Pack your bags and check your zero—The Huntsman is headed across the ditch.

In this podcast exclusive, Chris breaks down the master plan for his upcoming departure to the South Island of New Zealand. From touching down in Nelson to the moment the rotors spin up with Helicopters Nelson, he dives deep into the logistics, the nerves, and the raw excitement of a trip that has been months in the making.

This isn’t just a casual hunt; it’s a two-stage tactical insertion into some crazy terrain. Chris walks us through the strategy of splitting time between the high-octane action of a private station—targeting Fallow Bucks, Red Stags, Goats, and Pigs—and the grit of a public land ridge-top camp in pursuit of the elusive Chamois.

In this episode, Chris discusses:

• The Kit: A detailed breakdown of the gear he’s trusting to survive the unpredictable NZ elements.

• The Approach: How he plans to tackle two vastly different landscapes and the physical reality of mountain hunting.

• The Logistics: Navigating remote locations and the "heli-hopping" strategy required to get deep into the backcountry.

• The Production: Insights into the filming process, how many episodes are in the works, and when the footage is expected to drop.

While Chris admits he has no idea exactly what the mountains have in store, he’s ready for a hell of an adventure.

Make sure to listen right to the finish—Chris drops a sneaky, exclusive preview regarding a massive project currently in the works for 2027 that you won't hear anywhere else. Links 🔗Helicopters Nelson - https://huntingtrips.com.au/hunting-trip/gosling-free-range-hunt-camp-ultimate-helicopter-hunting-experience/ 🔗Strider – https://www.youtube.com/@strider_media 🔗 OnTrack Meals – ontrackmeals.com - use code THEHUNTSMAN for 10% off 🔗 GAME-BAR® CARBON+ – https://walknstalkstore.com/products/game-bar-carbon-plus - use code THEHUNTSMAN for 10% off 🔗 Australian Hunters Club - australianhunters.com.au

Every December I come back to this same spot in the state forest to take a breath, look back on the year, and talk openly about what’s coming next. 2025 was massive for The Huntsman — we launched huntingcourses.com.au, Australia’s new online hunting education platform, and we filmed (and started rolling out) Season 3. And we’re only just getting warmed up. In this video I share what’s ahead for 2026 and what you can expect from The Huntsman as we move into another big year. 2026 is going to be HUGE! You can watch a video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/nufHZlCDO1k?si=Q3uAyWyTb-2u9QSX

In this episode, Chris Waters reflects on a recent hunt where he recognised that he didn’t follow best practice as closely as he should have—specifically around the use of binoculars and the importance of identifying game. Using this as a learning opportunity also Chris unpacks the legal requirements around safe and ethical hunting in Australia, and why correct identification is non-negotiable.

The discussion also touches on a recent article in a hunting magazine highlighting a serious incident where a firearm was pointed at another hunter, thankfully without tragic consequences. Finally, Chris explores the importance of accountability in the hunting community, and how hunters can support one another in maintaining both high community and high standards of safety, responsibility, and respect in the field.

Watch video version: https://youtu.be/Y9m-Ze7ACWI