About Me:
I’m a proud father of three daughters – Olivia, Bella, and Matilda – and a carpenter by trade, currently working in maintenance at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. I grew up on a small farm in the South East of SA, where we raise a small white Suffolk stud and a few cows. My early experiences with shooting began with pest control and hunting rabbits on the farm. Outside of shooting, I love spending time with my family, fishing, camping, and exploring Australia in my 4×4. Game fishing is another hobby of mine, and we often head out on the boat as a family to explore the ocean.
Involvement in Shooting:
I’m into all types of hunting: shotgun, rifle, and bow. I focus on stalking deer and enjoy hunting during the first and last light. I’m also involved in skeet and field game shotgun shooting, as well as clay target shooting.
Competitive Shooting:
Though I haven’t yet competed, I was introduced to competitive shooting through some mates and hope to take part in the future. I appreciate the precision of competitive shooting, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to get into.
My Passion for Hunting:
Hunting allows me to connect with nature on a deeper level, and I’ve had countless unforgettable encounters with animals. I first got into hunting because of the thrill and the peaceful moments spent with nature. Over the years, it’s become something I love more with every trip, whether I’m after fallow, red, hog, sambar, chital, or rusa deer, as well as pigs, goats, rabbits, and more.
Memorable Hunt:
Chasing my first red deer stag stands out as the most memorable. It was by far my biggest and most rewarding hunt to date.
Gear & Setup:
I rely on Tikka rifles paired with Steiner optics. These have been flawless for me, giving me accuracy and stability in the field. As for ammo, I swear by Sako ammo for its precision and consistency.
Beretta Gear:
I’ve been using Beretta products for years and currently use their rifles, optics, and ammo. These items are my go-to for every hunt.
Community & Mentoring:
I’m an active member of the NSW Hunting Community as well as the South Australia ADA. I also enjoy mentoring newcomers to the sport, teaching them the basics of hunting and shooting. I’ve had the privilege of being a sponsor and speaker at the Wild Deer Expo, sharing my hunting experiences and knowledge with others.
Advice for Beginners:
To anyone just starting out, I’d say: “You’ll never look back. But remember, invest in quality gear and learn how to use it safely. The right gear makes all the difference.”
Content Creation:
I enjoy creating content that revolves around testing gear, reviewing hunting trips, and offering tips for newcomers to the sport. I hope to contribute more to the Beretta Australia community, sharing valuable insights and experiences with like-minded enthusiasts.
Upcoming Plans:
In the coming months, I have a few exciting hunts planned:
- Pig shooting soon
- Sambar hunting in the high country this September
- A red deer hunt this July