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

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

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