Red Deer Rut Tactics That Actually Work with Mick Cullen

In this episode, Matty sits down with long-time mate and experienced red deer hunter Mick Cullen. Mick is someone who’s been in Matty’s ear for years, helping break down mistakes and sharpen decision-making in the field. This is a practical conversation about what actually works when you’re chasing red deer in the rut. Mick shares the systems he’s developed over more than a decade of consistent hunting. From calling setups and reading terrain, to understanding how stags behave across different phases of the rut. There’s a big focus on execution under pressure, why most hunters get busted at the last moment, and the small decisions that separate blown opportunities from clean kills. Podcast topics: Early vs late rut behaviour and when calling works bestWhy wind and setup matter more than the call itselfUsing terrain (benches, folds, cover) to force movementDrawing early vs getting busted at full drawHind & fawn calls vs stag roarsSpot-and-stalk vs calling, and when to use eachWhy most hunts fall apart inside 50mThe importance of repetition and experience Find Our Guest: Mick Cullen Instagram: @bows_dogs_n_rods 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