The Women Who Hunt Podcast

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Jess Hancock — precision competitor, PRS and NRL22 shooter, and the woman many of you know as Eh Lady Outdoors. Jess moved from Canada to Australia for what was meant to be 12 months… and 13 years later she’s built a life, a passion, and a serious name for herself in competitive precision shooting. From hunting roots to high-level PRS and NRL22 competition, Jess shares what it really takes to perform under pressure — reading wind, managing stages on the clock, and trusting your process when it counts. We talk rimfire and centrefire, first match nerves, podium finishes, and the discipline behind consistent performance. But this conversation goes deeper than results. We talk about belonging. About confidence built one stage at a time. And about creating space for more women on the firing line. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone quietly wondering if you could step into something new — this one will resonate. Follow Jess here: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ehladyoutdoors/ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Women Who Hunt and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I sit down with Karlen Klopper — competitive target shooter, community builder, and a thoughtful voice in an industry. Karlen shares her hunting experiences in South Africa, growing up around firearms, and how those early experiences shaped her respect for the outdoors and the tools we use. We talk about what it’s really like to be a competition shooter, the discipline and mindset required, and how competition and hunting intersect in meaningful ways. We also dive into the hunts she’s already been on, the ones still on her list, and the importance of finding your place in the field. Karlen opens up about why lived experience matters, how women are shaping the industry from the ground up, and what showing up authentically really looks like. We finish by talking about the launch of her new Instagram community She Shoots AU, why she felt it was needed, and what she hopes it becomes for women in shooting across Australia. This is an honest, grounded conversation about learning, growth, and belonging — in the field, on the range, and within the community. 🎧 If you’re interested in hunting, competition shooting, women in the outdoors, or finding your place in this lifestyle, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Mel and Alyssa from HVTM Outdoors for a genuine, grounded conversation about growing up in a hunting and shooting family and what it’s really like to live and work in the outdoor industry as women. Mel and Alyssa are sisters who were raised in the outdoors, surrounded by firearms, hunting, and a strong sense of community. In this conversation, we talk about their early experiences, how family shaped their values, and what has kept them connected to hunting and shooting over time. We also explore what it’s like navigating the industry as women, the importance of lived experience, and why community matters more than ever. This episode isn’t about headlines or commentary — it’s about real people, real stories, and real time spent in the field. It’s about humanising the hunting and shooting lifestyle and giving space for women to share their experiences in their own words. If you’re part of the hunting and shooting community, curious about the industry, or simply want to hear honest stories from women who live this lifestyle every day, this conversation is for you. 🎙 Women Who Hunt Podcast 🌿 www.womenwhohunt.au

In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, we sit down with 14-year-old trap shooter Chloe Hughes-Gage, one of Australia’s most exciting young talents in clay target shooting. Chloe recently stunned the field at the 2025 Victorian State Trap Carnival, taking home five major titles including Ladies State Single Barrel Champion, C-Grade Champion of Champions, and Sub-Junior Champion. She shares how she first discovered shooting through her school program, how an ankle injury led her from netball to the range, and what it feels like to be “in the zone” during competition. We talk about Chloe’s training routine, her mindset as a junior female shooter, the support she receives from the Melbourne Gun Club, and her long-term goals — including making the Victorian state team and one day representing Australia in clay target shooting. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in junior shooters, female athletes, trap shooting tips, or the future of shooting sports in Australia. Chloe’s story is inspiring, grounded, and a powerful reminder that young women are reshaping the sport. Tune in to hear how the next generation of female shooters is making their mark.

Different stories. Different journeys. Brought together by the same concern. A rushed bill. Little to no consultation. And real consequences for women who live, train, hunt, and compete responsibly. Women United brings together women from across the hunting, shooting, training, and competition space to talk calmly and honestly about what proposed legislative changes actually mean in real life — not theory. This episode explores why one-size-fits-all policy fails, how ethics and safety already guide calibre choice and training, and why removing appeal rights undermines trust in due process. We challenge common misconceptions, cut through media shorthand, and explain why decisions made without consultation risk missing the mark. This isn’t a culture war conversation. It’s about clarity, lived experience, and being heard when silence isn’t an option. If you care about fairness, informed decision-making, and ensuring women’s voices aren’t sidelined in debates that directly affect them, this episode gives you the language and context to engage constructively. A sincere thank you to every woman on the panel for lending her voice, experience, and courage to this conversation.

In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, we explore what it really means to stay calm when it counts. Hybrid athlete and podcaster Monique McCreanor joins us to talk about competing in high-pressure hybrid events that combine endurance, strength, and precision — including shooting and other outdoor skills. We dive into how athletes learn to control breathing, focus the mind, and trust themselves under fatigue, and why those same skills are critical for women stepping into shooting and hunting for the first time. This episode covers: • Staying calm under pressure • Shooting with a high heart rate • Building self-trust and confidence • The crossover between hybrid sport and hunting • Why women don’t need permission to take up space If you’re a woman interested in shooting, hunting, or pushing past self-doubt, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, capable, and inspired. 🎧 Listen now and join the Women Who Hunt community.

This special collaboration brings together independent hunting and outdoor podcast hosts from across Australia for a calm, evidence-based discussion on proposed changes to firearms legislation in New South Wales and beyond. We begin by acknowledging the tragic events that have reignited public debate, and we extend our sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and affected communities. These losses deserve thoughtful, respectful consideration — and policy responses grounded in facts, not fear. Across this roundtable, the hosts share a common position: law-abiding firearms owners are not responsible for acts of terrorism or violent extremism, and changes to lawful ownership would not have prevented such acts. The conversation explores what the proposed reforms could mean in real terms — for safety, due process, conservation, sport, regional economies, and family traditions. Topics include humane hunting practices, competition disciplines, ownership limits, appeal rights, registry proposals, and the practical impacts on small businesses and rural communities. Industry experience, historical context, and lived realities are examined without sensationalism or division. This is not a culture-war discussion. It is a unified call for rational policy, accountability, and integrity in public discourse — and for Australians to engage respectfully, act locally, and support one another. Featuring voices from: Wild Origins Australia, Get Outdoors with Drew and Cam, Australian Hunting Podcast, Into the Dark Podcast, Australian Hunting Backcountry Podcast, Hunting Connection Podcast, Nature’s Perks, and The Hunting Republic Podcast. If this conversation resonates, share it thoughtfully, communicate respectfully with decision-makers, and check in on your community. Calm, informed voices — together — matter.

Most people think you need to start young. Donna Hobden proves them wrong. Her journey is fearless, grounded, and full of the kind of honesty that hits home. This episode dives into the remarkable moment Donna decided to step onto the range for the very first time — not in her twenties, not in her forties, but at sixty! What followed wasn’t just learning how to shoot. It was confidence. It was community. It was a rediscovery of courage, curiosity, and personal power. Donna opens up about what it feels like to be a complete beginner later in life, the hurdles she pushed through, the small wins that became turning points, and how shooting has reshaped the way she sees herself today. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’m too old” or “I’ve missed my chance,” Donna’s story will rewrite that belief in real time. This is growth. This is grit. This is what starting again truly looks like. If you’re looking for a story that challenges the rules about age, growth, and what’s possible — this is the one.  

In this special edition of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Christie Green — land and water steward, landscape architect, educator, hunter, and author of the powerful memoir Moonlight Elk: One Woman’s Hunt for Food and Freedom. I first discovered Christie through her book on Audible, and the moment I pressed play, I couldn’t stop listening. Her voice, her honesty, and the way she moves through the wild with intention and courage resonated deeply — and this conversation is every bit as powerful. Christie shares how learning to hunt transformed her life across the landscapes of New Mexico and Alaska. From harvesting her own food to shedding the expectations placed on women, her journey is a raw and inspiring exploration of freedom, place, and identity. We dive into: how Christie learned to hunt elk, deer, and turkey the connection between food, land, and belonging navigating a male-dominated hunting culture transforming fear into intuition and confidence the themes behind Moonlight Elk her upcoming books, Salmon Dreaming and The New Meridian This episode goes deep — into instinct, courage, womanhood, wilderness, and the profound lessons that hunting offers. If you’re a woman who hunts, wants to hunt, or loves powerful stories from the outdoors, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Connect with Christie Green: Get your copy of Moonlight Elk — available in print, e-book, and Audible. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FG8D28HT/?tag=guntradersaus-22   Connect with Women Who Hunt: Instagram: @womenwhohunt.au Website: womenwhohunt.com.au

In this episode, we sit down with Aleesha Comley, a leading voice in the modern muzzleloading community and a powerful inspiration for female hunters across Australia and beyond. As the driving force behind KNO3CS, Aleesha shares her passion for traditional muzzleloaders, black powder shooting, and her incredible experience firing replica cannon — a rare and exciting part of the sport that sets her apart. Aleesha opens up about how she began her journey, the support she draws from her family, the challenges she sets for herself, and why she’s become such an influential mentor for women like Rachel Hobden. This episode is a deep dive into tradition, resilience, and the tight-knit world of the muzzleloader community. Follow Aleesha on Instagram: @Aussie_annies_got_a_gun  Explore KNO3CS: https://kno3cs.square.site/ Watch their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Kno3cs_TML_Inc If you're passionate about women who hunt, traditional gear, and stories that ignite inspiration — you’ll love this conversation.

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, Carly sits down with Rachel Hobden, whose story begins in the paddocks of the South West Slopes — following her dad through pest control missions, fox calling nights, and early lessons on respect for the land, the animal, and the hunt. As a child, Rachel wasn’t allowed to shoot yet, but she was right there beside her dad, hauling the gut pile under a tree to watch foxes come in. Those memories never left her. Years later, after life, kids, and a long break from the sport, Rachel’s husband reignited the spark — taking her back onto the range and straight into pistol shooting, where she discovered she had a natural talent… and a serious love for Tanfoglio pistols. Today she shoots competition .22, beats her husband (regularly), reloads, trains hard, and has stepped up as a female Range Officer, giving back to the sport and supporting new shooters — especially women walking onto the line for the first time. In this episode, we talk about: • Childhood hunting with her dad on rural properties • Foxes, pest control, lambing season, and real impacts • Rediscovering shooting as an adult with her husband • Falling in love with pistols — especially Tanfoglio • Natural talent, tight groups, personal competition • Her first time seeing another woman find her confidence • Why female ROs matter • The stigma of firearms owners vs. the reality • Helping new shooters feel welcome, safe, and seen • And why more women should absolutely explore this sport Rachel’s honesty, humour, and heritage make this an episode packed with heart and practical, lived experience.   Follow Rachel: Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/therachelhobden/ Instagram (Shooting/Tanfoglio): https://www.instagram.com/tanfoglioau_rach/

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Nat from Boaring Australia — one of Australia’s most authentic hunting voices. Nat shares her journey into hunting, life on the land, and raising a family deeply connected to the outdoors. We talk about hunting with dogs, staying true to ethical practices, and what it’s like to share their story with the world through YouTube. It’s a real, heartfelt conversation about respect for the land, family, and the lifestyle that defines the Australian bush.

In this episode, Carly sits down with the incredible Kadz Huntress — a passionate hunter, mum, and advocate for ethical, sustainable hunting. Kadz shares her story of learning the craft from her father and now teaching her son, creating a powerful generational legacy built on respect, connection, and the wild. From being featured on The Project to breaking stereotypes in the outdoors, this conversation is real, raw, and deeply inspiring. There are so many moments in this chat that hit home — you’ll laugh, nod, and maybe even tear up a little. 🎯 Topics include: Learning to hunt from her dad Teaching her son the same skills Breaking stereotypes in the outdoors Ethical and sustainable hunting Passing down tradition and respect for nature 💬 “It’s about more than the hunt — it’s about the legacy we leave behind.” 🦌 Special thanks to our supporters: Safari Firearms HuntingAus Gun Traders Australia – Australia’s home of buying and selling firearms and hunting gear.

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, we sit down with Cass Fleming, known to many as The Aussie Adventuress — hunter, educator, and advocate for ethical hunting and sustainable game meat. Cass shares her story of how she turned a passion for the outdoors into a platform that inspires women to embrace wild spaces, get hands-on with their food, and live life with purpose. 🎯 Topics include: • Her journey from new hunter to educator • The benefits of game meat and ethical harvest • Long-range shooting and learning from the land • Empowering women to step confidently into the field Follow Cass at @theaussieadventuress 

In this episode of the Women Who Hunt Podcast, I sit down with Denise Fowkes, co-owner of CQ Scopes in Theodore, QLD, and the driving force behind the Queensland Arms Fairs at Beenleigh, Maryborough, and Toowoomba. Denise shares her story of building a regional business, running some of Queensland’s biggest community events, and leading from the front as a woman in the Australian shooting and hunting industry. 🎯 Topics we cover: Starting CQ Scopes in Theodore Behind the scenes of the Arms Fairs Women shaping the future of hunting in Australia What’s next for Denise, CQ Scopes, and the Arms Fairs 👉 Check out CQ Scopes: https://cqscopes.com.au/ 👉 Next Arms Fair dates: https://guntraders.com.au and HuntingAus.com.au

In our last episode, we sat down with Charli VanDeelen — and listeners loved hearing her story of growing up in a hunting family. Her reflections on those early adventures in the outdoors really resonated, reminding us how important it is to share traditions and pass knowledge from one generation to the next. This week, we’re keeping that momentum going with another incredible young woman: Lucy from Thornton Hunting & Outdoors. At just 16, Lucy is already a hunter, target shooter, and apprentice diesel mechanic. She balances her love for the outdoors with helping out at the family store and supporting one of her favourite brands — Dusty Diamond. In this episode, Lucy shares: Her earliest hunting memories with her dad What she loves about target shooting and time in the bush The challenges and lessons she’s faced as a young hunter How she balances school, work, and the outdoors Her advice for other young women curious about getting into hunting Sponsors & Supporters This episode is proudly sponsored by HuntingAus.com.au — use code guntraders for 10% off your membership. Big thanks also to GunTraders.com.au — Australia’s home for buying and selling firearms and hunting gear. Hunting and Outdoors — quality gear for Australian hunters Dusty Diamond — outdoor clothing inspired by real women in the hunting community 👉 Stay connected with Women Who Hunt: Instagram: @womenwhohunt.au Facebook: Women Who Hunt Hit follow/subscribe so you never miss a story.

In this solo episode, I take you back through my journey with deer — from magical early encounters on misty lakes in my twenties, to filming Glenn and Ethan’s first reds at Happy Valley, to the countless lessons I learned in the bush with Lawson from Natures Perks. With my Tikka .308 in hand, I finally stepped out from behind the camera and into the hunter’s seat. What happened next was a series of stalks I’ll never forget — intense, heart-stopping moments in the bush where everything seemed to be falling into place…   This is From Behind the Camera to Behind the Rifle.

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Charli VanDeelen, a young hunter who grew up surrounded by the bush, rifles, and family traditions. Charli shares her earliest memories of hunting, what it’s like to grow up in a family where women are now leading the way in the outdoors, and the moments she’ll never forget — including her first goat. This conversation is full of raw honesty, laughs, and the passion of a new generation of hunters finding their voice. 👉 Stay tuned for the next episode — a solo story from me, where I swap the camera for the rifle and share what that experience was really like.

In this heartfelt episode of Women Who Hunt, I sit down with Mel VanDeelen to hear her incredible journey into the hunting world. Mel opens up about her first pig, the special moment of her daughter’s first goat, and what it was like growing up in a family where girls didn’t hunt—only to one day share a hunt with her dad. We talk about breaking traditions, passing on skills, and the unforgettable stories that make hunting about so much more than the harvest. 🎯 Don’t miss Episode 3, where we’ll be joined by Charli—Mel’s eldest daughter—for her side of the story.

In this very first episode of Women Who Hunt, host Carly Parker shares her story—how she discovered hunting later in life, what it lit up inside her, and the quiet moment in the bush that changed everything. This is more than just a podcast—it's a community, a movement, and a space where women who hunt (or want to) can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're spotlighting pigs, chasing deer, or just dreaming of your first hunt, this podcast is for you. 🎧 What to expect: Carly’s personal journey into hunting The moment it all clicked in the bush Why Women Who Hunt exists and who it’s for What’s coming up in future episodes Join the tribe. Follow the call of the wild. 🦌 Women Who Hunt starts now.