In this episode, Matty is joined by Kip Adams (@kipadams_nda), the Chief Conservation Officer for the National Deer Association (@deerassociation), to talk about all things whitetail, conservation, and the evolving role of hunters.

Kip brings over two decades of experience in wildlife biology and land management. In this conversation, we dig into deer behavior, nutrition, and management strategies, and how hunters can make better decisions in the field and in the off-season.

We also touch on the science behind antler growth, buck-to-doe ratios, and habitat improvement tips that the average hunter can apply.

If you want to become a better hunter, it starts with a deep understanding of your target. This episode takes the data collected over the past 23 years from the National Deer Association in America and compiles it in one place for you to learn all you need to know.

Podcast Topics:

• How Kip got into deer conservation and his time with the NDA
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• Declining hunter numbers in the U.S.
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• Buck and doe movement in the rut and how it can help dictate your hunting outcomes
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• Antler size myths vs. science: what determines growth potential
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• Improving your hunting property for both habitat and herd health
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• Understanding “predator-prey balance” and what we can learn from it
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• Why hunter numbers matter and how recruitment efforts are changing
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• Kip’s take on Australia's bowhunting challenges and advocacy needs
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Find Our Guest:

Kips Adam - Instagram: @kipadams_nda

@deerassociation

🎙️ Follow Becoming a Bowhunter:

📸 Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

🎙️ Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off.

@dogandguncoffee

Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.

@kayuga_broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt.

@venturehunting

Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.

@jabstickoutdoors

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined by Jamie Macintosh and Hayden Rylewski.

These two recently conducted a sound test on arrows, and what they found is pretty incredible.

Inside this episode, we go into all of the elements they tested and break down exactly what makes your arrows loud or quiet while they’re soaring through the air.

The boys then help to draw the lines between their data and what that means for us bowhunters.

Pretty much the sound of your arrow in flight could be the difference between an animal ducking the shot or not.

Podcast Topics:

• Testing Methods: How they measure bow and arrow noise with chronographs, microphones, and a backyard DIY setup that actually works
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• Challenges in Testing: The impact of changing humidity, shifting light, and what it takes to get results that hold up in the field
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• Arrow Flight & Noise: How fletching, helical twist, and nock setup all change the sound of your shot
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• Broadhead Comparisons: Two blades versus three, long and pointy versus wide and stubby, vented versus solid, and what that means for noise
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• Real-World Impacts: Stories of animals jumping the string and how small sound changes can make a big difference
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• Future Gear & Testing Plans: What the boys have planned for further tests, plus where you can see the data and use this information for your arrow setup.

Whether you’re a gear tinkerer or just want to make your setup as silent as possible, this is one of the most practical deep dives we’ve ever done.

Find Our Guests:

Hayden Rylewski - Instagram: @dos_bowhunting

Jamie Macintosh - Instagram: @archery_sound_lab

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

📸 Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

🎙️ Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee

Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting

Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off. @jabstickoutdoors

Wild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/ @wilddeerexpo

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Tom Clum Sr., a lifelong bowhunter and founder of RMS Gear, to talk all things traditional archery, effective shot execution, and making clean kills with a trad bow.

Tom has coached hundreds of archers through form issues, target panic, and inconsistent results. This episode cuts through the noise and gets straight to the stuff that actually makes you a better archer and bowhunter.

They talk about how to practice with purpose, what really matters in high-pressure moments, and how Tom uses coaching and failure as a platform for growth. Whether you shoot compound, trad, or something in between, you’ll walk away from this one with plenty to chew on.

Podcast Topic:

• Bio-mechanics for repeatable and accurate shots with a trad bow
• The role of the central nervous system in executing a shot you can trust
• Why most hunters fail when the moment counts—and how to fix it
• Coaching through target panic, collapsing, and anticipation
• How shot mechanics translate to real-world hunting scenarios
• Why form is more than just physical
• How to train your subconscious for better consistency
• Plus some hunting stories from Tom

Follow Tom:

Instagram: @tom_clum_sr

Website: www.rmsgear.com

Follow Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off.
• @dogandguncoffee
• 
  
• Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.
• @kayuga_broadheads
• 
  
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt.
• @venturehunting
• 
  
• Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.
• @jabstickoutdoors
• 
  
• Wild Deer Outdoors & Hunting Expo – 11th & 12th October 2025 Lardner Park, VIC - https://www.deerexpo.com.au/

@wilddeerexpo