Ep. XVIII - Brett Meldrum (Aussie Bowhunter)

This episode takes a deep dive into bowhunting, hunting culture, wildlife management, and outdoor life in Australia with the Aussie Bow Hunter. We talk about how he got started in bowhunting, the inspiration behind building his brand, and the unique challenges hunters face in Australia. From strict firearm regulations and controversial bowhunting bans to public-land access and licensing requirements, the conversation offers a firsthand look at what it means to be a hunter in New South Wales and across Australia. We also explore the country's diverse hunting opportunities, including deer, feral pigs, waterfowl, and other introduced game species. The discussion covers predator and pest control, the growing problem of feral pigs, conservation efforts, and the important role hunters can play in managing wildlife populations and supporting rural communities. Beyond hunting regulations and conservation, we get into the practical side of bowhunting—bow setups, broadheads, hunting techniques, gear choices, and how equipment changes depending on the species and terrain being hunted. The conversation eventually expands beyond Australia into hunting and outdoor adventures in New Zealand, highlighting the extreme conditions, rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences that make hunting in this part of the world so different from North America. We also discuss fishing, acquiring wild food, the rising cost of living in Australia, hunting ethics, online criticism, and the challenges facing hunters in today's economic and political climate. ### Key Takeaways - Bowhunting bans in parts of Australia have created significant controversy within the hunting community. - Victoria and New South Wales offer public-land hunting opportunities, although hunters must navigate specific regulations and licensing requirements. - Feral pigs are a major ecological and agricultural problem, making effective population control increasingly important. - Hunters play an important role in wildlife management, conservation, pest control, and rural communities. - Australia offers incredibly diverse hunting opportunities across vastly different landscapes and climates. - Bow setups, broadheads, and hunting techniques vary significantly depending on the species, terrain, and conditions. - Hunting in Australia and New Zealand provides unique challenges and experiences unlike almost anywhere else in the world. ### Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Bowhunting in Australia 00:42 – The Journey Into Bowhunting 01:47 – Creating the Aussie Bow Hunter Brand 02:24 – Influence of Born and Raised Outdoors 03:52 – Australian Culture and Attitudes Toward Hunting 06:29 – Gun Laws and Firearm Regulations 08:35 – Gun Violence and Government Policies 09:49 – Criminal Firearms and Hunting Equipment 14:05 – Bowhunting Bans and Their Implications 15:34 – Public-Land Hunting in Australia 23:07 – Predator Control and Feral Pigs 27:47 – Duck Hunting and Waterfowl Culture 30:23 – Deer Species in New South Wales 31:07 – The Roar and Hunting Season 32:16 – Private-Land Access and Conservation 36:10 – Hunting Across Australia 43:29 – History of Game Animals in Australia 46:00 – Hunting and Conservation Challenges 53:43 – Bowhunting Equipment and Setup 56:43 – Bowhunting Techniques 57:29 – Hunting Australia and New Zealand 58:23 – Hunting Gear and Broadheads 59:33 – Hunting Ethics and Wildlife Conservation 01:02:38 – Challenges and Rewards of Australian Hunting 01:12:19 – Fishing and Outdoor Adventures 01:17:26 – Online Criticism and Personal Experiences