2026 Red Deer Rut Recap - The trifecta with Matty Turner

This one’s a full recap of the 2026 rut and for once, it’s not just close calls. Across three separate hunts, Matty breaks down what actually played out in the field… the wins, the stuff-ups, and the moments that could’ve gone either way. The episode moves through three key hunts: A March trip focused on getting the drop on a red deer, gone a little differently.Easter weekend on family ground, including a camel hunt and pig encountersA return to the family red deer block during peak rut, putting everything together There’s a bit of everything in this one…  calling sequences that worked (and didn’t), pressure getting the better of moments, wild dog encounters, and what happens when things don’t go to plan but still come together over time. It’s not polished. It’s just how it happened. Podcast topics: Breaking the rut into three separate hunts and what changed across eachEarly mistakes under pressure: rushing shots and missing opportunitiesLessons from hunting with experienced hunters and adjusting setup decisionsDrawing early vs drawing late, and why it matters more than you thinkCalling strategies: when to use hind calls vs roarsHow stags actually respond when pressured by other deer in the areaA close-range wild dog encounter and the mental side of making the shot countThe reality of pressure in the moment, even when you’ve done the workCamel hunting… stalking, shot placement, and dealing with sheer sizeWhat happens when a hunt turns into a logistical challenge (heat, meat, time)Managing meat recovery and processing when things don’t go to planReturning to the red deer block during peak rutReading wind, terrain, and access differently after previous experienceHow small decisions (where you park, where you listen) change everythingThe importance of patience and positioning during the roarWhy some hunts finally come together after years of near misses You can do all the right prep. Shoot well, train hard, understand animals — and still mess it up in the moment. But over enough time in the bush, those lessons stack. And eventually… things start to go your way. 🎙 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