Hi, I’m Mel.
I’m a passionate hunter and an Aussie, born and bred.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a huge appreciation for the outdoors. Growing up on the edge of the Victorian High Country, I was always out exploring the local bush land for scenic spots to enjoy with my dogs, a new fishing spot, or just searching for cool critters to look at.
Hunting has always been in my family. From a young age, I recall listening to my father’s stories of hunting pigs and deer. It wasn’t until my late teens however, that I gained an interest in the sport. After being tipped off on a good location, I set out on first light and before long had disrupted a mob of deer. What followed was nothing short of exhilarating; Alarm calls, foot stomping and an old hind putting on a protective display over her calf had me hooked. From there began my obsession of the elusive Sambar Deer – my “Bread and butter” species.
Hunting to me is not only about the harvest of wild game, but a tool to help myself recharge and unwind. Being out in the bush with all senses tuned in to the immediate surroundings provides me with an incredible sense of peace, calm and happiness like nothing else. Being able to witness sights, sounds, and smells which cannot be seen anywhere else really makes every trek worth-while. It is therapeutic and quite simply, good for the soul.
I take great pride in having the knowledge to read the landscape, locate wild deer, dispatch them humanely then process and pack them out. The process is incredibly rewarding, in that it provides me with a great sense of empowerment, as well as beautiful, healthy meat for myself and my dogs to enjoy.
As a solo hunter, I’m always challenging myself to push harder and go further. Navigating the difficult terrain and braving the elements requires not only a great deal of resilience, drive, and self-discipline, but also quality gear.
I am extremely fortunate to have the team at Swazi kitting me out for my hunts. Their specialised clothing plays a big role in keeping me comfortable, dry, and safe in the elements - while the earthy colour schemes help me blend into the Australian bush. These factors give me a big advantage in the outdoors and work wonderfully in maximising my performance.
Looking forward to many more adventures in my Swazi Gear!