On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Rob Baldinger, also known as The Venison Diplomat.

We dive into how Rob got into hunting, what it truly means to him, and his passion for strengthening the hunting community by educating the next generation. Rob shares the story behind his new children’s book, I Am a Deer Hunter, with more titles already in the works.

This fun and engaging book is a fantastic read for kids and a great way to introduce them to hunting values, respect for nature, and where food really comes from.

Learn more about Rob and his work at thevenisondiplomat.com.au

The room was crowded, the mics weren’t perfect, and the mission couldn’t be clearer: get Australia’s hunting voices into one place and push back on rushed, headline‑driven laws with unity, evidence, and heart. Cody’s seed turned into a national roundtable featuring hosts from Wild Origins, Get Outdoors With Drew and Cam, Women Who Hunt, Hunting Connection, In The Dark and Bullet Points, Australian Hunting Backcountry, Nature’s Perks, Hunting Republic, and the Australian Hunting Podcast. What followed was a frank, sometimes raw, always focused conversation about protecting a lawful lifestyle that feeds families, fuels regional economies, and keeps ferals in check.

We unpack what “four guns” really means for humane shots, competition disciplines, family setups, and the ethics that guide calibre choice. We challenge the proposal to strip appeal rights, knowing due process isn’t a luxury in a democracy. We talk national registry pros and cons without ignoring data‑leak scars,

and we explain why registering barrels and stocks would swamp understaffed branches for no safety gain. The group calls out media myths and belt‑fed fantasies, then gets practical: short, respectful emails to MPs; signing both NSW petitions; and supporting each other without ego or infighting. Industry voices outline the real cost to retailers, importers, guides, and country towns, while long‑timers share lessons from 1996 and why the public mood feels different today.

This is not a culture war monologue; it’s a plan built on unity and calm persistence. We ask listeners to act locally, communicate clearly, and check on their mates. If you care about hunting, target shooting, conservation, or simply fair process, this conversation gives you the words and the steps to make a difference right now.

If this resonated, share it with a mate, sign the petitions, and send your email today. Subscribe for follow‑ups and wins, and leave a review so more Aussies can find this conversation.

On this episode of the Hunting Connection Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Hohnke from Hohnke Outdoors. Ben is a passionate outdoorsman with a love for hunting, fishing, spearfishing and foraging. I first discovered Hohnke Outdoors through their TikTok, where they showcased their awesome foraging identification cards for kids.

With the release of his new book, “Rivers of Passage,” it was the perfect time to get Ben on for a chat. We dive into how he got started in all his outdoor pursuits, and how the foraging cards, the book, and the spice mixes all came to life.

Be sure to check out the website, explore everything they’ve created, and grab yourself some gear and a copy of the book!

🔗 https://hohnkeoutdoors.com