The Huntsman Podcast

Southern Alps Bound: The New Zealand Blueprint

Pack your bags and check your zero—The Huntsman is headed across the ditch.
In this podcast exclusive, Chris breaks down the master plan for his upcoming departure to the South Island of New Zealand. From touching down in Nelson to the moment the rotors spin up with Helicopters Nelson, he dives deep into the logistics, the nerves, and the raw excitement of a trip that has been months in the making.
This isn’t just a casual hunt; it’s a two-stage tactical insertion into some crazy terrain. Chris walks us through the strategy of splitting time between the high-octane action of a private station—targeting Fallow Bucks, Red Stags, Goats, and Pigs—and the grit of a public land ridge-top camp in pursuit of the elusive Chamois.
In this episode, Chris discusses:
The Kit: A detailed breakdown of the gear he’s trusting to survive the unpredictable NZ elements.
The Approach: How he plans to tackle two vastly different landscapes and the physical reality of mountain hunting.
The Logistics: Navigating remote locations and the "heli-hopping" strategy required to get deep into the backcountry.
The Production: Insights into the filming process, how many episodes are in the works, and when the footage is expected to drop.
While Chris admits he has no idea exactly what the mountains have in store, he’s ready for a hell of an adventure.
Make sure to listen right to the finish—Chris drops a sneaky, exclusive preview regarding a massive project currently in the works for 2027 that you won't hear anywhere else.Links🔗Helicopters Nelson - https://huntingtrips.com.au/hunting-trip/gosling-free-range-hunt-camp-ultimate-helicopter-hunting-experience/🔗Strider – https://www.youtube.com/@strider_media🔗 OnTrack Meals – ontrackmeals.com - use code THEHUNTSMAN for 10% off🔗 GAME-BAR® CARBON+ – https://walknstalkstore.com/products/game-bar-carbon-plus - use code THEHUNTSMAN for 10% off🔗 Australian Hunters Club - australianhunters.com.au

The Huntsman 2026 Plans & Reflections

Every December I come back to this same spot in the state forest to take a breath, look back on the year, and talk openly about what’s coming next. 2025 was massive for The Huntsman — we launched huntingcourses.com.au, Australia’s new online hunting education platform, and we filmed (and started rolling out) Season 3. And we’re only just getting warmed up. In this video I share what’s ahead for 2026 and what you can expect from The Huntsman as we move into another big year. 2026 is going to be HUGE!You can watch a video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/nufHZlCDO1k?si=Q3uAyWyTb-2u9QSX

Taking ownership

In this episode, Chris Waters reflects on a recent hunt where he recognised that he didn’t follow best practice as closely as he should have—specifically around the use of binoculars and the importance of identifying game. Using this as a learning opportunity also Chris unpacks the legal requirements around safe and ethical hunting in Australia, and why correct identification is non-negotiable.
The discussion also touches on a recent article in a hunting magazine highlighting a serious incident where a firearm was pointed at another hunter, thankfully without tragic consequences. Finally, Chris explores the importance of accountability in the hunting community, and how hunters can support one another in maintaining both high community and high standards of safety, responsibility, and respect in the field.
Watch video version: https://youtu.be/Y9m-Ze7ACWI

I wasn't ready to shoot | Lynda Johnson

In this episode of Hunt Stories, Chris Waters from The Huntsman sits down with professional hunting guide Linda Johnson from Havago Australia — one of the country’s premier hunting outfitters. Linda shares how she came to hunting later in life, the intense story of her first hunt (which didn’t go to plan), and how that moment became the turning point that pushed her to grow into the skilled and passionate hunter she is today. This is a story of grit, learning through failure, and finding purpose in the outdoors. It’s also a reminder of the real opportunities for women in Australia’s hunting community — with Linda standing out as a role model for what’s possible. Watch video version: https://youtu.be/ek6DW-i4Wn0 Links🔗Australian Hunters Club - australianhunters.com.au🔗AeroPress – aeropress.com.au 🔗 OnTrack Meals – ontrackmeals.com - use code THEHUNTSMAN for 10% off 🔗 Havago Australia – havagoaustralia.com.au 

"I thought he was dead..." | Matty Wright

The following is a conversation with Matty Wright, renowned hunting dog breeder, hunting guide, one of the most beloved personalities in the Australian Hunting community, and good friend of mine.In July of 2023 Matty and his nephew were involved in a tragic hunting accident that made nationwide news in which Matty's nephew was shot. During this conversation, Matty and I explore in detail what happened during this accident, making a point of not shying away from difficult moments or painful emotions.Whenever a story like this comes out there is a temptation for people to make rash uninformed judgments in social settings, quickly pointing the finger of blame. This is neither helpful nor productive.It's ok for us to listen to stories like Matty's and have options. But I would ask that when you share these options you keep in mind that this is sensitive and complex topic. That what we are seeing and hearing is a slice of the story, and that human beings have value and are worth our respect, judgements aside. There are no winners in this story, only heartache and suffering, and it's our job to care for and love the people involved. To help them move through the trauma towards a happy life.As always if you want to support me, this podcast, or yourself I want to encourage you to check out The Australian Hunters Club (australianhunters.com.au). Through a membership with the club, you can gain access to monthly professional hunting experience and product giveaways, genuine reason, free member hunts, events and much more. Both Matty and I are proud members of this club, and would love for you to join.WATCH EPISODE AS A VIDEO: Rather watch this episode as a video? Simply search 'The Australian Huntsman' in YouTube or check out this playlist on the channel.AUDIO ONLY PODCAST CHANNELS : If you want to enjoy just the audio you can listen in to the The Australian Huntsman Podcast via Apple Podcasts, Google  Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify, Amazon Music/Auditable, Tune In/Alexa, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Samsung, Podcaster and Stitcher. Just search 'The Australian Huntsman Podcast'AUSTRALIAN HUNTERS CLUB: Support yourself and this podcast by joining the Australian Hunters Club!www.australianhunters.com.auWe are a diverse and authentic community of like-minded & passionate Aussie hunters who care about hunting & the life and fullness it provides. New hunters & veterans, deer, waterfowl, pig, fox, rabbit, large game hunters, all hunters are welcome in our community.Through our hunting club membership you can get access to free member-hosted hunts, events as well as:
• go in the draw to win monthly hunting product gear giveaways• go in the draw to win monthly professionally guided hunts from HuntingTrips.com.au• early access to The Australian Huntsman podcast episodes and YouTube videos• hunting public liability insurance• genuine reason to own a firearm• access to member run events as well as official events like our annual camp• discounts on hunting products from leading Aussie hunting brands and a bunch more...Benefits aside, ultimately people join our hunting club because they share our passion and enthusiasm for hunting in Australia and want to connect with like minded people and share life together.
 

We need to control the hunting narrative through public & online discourse!

Join Chris Waters on a scenic drive to Mildura as he reflects on key milestones achieved by The Huntsman brand. Along the way, Chris discusses why it's crucial for hunters to control the narrative around hunting in Australia by addressing tough topics publicly and online. He also delves into the concept of a 'mountain top experience' and its significance. Plus, enjoy an exclusive sneak peek at what's coming in 2025.THE HUNTSMAN SESAON 2: Watch all of the hunting episodes from season 2 here.
AUSTRALIAN HUNTERS CLUB: Support yourself and this podcast by joining the Australian Hunters Club!
www.australianhunters.com.au
We are a diverse and authentic community of like minded & passionate Aussie hunters who care about hunting & the life and fullness it provides. New hunters & veterans, deer, waterfowl, pig, fox, rabbit, large game hunters, all hunters are welcome in our community.
Through our hunting club membership you can get access to free member hosted hunts, events as well as:
go in the draw to win monthly hunting product gear giveaways
go in the draw to win monthly professionally guided hunts from HuntingTrips.com.au
early access to The Australian Huntsman podcast episodes and YouTube videos
hunting public liability insurance
genuine reason to own a firearm
access to member run events as well as official events like our annual camp
discounts on hunting products from leading Aussie hunting brands and a bunch more...
Benefits aside, ultimately people join our hunting club because they share our passion and enthusiasm for hunting in Australia and want to connect with like minded people and share life together.

Private AND public land hunting in Australia

In this episode, I (Chris Waters) clear up some misconceptions about both public and private land hunting in Australia, and discusses the unique benefits each offers.
Many of you have voiced your concerns about the amount of private land hunting you've seen me doing recently in Season 2 of The Huntsman.  
Given my almost exclusive background in public land hunting I think the assumption people have at the moment is that I've changed, and now all I'm doing is private land hunting???
The good news is that I've hitting the public state forests more then ever in between filming episodes for the show... You're just not been seeing these hunts in my videos.
Why? Well this is because I've set aside this time just for me. It's my personal hunting time, something sacred I can retreat into without the pressure of 'producing' something. Just me, my rifle and the wild places and animals. Nothing else.
This is how I've been protecting my love of hunting, whilst still getting out there and producing quality hunting content.
The good news is that there is plenty of public land hunting coming up in the second half of Season 2. So I hope that those of you who enjoy public land hunting (like me) get something out of it.
Given peoples concerns I have been thinking about the topic quite a lot. And in true The Huntsman style I've recorded a video tackling this prickly topic.
Is one better then the other? Is private land hunting even hunting???? What about 'high fence' hunting? Tune in to hear my thoughts.What episode 3 from season 2 here.Watch all episodes from season 2 here.
WATCH EPISODE AS A VIDEO: https://youtu.be/XOYoZPdNvt4. Or simply search 'The Australian Huntsman' in YouTube and find the podcast playlist on the channel to watch all podcast videos.
AUSTRALIAN HUNTERS CLUB: Support yourself and this podcast by joining the Australian Hunters Club!
www.australianhunters.com.au
We are a diverse and authentic community of like minded & passionate Aussie hunters who care about hunting & the life and fullness it provides. New hunters & veterans, deer, waterfowl, pig, fox, rabbit, large game hunters, all hunters are welcome in our community.
Through our hunting club membership you can get access to free member hosted hunts, events as well as:
go in the draw to win monthly hunting product gear giveaways
go in the draw to win monthly professionally guided hunts from HuntingTrips.com.au
early access to The Australian Huntsman podcast episodes and YouTube videos
hunting public liability insurance
genuine reason to own a firearm
access to member run events as well as official events like our annual camp
discounts on hunting products from leading Aussie hunting brands and a bunch more...
Benefits aside, ultimately people join our hunting club because they share our passion and enthusiasm for hunting in Australia and want to connect with like minded people and share life together.

Disaster stories from an Australian hunting TV show

In this episode, I (Chris Waters) tell some crazy stories from the trips where we filmed episodes 1 and 2 of The Huntsman season 2, as well as reflect on some of the challenges we encountered when filming. I also speak a little bit about what makes producing this Australian hunting TV show both difficult and ultimately rewarding.Watch episode 1 video here.What episode 2 video here.Watch all episodes from season 2 here.What season 2 bonus videos here.
WATCH EPISODE AS A VIDEO: Rather watch this episode as a video? Simply search 'The Australian Huntsman' in YouTube or check out this playlist on the channel.
AUSTRALIAN HUNTERS CLUB: Support yourself and this podcast by joining the Australian Hunters Club!
www.australianhunters.com.au
We are a diverse and authentic community of like minded & passionate Aussie hunters who care about hunting & the life and fullness it provides. New hunters & veterans, deer, waterfowl, pig, fox, rabbit, large game hunters, all hunters are welcome in our community.
Through our hunting club membership you can get access to free member hosted hunts, events as well as:
go in the draw to win monthly hunting product gear giveaways
go in the draw to win monthly professionally guided hunts from HuntingTrips.com.au
early access to The Australian Huntsman podcast episodes and YouTube videos
hunting public liability insurance
genuine reason to own a firearm
access to member run events as well as official events like our annual camp
discounts on hunting products from leading Aussie hunting brands and a bunch more...
Benefits aside, ultimately people join our hunting club because they share our passion and enthusiasm for hunting in Australia and want to connect with like minded people and share life together.