief that hunters do not respect the animals they take. How she teaches preparedness, bush safety, navigation, and practical self-sufficiency before a first hunt. Why she wants more women in hunting spaces and sees the outdoors as a place where women can be both capable and feminine. Timestamps (00:00) Claire’s introduction and why women need a supportive path into hunting (00:58) Military family upbringing and early outdoor influences (03:07) Moving to Queensland and getting pulled deeper into hunting (04:21) The goat hunt that taught her about fitness and recovery (07:09) Why Hunt Ready blends fitness with hunting preparation (08:11) Claire’s background across fitness, intelligence, and business (10:05) Building Hybrid Tactical Performance around outdoor users and women (11:05) What success looks like in a training session (13:38) How functional fitness connects directly to hunting (14:28) Rucking, weighted vests, and training for real terrain (15:16) What she loves about firearms training and the learning environment (18:15) Misconceptions about hunters, firearms, and meat (20:39) How she builds confidence in nervous firearms students (22:29) A story about confidence, instinct, and getting a deer (25:35) Why fallow and red deer feel different to hunt (27:27) Venison, using the whole animal, and favorite meals (31:27) Women, hunting, and the Avatar-style outdoors dream (32:55) The story behind Free Range Outdoor Adventures (34:49) More women entering firearms training through changing regulations (36:42) Workshops, intro-to-hunting sessions, and self-sufficiency (40:17) What self-sufficient really means in the bush (41:07) Women, primal confidence, and the feminine side of hunting (43:09) Reading sign, spotting poo, and the thrill of fresh tracks (44:43) Navigation, map reading, and not relying only on tech (46:10) Claire’s biggest first-hunt advice: preparedness (47:13) Staying calm, stable, and accurate when an animal appears (49:55) What to practice before your first hunt (51:50) Shooting stance, trusting your own body, and believing yourself (53:21) Why the outdoors clears her mind and keeps her grounded (54:36) Calling deer, making the right sound, and confidence in the field (56:33) What being a woman in hunting means to her (57:27) What she hopes people see when they find her profile (57:54) What is next: workshops, fitness, and bigger community reach (60:09) Shout-outs to her husband, kids, and the wider hunting community Notable quotes “Women deserve a supportive and judgment free space to learn.” “Preparedness is a massive thing.” “You don’t know what you’re capable of unless you push yourself and do hard things.”
Meet Sharelle Galea — mother, farmer, butcher and passionate Australian hunter, known online as @huntressgalea. In this episode of Women Who Hunt, Sharelle shares how growing up on the land shaped her understanding of hunting, pest management, food and responsibility. She speaks openly about working in male-dominated industries, building confidence, raising a family around country life and the patience, preparation and respect required to hunt safely and ethically. We also hear the stories behind some of Sharelle’s most memorable hunts, her growing Instagram community and life at Galea Ranch, where her family shares their farm lifestyle with visitors. IN THIS EPISODE: • Growing up with hunting, ferreting and property pest management • Hunting as part of responsible land management and providing food • Sharelle’s experience as a woman working in hunting and butchering • How @huntressgalea grew into an engaged online community • Preparing for a hunt through scouting, equipment and safety • The emotions, patience and adrenaline involved in hunting • Family traditions and introducing the next generation to the outdoors • Life at Galea Ranch, including Highland cattle and farm camping • Sharelle’s plans to support more women entering the hunting community TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Meet Sharelle Galea 02:37 – Childhood memories of ferreting and pest management 04:48 – Sustainable land management and providing food 05:17 – Butchering, childhood experiences and gender stereotypes 07:59 – From butcher to building an online community 10:02 – Family hunting traditions and the next generation 12:03 – Her son’s early interest in hunting magazines 14:22 – Firearms education and safe handling 16:53 – The emotions and adrenaline of hunting deer 21:45 – Sharelle’s elk hunt and successful shot 24:40 – Hunting and the early days with her husband 30:09 – Farm life, Highland cattle and camping at Galea Ranch 32:41 – The local deer population and her biggest elk 36:50 – Memorable hunts and wildlife encounters 38:35 – Preparing for upcoming hunts 42:55 – Firearms, safety and shooting skills 44:20 – Challenging misconceptions about women who hunt 50:39 – Independence, respecting the land and staying safe 52:43 – Future plans, family and supporting other women 55:00 – Where to connect with Sharelle CONNECT WITH SHARELLE: Huntress Galea: https://www.instagram.com/huntressgalea/ Galea Ranch: https://www.instagram.com/galea_ranch/ RESOURCES & LINKS: Tikka T3x Lite Rifle: https://www.tikka.fi/rifles/tikka-t3x/t3x-lite Ridgeline Hunting and Outdoor Gear: https://ridgelineclothing.com.au/ DISCOVER WOMEN WHO HUNT: Website: https://www.womenwhohunt.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhohunt_au/ #WomenWhoHunt #SharelleGalea #HuntressGalea #AustralianHunting #WomenInHunting #FarmLife #CountryLife
[Women Who Hunt: Bianca Pollard on Responsible Hunting, Tracking, and Empowering Women]In this episode, Bianca Pollard shares her journey from childhood experiences with horses and tracking to becoming a passionate hunter and advocate for responsible hunting and animal health. Discover her insights on tracking, managing feral animals, and empowering women in the hunting community. Main Topics Covered: Bianca's early life and how her background shaped her love of animals and tracking The importance of building trust and bonds through consistent training Techniques for tracking and reading signs of feral animals in various environments Solo hunting strategies and the mental and physical preparation involved The role of dogs in hunting and how Bianca trains her pack Responsible hunting: humane methods, animal management, and environmental stewardship Building community support, sharing knowledge, and empowering women hunters The significance of fostering relationships with vets and support networks Tools and equipment Bianca uses for self-sufficiency in hunting Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Bianca Pollard and her outdoor background 02:33 - From childhood riding horses to tracking skills 05:57 - Tracking fundamentals and signs of animal activity 09:20 - Normal bushwalking vs. always scanning and observing 10:37 - Training dogs for reconnaissance and tracking in the bush 13:02 - Observing sign of pig and feral animal behavior 17:18 - The significance of plant flowering patterns for hunting 18:37 - Deciding to hunt solo and the mindset behind it 22:56 - Supporting and empowering women hunters through community 25:32 - Her passion for sharing knowledge via social media and education 32:32 - Building trust with vets and responsible animal management 37:10 - Bianca’s hunting practices and target species 40:42 - Tools and gear for safe and efficient hunting 45:39 - Managing dogs during hunts and safety considerations 50:52 - Environmental impacts of feral animals and conservation efforts 55:49 - Building a family of dogs and choosing the right pups 62:47 - The importance of independence and supporting women in hunting 66:32 - Final thoughts and encouragement for community support Resources & Links: Optic Hunting – Support for hunting gear and advice Lydia's Working Dogs – Supporting training and working dog programs Make It Method – Dog training techniques Australian-made Dog Food - Enduro – Supporting local businesses Connect with Bianca Pollard: Instagram Facebook Additional Notes: Bianca emphasizes the importance of responsible hunting, ethical practices, and community support, especially for women entering the field. Her insights into tracking, dog training, and wildlife conservation serve as an inspiring guide for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
🎙 WOMEN WHO HUNT — EPISODE 29 Just Send It | Liv from This Is Livin' ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ In this episode, Carly sits down with Liv from This Is Livin' — hunter, four-wheel driver, content creator, and a woman who chose to keep going when everything in her wanted to stop. Liv opens up about losing her little sister Paris, hitting rock bottom, and how getting back into hunting and the outdoors became the thing that pulled her through. She shares the story of how she started her platform to encourage others to get out there and live fully — and how one video changed everything. We talk about Tikka (the nine-year-old wolf hound bull Arab who is very clearly running the show), hunting pigs in Cape York rainforest, driving Gunshot Creek at the start of the season, girls-only hunting trips, the wild boar she slow-cooked for sixty wedding guests the night before her own wedding, and what "just send it" actually means when life gets hard. Liv also shares some exciting news about the next chapter of her life — and it's a big one. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER: • How Liv's platform This Is Livin' was born out of grief — and why she chose to share that story publicly • The moment the platform took off and the message that made her and Tommy cry • How she got into hunting — and how Tikka chose her (not the other way around) • Pig hunting in Cape York rainforest and what it's like to walk into a canopy so thick it blocks out the sun • Driving Gunshot Creek at the start of the season — as the second lot of cars through the Teletrack • What it's like to be a woman in a male-dominated four-wheel drive and hunting community • The girls-only hunting trips and why they're one of her favourite things • Tommy's alter ego in the field (the man who genuinely thinks he is a pig dog) • The crankiest pig Liv has ever encountered — and Tikka coming down the hill to save the day • Slow-cooking a wild boar for sixty wedding guests the night before her own wedding • Her favourite venison recipe (and the gnocchi hot tip you need to try) • What the outdoors has taught her about how capable she actually is • The big news she hadn't yet shared on social media ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Introduction to Liv and This Is Livin' 00:30 — Liv's background and passion for adventure 01:12 — The personal story that inspired her platform 01:44 — The turning point after losing her sister Paris 02:18 — How social media gave her a chance to tell her story 03:15 — Connecting with a community through shared experiences 04:04 — Overcoming vulnerability in sharing her story 04:56 — The response from her audience and its impact 06:38 — Liv's journey into hunting and her bond with Tikka 07:36 — Adventures hunting across Australia, including Cape York 11:05 — Navigating challenging terrain — Gunshot Creek 12:02 — The emotional highs of outdoor adventure 14:19 — Hunting in rainforest environments at Cooktown 16:38 — Tommy's background and debunking misconceptions 18:23 — Changing her mum's perception of hunting 19:12 — Education, compassion, and understanding animals 22:07 — Common misconceptions about hunting dogs 23:54 — How Tikka chose her and their unbreakable bond 26:11 — Building a community of women in the outdoors 27:02 — Girls-only hunting trips and why they matter 29:16 — The positive influence of visible women in hunting 31:23 — The evolving culture of women in the outdoor industry 35:30 — Pest control and the ecological impact of hunting 36:26 — Favourite venison recipe and wild game cooking tips 38:15 — The wild boar story from the night before her wedding 43:01 — Balancing filming and actually living the experience 44:08 — Funniest filming moment featuring Tommy 48:24 — The incredible pig rescue story — Tikka saves the day 50:23 — The moments that make Liv feel most alive 52:11 — What the outdoors has taught her about her own capability 54:25 — The pivotal first big outdoor adventure 56:12 — Tommy, her support system, and coming home 57:45 — Her core message: just send it 58:55 — What being a strong woman means to her 60:08 — What she hopes people see in her 61:23 — The origins of full send and its significance 62:50 — Exciting news about the next chapter 63:45 — Advice for women who want to get out there 64:36 — Closing thoughts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ CONNECT WITH LIV: 📸 Instagram: @thisislivn_ https://www.instagram.com/thisislivn_/ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ LIV'S SPONSORS: 🔦 Lightforce — Award-winning Australian-made performance lighting 📸 Instagram: @_lightforce 🌐 au.lightforce.com ⚙️ Method Race Wheels — Lighter. Stronger. Faster. 📸 Instagram: @methodracewheels_anz 🌐 methodracewheels.com.au 🔭 Huntsman Optics — Australia & New Zealand's exclusive distributor of HIKMICRO thermal and hunting optics 📸 Instagram: @huntsmanoptics 🌐 huntsmanoptics.com ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ CONNECT WITH WOMEN WHO HUNT: 📸 Instagram: @womenwhohunt.au https://www.instagram.com/womenwhohunt.au/ 🌐 womenwhohunt.com.au 🎙 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ In loving memory of Paris Kamper March 2003 – June 2018 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
From Hobby to Hustle: Melissa's Journey into Hunting, Skincare, and Lifestyle Freedom Discover Melissa’s inspiring story of transforming her traditional family hunting background into a thriving skincare business rooted in sustainability and wild deer products. This episode explores her newfound confidence in the bush, the ethical side of hunting, and the empowering experience of stepping outside societal norms. Main Topics Covered: Melissa's early life as a tomboy and her initial disconnection from hunting How her relationship with hunting evolved through personal and emotional insights The process of turning wild deer fat into natural skincare products The significance of hunting for connection, sustainability, and animal respect The confidence and community she’s built as a woman in the hunting space Future plans for samba hunting and expanding her natural skincare line In this episode: Melissa shares her childhood in Illawarra and her family’s hunting traditions The pivotal moment when she realized the benefits of deer tallow for skincare Her journey from skeptic to advocate for ethical hunting and conservation The technical process of rendering deer fat and marrow into skincare products How hunting has enhanced her confidence, patience, and connection with nature The community aspect of hunting and her vision of women supporting each other in the field Upcoming hunts and ambitions, including samba hunting and product expansion Timestamps: 00:00 - Melissa’s background and early life in Illawarra 02:14 - Growing up outdoorsy and her initial perceptions of hunting 03:52 - Her family’s hunting activities and target species 05:04 - The moment her perspective on hunting shifted 06:28 - How deer fat became the foundation for her skincare brand 08:44 - The process of her first successful deer hunt 11:18 - Emotions and thoughts during her first deer stalking experience 13:37 - The species Melissa hunts and her hunting setup 15:34 - Designing her skincare products from deer tallow and marrow 19:58 - The impact of hunting on her confidence and community 21:10 - Building skills and confidence in the bush 22:05 - Her use of long-range rifles and target practice 24:56 - The role of being a female in the hunting community 29:28 - Advocating for ethical hunting and sustainable practices 31:16 - The holistic approach to utilizing every part of the deer 34:15 - Developing her natural skincare line and its benefits 37:52 - Experiencing the softening effects of deer tallow on her partner’s beard 40:02 - The future of her business and upcoming hunts 43:23 - Melissa’s reflections on her journey and personal growth 45:24 - What hunting means to her as a woman 48:52 - Her next steps, including samba hunting and product growth 55:12 - Connecting with Melissa and supporting her work Resources & Links: KMV Tello Skincare Melissa Volkanovski on Instagram Australian Deer Association Connect with Melissa: Instagram Website
Embracing Confidence and Community: A Woman’s Journey into Hunting and Shooting In this episode, Emma shares her inspiring journey from farm life to becoming an active participant in shooting sports, emphasizing the importance of education, safety, and community among women. Her story highlights how experience and support can transform confidence and create meaningful connections.Key Topics: Emma's background growing up on a farm and transitioning to hunting and firearms The role of early life experiences in developing a respect for animals and self-sufficiency The importance of education, safety, and hands-on learning in firearm handling Emma’s experience as a Range Officer and her approach to teaching women How community engagement and support empower women in shooting sports The process of hunting, from learning to stalk to ethical animal use The significance of sharing beginner stories alongside veteran experiences Building confidence through education, practice, and connection The evolution of firearms regulation and safety culture in Australia The legacy of strong women and encouraging future generations, including her stepdaughter Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction: Emma's journey from farm life to shooting sports (02:15) - Growing up on a farm: childhood stories and lessons learned (09:00) - Transition to hunting: capturing the significance of ethical hunting (11:00) - Emma's firearms journey: from family practices to community involvement (14:00) - The culture of safety and community support in Australian shooting clubs (17:00) - Emma as a Range Officer: teaching and empowering new shooters (22:00) - The real-life process of hunting: respect, ethics, and utilization (33:00) - The importance of hands-on experience and education in hunting (40:00) - Building confidence: managing anxiety, learning mechanics, and experience (52:00) - The role of storytelling: sharing successes and mistakes to inspire others (55:00) - Creating community: Women Who Hunt courses and online support networks (61:00) - Final reflections: motherhood, strength, and empowering women through hunting Resources & Links: Women Who Hunt Community - A safe space for women to connect, learn, and share Nature’s Perks Courses - Hands-on courses for hunting, butchering, and more Emma Moonlighter on Instagram - Follow Emma's journey and insights Pine River Shooting Club - Local shooting club promoting safety and community in Queensland Mel Robbins Quote on Confidence - "Be the woman who makes other women believe in themselves" Connect with Emma: Instagram Notable Quotes: "It's okay not to feel confident. The key is what you do with that feeling." "Sharing beginner stories is as vital as sharing veteran stories; we learn from all journeys." "The connection around a campfire builds community and transforms skills into stories." Action Items: Explore local shooting clubs and safety courses Attend beginner hunting and firearm handling courses Share your own shooting journey to foster community Practice safe firearm storage and handling in line with regulations Embrace hands-on experiences to build confidence Final Thoughts: Emma exemplifies that with education, support, and courage, women can confidently step into shooting sports and hunting. Her story encourages beginners to start where they are, learn from others, and build lasting connections within a supportive community.
From Family Traditions to Building a Brand: Gabby's Hunting Journey Gabby shares her journey into hunting, balancing motherhood, and building a small business in the hunting industry. She discusses her early memories, hunting with her family, involving her daughter Deanna, and the importance of community and supporting small businesses. key topics Gabby's early memories of hunting and family traditions Involving children in hunting and outdoor activities Building a small business in the hunting industry The importance of community and supporting local businesses Gabby's perspective on women in hunting and empowerment "Deanna roared at a stag for the first time." "We saw a deer but only got a quick glimpse." "When the passion ignites, you become a hunter." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gabby's Journey 03:59 Early Memories and Family Influence in Hunting 06:59 First Successful Hunt and Its Impact 09:47 Balancing Motherhood and Hunting 13:19 Introducing Children to Hunting 16:24 The Role of Family in Hunting Traditions 19:11 Gabby's Business: Ambush Hunting Apparel 22:17 Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship 26:38 Supporting Small Businesses in Hunting 29:35 Empowering Women in the Hunting Community 30:33 The Thrill of the Hunt 34:09 Advice for New Female Hunters 36:12 Teaching the Next Generation 39:24 Exploring Different Hunting Experiences 42:13 Dream Hunting Destinations 44:03 Defining What It Means to Be a Hunter 47:36 Embracing Strength as a Woman Hunter 50:32 Legacy and Future Generations Guest links Ambush Hunting Apparel - https://www.instagram.com/ambush_hunting_apparel/ Gabby's Website - https://www.ambushhuntingapparel.com.au/ hunting, women in hunting, family hunting, small business, outdoor parenting, hunting education, ambush hunting apparel, deer hunting, hunting with kids, Australian hunting
Discover Emma’s inspiring story of stepping into the hunting world, mastering skills, and embracing a life connected to nature and food. In this episode, Emma shares her journey from initial curiosity to harvesting her own game, highlighting the importance of community, preparation, and respect for animals. Main Topics: Emma's first experience at Nature’s Perks course and her initial impressions The transition from interest to active hunting and butchering skills The emotional and spiritual connection to animals and the environment Practical insights on stalking, shot placement, and field dressing The significance of self-reliance and women’s role in hunting The transfer of skills to family life and future goals (taxidermy, sharing stories) Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and Emma’s background in hunting and community (02:08) - Emma’s limited prior experience and what motivated her to join the course (04:07) - Emotional mindset before her first hunt and community support (08:34) - Field dressing deer and the visceral experience of handling warm-blooded animals (11:16) - The respect and gratitude felt after a successful harvest (14:46) - First practice with butchering a goat and lessons learned (18:28) - Surprising moments during her first goat hunt and stalking experience (20:01) - The adrenaline rush after the first successful shot (23:36) - Cooking her first goat meal and the connection between harvest and meal (25:38) - Guttling process and confidence in handling animals (27:24) - Upgrading gear and setting up for more successful hunts (29:39) - Harvesting her first fallow deer and the planning involved (35:01) - Observing wildlife behavior and the nuanced art of hunting (39:14) - The precise shot on her deer and her reflections afterwards (43:36) - The emotional and spiritual significance of her first successful hunt (46:28) - Emma’s pride in calling herself a hunter and breaking gender stereotypes (50:09) - Her perspective on women in hunting and encouraging others (51:45) - Sharing experiences with family and passing skills down (56:00) - Final reflections and the importance of community and storytelling Resources & Links: Nature’s Perks Beginner Hunting Course Ruger Gen 2 Predator Rifle (6.5mm) HIC Micro Day Night Scope Marcus Down Under Taxidermy Emma’s Instagram - Crab Recipes & Hunting Updates Connect with Emma: Instagram Notable Quotes: "Food is my love language. Harvesting my own game adds an extra layer of satisfaction." "There is no gender separation in this sport. Women can be just as capable as anyone else." "It's about respect—respect for the animal, the environment, and oneself." Action Items: Consider a solo trip to build confidence and self-reliance Start foundational skills like stalking and butchering with smaller game Practice shot placement and humane euthanasia techniques Share your experiences to inspire others and normalize women in hunting Enjoy this empowering story of growth, patience, and connection with nature. Emma’s journey exemplifies that with passion and perseverance, anyone can become a confident hunter and steward of the outdoors.
This episode is a special one. At just 13 years old, Charleigh Fry is already living a life that’s building real confidence — not by being told, but by doing. Growing up surrounded by the paddock-to-plate lifestyle, Charleigh spends her time mustering cattle, working alongside her family, and learning lessons that most people don’t experience until much later in life. In this conversation, she shares what it’s really like — the nerves, the moments that don’t go to plan, and the mindset that’s helping her push through and keep giving things a go. It’s honest, it’s a bit messy, and it’s a powerful reminder that confidence doesn’t come from age — it comes from exposure, support, and stepping outside your comfort zone. If you’ve ever felt unsure about trying something new, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Women Who Hunt is proudly supported by: Gun Traders Australia — Australia’s trusted marketplace for hunters and shooters. www.guntraders.com.au Nature’s Perks — helping you build skills, confidence, and real experience in the outdoors. www.naturesperks.com.au Braken Wear — Australian-made hunting apparel built for real conditions. www.brakenwear.com.au
Taylor Byfield joins the Women Who Hunt podcast to share her journey from growing up on rural properties to stepping fully into hunting on her own terms. With 4–5 years of serious experience, Taylor has built her skills across different styles — from hunting pigs with dogs to the focus and discipline of bowhunting. She’s not afraid to chase new opportunities, new species, and push herself outside her comfort zone. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to back yourself in the field, the moments that shape you as a hunter, and the reality behind the lifestyle. From a 37.4-inch billy just shy of the magic 40… to unforgettable hunts like chasing Chital — this is about grit, growth, and finding your own way in hunting.
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt podcast, I’m joined by two incredible young shooters who are already making their mark in the world of benchrest competition — sisters Lana and Milla. At just 16 and 12 years old, these girls are proving that confidence, focus, and determination can take you a long way — even when you’re starting out nervous on the range. We talk about their first competition (and winning), how they manage nerves under pressure, and what it’s like competing side by side as sisters who genuinely support each other. This is a conversation about more than just shooting — it’s about patience, resilience, and backing yourself, even when things feel intimidating. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could give something like this a go… this episode is for you. In this episode: How they got started in shooting Managing nerves and building confidence Lessons from competition that carry into life The power of family support in the outdoors Why more girls should give shooting a go Thanks for listening — and thank you for being part of this community. Women Who Hunt exists because of real stories, real experiences, and women backing women. A huge thank you to our guests for sharing their story with us. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who’d appreciate it. Until next time, take care and keep doing the things that light you up.
On this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Mel Gray, a hunter whose journey is full of real moments, big lessons, and the kind of stories you only get by being out there in the bush. Mel takes us through her early days behind the camera, watching deer behaviour up close, slowly stacking confidence, and eventually stepping into the hunter she is today. We dive into her first honk, her first harvest, the minute before the shot, and how those moments shaped her both outdoors and in her everyday life. We dive into the emotional reality of her first field dress — the warmth, the weight, the respect — and what it taught her about connection and responsibility. Mel also shares the full story of last year’s hog deer ballot: being the last person to choose, getting the leftover blocks, stalking quietly through one area, then moving into the next and taking a hog deer within 15 minutes. A clean drop… straight face‑first into the mud, followed by a hilarious and memorable clean‑up job. We talk about: • reading the bush and understanding behaviour • moving from camera to rifle with intention • women vs men in the bush — and why we move differently • tanning hides and the stories each one carries • confidence stacking and solo hunting • why empowerment often comes quietly, one moment at a time This episode is about identity, respect, patience, and the power of women backing women in the outdoors.
In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Jess Hancock — precision competitor, PRS and NRL22 shooter, and the woman many of you know as Eh Lady Outdoors. Jess moved from Canada to Australia for what was meant to be 12 months… and 13 years later she’s built a life, a passion, and a serious name for herself in competitive precision shooting. From hunting roots to high-level PRS and NRL22 competition, Jess shares what it really takes to perform under pressure — reading wind, managing stages on the clock, and trusting your process when it counts. We talk rimfire and centrefire, first match nerves, podium finishes, and the discipline behind consistent performance. But this conversation goes deeper than results. We talk about belonging. About confidence built one stage at a time. And about creating space for more women on the firing line. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone quietly wondering if you could step into something new — this one will resonate. Follow Jess here: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ehladyoutdoors/ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Women Who Hunt and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I sit down with Karlen Klopper — competitive target shooter, community builder, and a thoughtful voice in an industry. Karlen shares her hunting experiences in South Africa, growing up around firearms, and how those early experiences shaped her respect for the outdoors and the tools we use. We talk about what it’s really like to be a competition shooter, the discipline and mindset required, and how competition and hunting intersect in meaningful ways. We also dive into the hunts she’s already been on, the ones still on her list, and the importance of finding your place in the field. Karlen opens up about why lived experience matters, how women are shaping the industry from the ground up, and what showing up authentically really looks like. We finish by talking about the launch of her new Instagram community She Shoots AU, why she felt it was needed, and what she hopes it becomes for women in shooting across Australia. This is an honest, grounded conversation about learning, growth, and belonging — in the field, on the range, and within the community. 🎧 If you’re interested in hunting, competition shooting, women in the outdoors, or finding your place in this lifestyle, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Mel and Alyssa from HVTM Outdoors for a genuine, grounded conversation about growing up in a hunting and shooting family and what it’s really like to live and work in the outdoor industry as women. Mel and Alyssa are sisters who were raised in the outdoors, surrounded by firearms, hunting, and a strong sense of community. In this conversation, we talk about their early experiences, how family shaped their values, and what has kept them connected to hunting and shooting over time. We also explore what it’s like navigating the industry as women, the importance of lived experience, and why community matters more than ever. This episode isn’t about headlines or commentary — it’s about real people, real stories, and real time spent in the field. It’s about humanising the hunting and shooting lifestyle and giving space for women to share their experiences in their own words. If you’re part of the hunting and shooting community, curious about the industry, or simply want to hear honest stories from women who live this lifestyle every day, this conversation is for you. 🎙 Women Who Hunt Podcast 🌿 www.womenwhohunt.au
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, we sit down with 14-year-old trap shooter Chloe Hughes-Gage, one of Australia’s most exciting young talents in clay target shooting. Chloe recently stunned the field at the 2025 Victorian State Trap Carnival, taking home five major titles including Ladies State Single Barrel Champion, C-Grade Champion of Champions, and Sub-Junior Champion. She shares how she first discovered shooting through her school program, how an ankle injury led her from netball to the range, and what it feels like to be “in the zone” during competition. We talk about Chloe’s training routine, her mindset as a junior female shooter, the support she receives from the Melbourne Gun Club, and her long-term goals — including making the Victorian state team and one day representing Australia in clay target shooting. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in junior shooters, female athletes, trap shooting tips, or the future of shooting sports in Australia. Chloe’s story is inspiring, grounded, and a powerful reminder that young women are reshaping the sport. Tune in to hear how the next generation of female shooters is making their mark.
Different stories. Different journeys. Brought together by the same concern. A rushed bill. Little to no consultation. And real consequences for women who live, train, hunt, and compete responsibly. Women United brings together women from across the hunting, shooting, training, and competition space to talk calmly and honestly about what proposed legislative changes actually mean in real life — not theory. This episode explores why one-size-fits-all policy fails, how ethics and safety already guide calibre choice and training, and why removing appeal rights undermines trust in due process. We challenge common misconceptions, cut through media shorthand, and explain why decisions made without consultation risk missing the mark. This isn’t a culture war conversation. It’s about clarity, lived experience, and being heard when silence isn’t an option. If you care about fairness, informed decision-making, and ensuring women’s voices aren’t sidelined in debates that directly affect them, this episode gives you the language and context to engage constructively. A sincere thank you to every woman on the panel for lending her voice, experience, and courage to this conversation.
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, we explore what it really means to stay calm when it counts. Hybrid athlete and podcaster Monique McCreanor joins us to talk about competing in high-pressure hybrid events that combine endurance, strength, and precision — including shooting and other outdoor skills. We dive into how athletes learn to control breathing, focus the mind, and trust themselves under fatigue, and why those same skills are critical for women stepping into shooting and hunting for the first time. This episode covers: • Staying calm under pressure • Shooting with a high heart rate • Building self-trust and confidence • The crossover between hybrid sport and hunting • Why women don’t need permission to take up space If you’re a woman interested in shooting, hunting, or pushing past self-doubt, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, capable, and inspired. 🎧 Listen now and join the Women Who Hunt community.
This special collaboration brings together independent hunting and outdoor podcast hosts from across Australia for a calm, evidence-based discussion on proposed changes to firearms legislation in New South Wales and beyond. We begin by acknowledging the tragic events that have reignited public debate, and we extend our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and affected communities. These losses deserve thoughtful, respectful consideration — and policy responses grounded in facts, not fear. Across this roundtable, the hosts share a common position: law-abiding firearms owners are not responsible for acts of terrorism or violent extremism, and changes to lawful ownership would not have prevented such acts. The conversation explores what the proposed reforms could mean in real terms — for safety, due process, conservation, sport, regional economies, and family traditions. Topics include humane hunting practices, competition disciplines, ownership limits, appeal rights, registry proposals, and the practical impacts on small businesses and rural communities. Industry experience, historical context, and lived realities are examined without sensationalism or division. This is not a culture-war discussion. It is a unified call for rational policy, accountability, and integrity in public discourse — and for Australians to engage respectfully, act locally, and support one another. Featuring voices from: Wild Origins Australia, Get Outdoors with Drew and Cam, Australian Hunting Podcast, Into the Dark Podcast, Australian Hunting Backcountry Podcast, Hunting Connection Podcast, Nature’s Perks, and The Hunting Republic Podcast. If this conversation resonates, share it thoughtfully, communicate respectfully with decision-makers, and check in on your community. Calm, informed voices — together — matter.
Most people think you need to start young. Donna Hobden proves them wrong. Her journey is fearless, grounded, and full of the kind of honesty that hits home. This episode dives into the remarkable moment Donna decided to step onto the range for the very first time — not in her twenties, not in her forties, but at sixty! What followed wasn’t just learning how to shoot. It was confidence. It was community. It was a rediscovery of courage, curiosity, and personal power. Donna opens up about what it feels like to be a complete beginner later in life, the hurdles she pushed through, the small wins that became turning points, and how shooting has reshaped the way she sees herself today. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’m too old” or “I’ve missed my chance,” Donna’s story will rewrite that belief in real time. This is growth. This is grit. This is what starting again truly looks like. If you’re looking for a story that challenges the rules about age, growth, and what’s possible — this is the one.
In this special edition of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Christie Green — land and water steward, landscape architect, educator, hunter, and author of the powerful memoir Moonlight Elk: One Woman’s Hunt for Food and Freedom. I first discovered Christie through her book on Audible, and the moment I pressed play, I couldn’t stop listening. Her voice, her honesty, and the way she moves through the wild with intention and courage resonated deeply — and this conversation is every bit as powerful. Christie shares how learning to hunt transformed her life across the landscapes of New Mexico and Alaska. From harvesting her own food to shedding the expectations placed on women, her journey is a raw and inspiring exploration of freedom, place, and identity. We dive into: how Christie learned to hunt elk, deer, and turkey the connection between food, land, and belonging navigating a male-dominated hunting culture transforming fear into intuition and confidence the themes behind Moonlight Elk her upcoming books, Salmon Dreaming and The New Meridian This episode goes deep — into instinct, courage, womanhood, wilderness, and the profound lessons that hunting offers. If you’re a woman who hunts, wants to hunt, or loves powerful stories from the outdoors, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Connect with Christie Green: Get your copy of Moonlight Elk — available in print, e-book, and Audible. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG8D28HT/?tag=guntradersaus-22 Connect with Women Who Hunt: Instagram: @womenwhohunt.au Website: womenwhohunt.com.au
In this episode, we sit down with Aleesha Comley, a leading voice in the modern muzzleloading community and a powerful inspiration for female hunters across Australia and beyond. As the driving force behind KNO3CS, Aleesha shares her passion for traditional muzzleloaders, black powder shooting, and her incredible experience firing replica cannon — a rare and exciting part of the sport that sets her apart. Aleesha opens up about how she began her journey, the support she draws from her family, the challenges she sets for herself, and why she’s become such an influential mentor for women like Rachel Hobden. This episode is a deep dive into tradition, resilience, and the tight-knit world of the muzzleloader community. Follow Aleesha on Instagram: @Aussie_annies_got_a_gun Explore KNO3CS: https://kno3cs.square.site/ Watch their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Kno3cs_TML_Inc If you're passionate about women who hunt, traditional gear, and stories that ignite inspiration — you’ll love this conversation.
In this episode of Women Who Hunt, Carly sits down with Rachel Hobden, whose story begins in the paddocks of the South West Slopes — following her dad through pest control missions, fox calling nights, and early lessons on respect for the land, the animal, and the hunt. As a child, Rachel wasn’t allowed to shoot yet, but she was right there beside her dad, hauling the gut pile under a tree to watch foxes come in. Those memories never left her. Years later, after life, kids, and a long break from the sport, Rachel’s husband reignited the spark — taking her back onto the range and straight into pistol shooting, where she discovered she had a natural talent… and a serious love for Tanfoglio pistols. Today she shoots competition .22, beats her husband (regularly), reloads, trains hard, and has stepped up as a female Range Officer, giving back to the sport and supporting new shooters — especially women walking onto the line for the first time. In this episode, we talk about: • Childhood hunting with her dad on rural properties • Foxes, pest control, lambing season, and real impacts • Rediscovering shooting as an adult with her husband • Falling in love with pistols — especially Tanfoglio • Natural talent, tight groups, personal competition • Her first time seeing another woman find her confidence • Why female ROs matter • The stigma of firearms owners vs. the reality • Helping new shooters feel welcome, safe, and seen • And why more women should absolutely explore this sport Rachel’s honesty, humour, and heritage make this an episode packed with heart and practical, lived experience. Follow Rachel: Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/therachelhobden/ Instagram (Shooting/Tanfoglio): https://www.instagram.com/tanfoglioau_rach/
In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Nat from Boaring Australia — one of Australia’s most authentic hunting voices. Nat shares her journey into hunting, life on the land, and raising a family deeply connected to the outdoors. We talk about hunting with dogs, staying true to ethical practices, and what it’s like to share their story with the world through YouTube. It’s a real, heartfelt conversation about respect for the land, family, and the lifestyle that defines the Australian bush.
In this episode, Carly sits down with the incredible Kadz Huntress — a passionate hunter, mum, and advocate for ethical, sustainable hunting. Kadz shares her story of learning the craft from her father and now teaching her son, creating a powerful generational legacy built on respect, connection, and the wild. From being featured on The Project to breaking stereotypes in the outdoors, this conversation is real, raw, and deeply inspiring. There are so many moments in this chat that hit home — you’ll laugh, nod, and maybe even tear up a little. 🎯 Topics include: Learning to hunt from her dad Teaching her son the same skills Breaking stereotypes in the outdoors Ethical and sustainable hunting Passing down tradition and respect for nature 💬 “It’s about more than the hunt — it’s about the legacy we leave behind.” 🦌 Special thanks to our supporters: Safari Firearms HuntingAus Gun Traders Australia – Australia’s home of buying and selling firearms and hunting gear.
In this episode of Women Who Hunt, we sit down with Cass Fleming, known to many as The Aussie Adventuress — hunter, educator, and advocate for ethical hunting and sustainable game meat. Cass shares her story of how she turned a passion for the outdoors into a platform that inspires women to embrace wild spaces, get hands-on with their food, and live life with purpose. 🎯 Topics include: • Her journey from new hunter to educator • The benefits of game meat and ethical harvest • Long-range shooting and learning from the land • Empowering women to step confidently into the field Follow Cass at @theaussieadventuress
In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I sit down with Denise Fowkes, co-owner of CQ Scopes in Theodore, QLD, and the driving force behind the Queensland Arms Fairs at Beenleigh, Maryborough, and Toowoomba. Denise shares her story of building a regional business, running some of Queensland’s biggest community events, and leading from the front as a woman in the Australian shooting and hunting industry. 🎯 Topics we cover: Starting CQ Scopes in Theodore Behind the scenes of the Arms Fairs Women shaping the future of hunting in Australia What’s next for Denise, CQ Scopes, and the Arms Fairs 👉 Check out CQ Scopes: https://cqscopes.com.au/ 👉 Next Arms Fair dates: https://guntraders.com.au and HuntingAus.com.au
In our last episode, we sat down with Charli VanDeelen — and listeners loved hearing her story of growing up in a hunting family. Her reflections on those early adventures in the outdoors really resonated, reminding us how important it is to share traditions and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. This week, we’re keeping that momentum going with another incredible young woman: Lucy from Thornton Hunting & Outdoors. At just 16, Lucy is already a hunter, target shooter, and apprentice diesel mechanic. She balances her love for the outdoors with helping out at the family store and supporting one of her favourite brands — Dusty Diamond. In this episode, Lucy shares: Her earliest hunting memories with her dad What she loves about target shooting and time in the bush The challenges and lessons she’s faced as a young hunter How she balances school, work, and the outdoors Her advice for other young women curious about getting into hunting Sponsors & Supporters This episode is proudly sponsored by HuntingAus.com.au — use code guntraders for 10% off your membership. Big thanks also to GunTraders.com.au — Australia’s home for buying and selling firearms and hunting gear. Hunting and Outdoors — quality gear for Australian hunters Dusty Diamond — outdoor clothing inspired by real women in the hunting community 👉 Stay connected with Women Who Hunt: Instagram: @womenwhohunt.au Facebook: Women Who Hunt Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss a story.
In this solo episode, I take you back through my journey with deer — from magical early encounters on misty lakes in my twenties, to filming Glenn and Ethan’s first reds at Happy Valley, to the countless lessons I learned in the bush with Lawson from Natures Perks. With my Tikka .308 in hand, I finally stepped out from behind the camera and into the hunter’s seat. What happened next was a series of stalks I’ll never forget — intense, heart-stopping moments in the bush where everything seemed to be falling into place… This is From Behind the Camera to Behind the Rifle.
In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Charli VanDeelen, a young hunter who grew up surrounded by the bush, rifles, and family traditions. Charli shares her earliest memories of hunting, what it’s like to grow up in a family where women are now leading the way in the outdoors, and the moments she’ll never forget — including her first goat. This conversation is full of raw honesty, laughs, and the passion of a new generation of hunters finding their voice. 👉 Stay tuned for the next episode — a solo story from me, where I swap the camera for the rifle and share what that experience was really like.
In this heartfelt episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Mel VanDeelen to hear her incredible journey into the hunting world. Mel opens up about her first pig, the special moment of her daughter’s first goat, and what it was like growing up in a family where girls didn’t hunt—only to one day share a hunt with her dad. We talk about breaking traditions, passing on skills, and the unforgettable stories that make hunting about so much more than the harvest. 🎯 Don’t miss Episode 3, where we’ll be joined by Charli—Mel’s eldest daughter—for her side of the story.
In this very first episode of Women Who Hunt, host Carly Parker shares her story—how she discovered hunting later in life, what it lit up inside her, and the quiet moment in the bush that changed everything. This is more than just a podcast—it's a community, a movement, and a space where women who hunt (or want to) can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're spotlighting pigs, chasing deer, or just dreaming of your first hunt, this podcast is for you. 🎧 What to expect: Carly’s personal journey into hunting The moment it all clicked in the bush Why Women Who Hunt exists and who it’s for What’s coming up in future episodes Join the tribe. Follow the call of the wild. 🦌 Women Who Hunt starts now.
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