Australian Hunter

This bumper edition of Australian Hunter delivers a bonus 16 pages and a clear message: conservation in Australia must be active, practical and delivered on the ground. It is not achieved by simply locking land away, but through informed, ongoing management of the species and landscapes under pressure. Across the country, introduced and overabundant animals continue to impact native ecosystems, agriculture and habitat health. Feral cats, pigs, foxes, rabbits, wild dogs, deer, kangaroos and problem bird populations all present serious management challenges that require sustained intervention. Hunters already contribute significantly to this work, investing time, money, skill and field knowledge to assist landholders, reduce pest pressure and support more balanced ecosystems. This issue highlights hunting as conservation in action. It explores the practical role responsible hunters can play in wildlife management, pest control and habitat protection, while also raising important questions about structured access to land and how well-managed hunting programs can deliver real environmental outcomes. The focus is not on unrestricted access, but on recognising experienced hunters as part of a broader conservation solution. Alongside this important theme, readers will find the usual rich mix of Australian and international hunting stories, gear reviews, field advice, recipes, practical content and prizes. Together, they reflect hunting as a discipline grounded in responsibility, respect for the land, sustainable use and a deep connection to the outdoors. This edition reinforces a simple reality: conservation is already being delivered in the field, and hunters are part of that story.

Australian Hunter 97 is available now.

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In the heart of the 2026 deer roar, this issue takes readers into the high country for a demanding sambar hunt that pushes Chris Burns to his limits, where snowy conditions test survival, judgement and resilience. We also explore a separate sambar stag hunt to uncover why these deer are so notoriously elusive, and turn to the majestic fallow deer, a perennial favourite for Australian hunters. Alongside deer coverage, we hunt foxes in blustery conditions, proving poor weather doesn’t mean poor results, and head to Argentina for a sensory-rich duck hunt that ties into our feature on James Woodward & Sons, exploring their history and some of the world’s finest shotguns. Firearms coverage continues with hands-on testing of the Sako Varmint in .308 and revering the .222 Remington Magnum. Gear tested in real conditions ranges from Crispi boots that carried Chris through frosty bush days to the latest Garmin GPS, pocketknives, sharpeners, shooting sticks and rescue mirrors, with veteran bushman Dick Eussen offering expert guidance on choosing the right kit. We also cover copper versus lead ammunition, spotting game, connecting city folk to the bush, wound management, handloading tips and game meat presentation. From snout to tail, master every cut in Part II of our charcuterie masterclass – and be in the running to win big! We round out with a simple, satisfying venison recipe. Packed with hunts, gear and practical insights, there’s something for every hunter.

Australian Hunter 96 is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Better yet, you can subscribe in print.

Our cover story captures a scorching Outback hunt for feral pigs pushing a trio of hunters to the limit by rifle and bow. It’s a reminder that even in the toughest summer conditions, persistence pays off. Still, long days afield come with risks. ‘Christie on call’ covers when accidents result in serious blood loss – sound, practical advice that could make a real difference out bush. We also touch on the potential implications of hunting incidents. Scott Heiman’s charcuterie feature values using as much of your quarry as possible – don’t miss this tasty sampler, as we have more cooking for the next edition! Another piece explores the extensive history and ongoing debate around kangaroo hunting. Overseas, we head to the New Zealand alps for a steep tahr hunt and to Mozambique for a crocodile pursuit, both testing nerve and resolve in unique ways. On the African front, we also look at the ideal plains game rifle. Back home, we revisit why the .22 Magnum remains such a reliable all-rounder and include plenty of gear and bush know-how to keep you sharp this season. Further afield: more pigs, deer, wild dogs, goats and a look at the edible flora of the bush and how to introduce it into your own garden. There are fantastic prizes up for grabs and more chances for subscribers to win from our Christmas Wishlist!

Australian Hunter 95  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.

We introduce a new regular column: ‘Christie on call’, written by paramedic and outdoor safety specialist Christie Pisani. An avid hunter herself, she understands the challenges we face in remote environments and brings that real-world knowledge to every column. Internationally, we take you on a breathtaking hunt in New Zealand, where the terrain and trophies are truly rewarding. We also sit down with Dan Hardy of Hardy Rifles to talk precision, innovation and the NZ hunting scene. In South Africa, we attended HuntEx and have wrapped up the highlights from this world-class expo. Rounding out the global scene is coverage of Rigby’s glamorous 250th anniversary celebration at Portsmouth Harbour – a milestone worth noting for lovers of fine rifles and rich history. Back home, we share two contrasting views on the 2025 roar – Christie’s return to bowhunting post-motherhood, and veteran bowhunter Wayne Kampe’s reflections on his 42nd consecutive season. Both stories remind us of the deep connections we share with the land. In gear, we compare two standout folding knives – one a classic design, the other a modern, maintenance-free option. We’ve also got full-spectrum game coverage, from rabbits, hares and foxes to boars, deer and bantengs, plus top products and recipes. Don’t miss our review and your chance to win one of two signed copies of Shooting the British Double Rifle – a Fourth Edition collector’s piece already in high demand.

Australian Hunter 94  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.

We kick off in sambar country, taking on the challenges of one of Australia’s most elusive deer. Wild dogs are getting a little too close to home, rabbits offer reliable rewards, and the deer rut delivers its usual thrills and spills – complete with a thunderous roar from across the Tasman. Fallow and hog deer provide classic stalking, as a few ducks round out the season, and we go head-to-head with feral pigs – calling for more boots on the ground where it matters. A breathtaking mountain pursuit with Steve Hornady in Pakistan for markhor underscores how ethical, regulated hunting supports conservation and local communities. Knife reviews spotlight the Gerber Exo Mod Drop Point and the Victorinox Evoke BSH Alox folder. The Zippo Firefast Torch and Tinder Shreds bring heat to camp, we field-test the rugged Expedition 134 cargo box to keep kit in check, salute the classic .300 H&H Magnum, fine-tune hunting with the ZeroTech Thrive HD Red Dot Sight, while rifle care gets a boost with CCL Gunstock Conditioning Oil. We also take a historical detour through the bushranger era’s police firearms and dive into DIY charcuterie with Oink. A junior hunter learns the ropes, a veteran proves distance is no barrier, and a seasoned stalwart shows what it takes to master the game. Plus, recipes that do justice to your venison haul.

Australian Hunter 93  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.

This issue is packed with stories and resources to inspire you for the roar, from easy venison Bolognese to thrilling hunts for grand chital in North Queensland and massive wapiti in New Zealand. Our hunting bucket list further highlights top targets, both in Australia and abroad, and we pay tribute to a late friend with South African hunting adventures. Other epic hunts cover Gulf Country boars and bowhunting goats in the Outback, along with feral cats, foxes, wild dogs, hares and more. We dive into ammunition essentials, ranging from reloading and choosing the right bullet to understanding shot placement and (in)accuracy. Plus, we offer tips on choosing the right hunting knife for your needs, including one that’s custom made. Learn how to make the most of trail cams to help ‘capture’ game and discover new products to enhance your outings, including Beretta’s limited-edition 486 Paralello shotgun, which we can’t wait to hunt with – watch this space. Furthermore, discover the ideal riflescope for hunting and going light with your scrub gun. We also explore the resurgence of historic London gunmaker Rigby that benefits the global shooting and hunting community. And, along with our game meat recipes, we look at eating unconventional feral invaders. There’s a bonus Hema Maps HX2+ GPS Navigator prize for subscribers, with more details on the inside front cover.

Australian Hunter 92  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.

We’ve packed in a heap of stories to keep you entertained over summer. Aussie game extends to waterfowl, rabbits, foxes, boars, bucks, billies, buffs and even barra to highlight the camaraderie connected to hunting, particularly when family are involved. And on top of considerable deer hunts, we explore the realm of wandering sambar. Heading overseas, an elk bull of a lifetime will have you considering New Zealand for that dream hunt, while a fascinating account of the Tsavo man-eating lions takes us back to a captivating time in South Africa. To maximise hunting, we feature the considerable logistics for Outback missions, eye protection, animal signs to watch out for, D.I.Y. camo gear and a portable rocket stove for camp, plus harvesting pointers to take things to another level. On that note, we offer a trio of game recipes for magpie goose, hare and venison even the novice chef can delight with. Further mixing things up, our insights into gear cover stealthy hunting on an e-bike, the Browning B25 shotgun and .470 Capstick, a revolutionary blood tracking torch, boots for the bush, various knife options, a Leupold scope on a lever gun and the little ‘bullet’ that could in the .17HMR. Don’t miss our ‘Xmas Wish List’ because all subscribers are automatically in the draw to win!

Australian Hunter 91  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.

Inside this edition the pests and game extend to rabbits, wild dogs, goats, boars, bucks and bantengs. Our epic guided hunt for bantengs, or ‘tembadau’, takes us deep into Garig Gunak Barlu National Park in the Northern Territory. Although a feral pest, this reclusive bovine supported a majestic and challenging hunt on the Cobourg Peninsula. From the bush to the beach, we step foot on truly uninhabited land for a unique expedition, including intriguing encounters with the wild Timor ponies shadowing parts of the journey. And while Australia offers fantastic hunting opportunities like the tembadau, there are also exciting prospects abroad. However, there’s a lot more to consider for a trip. From paperwork to packing and participation, we provide a ‘game plan’ for that overseas hunt you’ve always dreamed about, backing it up with a longed-for elk hunt in British Columbia on horseback! Accompanying our diverse hunting stories, we cover culling animals, whether native or feral, and being equipped as a first responder in bush emergencies. Furthermore, we test-run advanced handheld UHF CB radios from GME, to keep communication ‘alive’ out hunting, and feature a range of rifles, scopes, ammo and other useful gear, plus tasty recipes for rabbit and venison. With our 90th edition doubling the prizes, there’s plenty of awesome kit up for grabs!

Australian Hunter 90  is available for mobile, tablet and desktop devices through Zinio. Order digitally for whatever device suits you best so you can enjoy your favourite hunting magazine wherever you go! Alternatively, you can subscribe in print.