The Outdoor Gibbon

A storm is rattling the trees outside, but the audio takes us back to a very different kind of noise: a bus full of hunters, shooters, and content creators rolling away from a rifle range in Lithuania. That’s where we sit down with Pulsar Pro Staff members from across Europe to talk about the range day, the camaraderie, and what it actually means to be “Pro Staff” when professionalism and field experience matter more than hype.

The big reason this recording stayed under wraps for months is finally fair game: the Pulsar Thermion 3 thermal rifle scope. We com...

A mink can look small and “cute” right up until you see what it does to a river. We’re out on the ground with Robert from the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, setting mink rafts and talking through the real mechanics of American mink control in Scotland. If you’ve ever wondered how conservation work actually looks day to day, this is the muddy boots version, complete with ropes, rafts, signal checks, and the kind of simple decisions that make or break a project.

We get into the full setup: clay pad monitoring to confirm mink footprints, live cap...

Deer are one of Scotland’s most iconic animals, yet they keep getting cast as the villain. We sit down with a Scottish Game Fair panel featuring James Fenton alongside Megan Rowlands, Tom Turnbull, Scott Mackenzie, and Bill Cowie to ask a harder question: what is the real role of deer on the hill when you zoom out to ecology, rural livelihoods, and culture?

We dig into why “ideal” deer numbers don’t exist without clear land management objectives, and how deer influence upland grazing systems through nutrient cycling, plant diversity, food for scavengers, and even fire suppress...

Wildfire doesn’t need Hollywood flames to become a crisis, it just needs the right fuel load, a dry spell, and one careless spark. We sit down with Richard Bailey of the Peak District Moorland Group and Callum Kippen, a Highland grouse keeper and co-owner of Bright Spark training, to talk about what’s really driving wildfire risk across UK moorland and peatland, from the Scottish Highlands to the Peak District National Park.

We get into the on-the-ground reality of the Carrbridge Dava fire, including why peat fires can be so hard to extinguish and how tactics like...

Vegan. Hunter. Mostly vegetarian. If you think those words can’t sit in the same room without a fight, this conversation will surprise you. We’re joined by Mark, an author and stand-up comedian who once went fully vegan, then slid back toward an 80% vegetarian life, and he’s candid about why: ethics, habit, comfort, lockdown, travel, and the simple fact that food is never just food.

We talk about the part of veganism that rarely gets airtime the quieter middle, where people genuinely care about animal welfare and sustainable eating but still live inside an industrial food s...

Two months of silence can look like a content gap from the outside, but sometimes it’s just life hitting hard. I open with a personal update on why the Outdoor Giving Podcast went quiet, then pivot back to what we do best: honest conversations from the field that show the reality of hunting, deer management, and countryside work without the polished fantasy.

From a kitchen table in Aberdeenshire, I’m joined by Alex from Hunter Gatherer Cooking to unpack his Scotland trip and the bigger “why” behind the Estates Collective films. We talk about coming into deer sta...

The weather was brutal this year—snowed in for days, then floods that turned fields into lakes—but the hardest storm we unpack is personal. We sit down with Emma, a countryside stalwart and lifelong field sports devotee, to trace how a charming “pest controller” built an entire false identity, from forged stalking certificates to a decorated military persona that never existed. What starts as an engaging story about pest control, deer management, and rural life becomes a raw exploration of coercive control: driving “for safety,” opening her mail “to help,” saturating the house with cameras “to protect.” Bit by bit, concern beca...

A whiteout January in Aberdeenshire set the stakes: eight days of deep snow, hungry birds and deer, and a stark reminder that when weather hits hard, the countryside relies on people who live with the land. From there we shift gears into a wild origin story: how a beef farmer and his podcast partner turned a cheeky sweatshirt run into Dead Badger Clothing, a rural brand that refuses to take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly why it works.

We dig into the scrappy path from a garage bar to stacked shipping containers, fueled by a comm...

A fire, a spaniel, and a late‑December reset set the tone for a day that turned into a lesson in patience, ethics, and focus. We brought Jacob from Lockwood Smocks out for his first civilian deer stalk and used the whole journey—range to hillside—to unpack how a clean, humane shot is built long before a trigger breaks.

On the range, we compare military ball ammo with hunting rounds, why polymer tips matter, and what tolerances do to consistency. Jacob meets a new trigger, a moderated .308, and quad sticks, learning how breathing becomes the only motion...

A crackling fire, three spaniels at our feet, and a conversation that takes us from frosty Scottish mornings to the heat and dust of the South African veld. We sit down with professional hunter and outfitter Sarah Ripley Forsyth to talk about what conservation really looks like when you’re paying the bills, protecting herds, and living with predators. Sarah runs a historic lodge and game farm on land once owned by Paul Kruger, where history, habitat, and hard choices intersect every single day.

We dig into how South Africa’s professional hunter system works, what it take...

The frost finally arrived, and with it a frank look at what winter really means for working countryside life. We open with frozen offices, hungry pheasants, and a social media landscape that keeps shifting under the boots of anyone who mentions fieldsports. Then we settle in at a Perthshire kitchen table with farmer and comedian Jim Smith to talk roots, resilience, and why a good laugh sometimes saves the day.

Jim’s story starts with bales, tatties, and Young Farmers’ stage nights, then leaps to five nerve-shredding minutes at The Stand and the improvisational chaos of Scott Squa...

A sweltering rut, empty glens, and stalks that end at dusk set the scene for a conversation that goes far beyond weather woes. After a season where deer hid high and hill walkers crowded car parks at first light, we pivot to what really drives outcomes: honest numbers, smart tools, and hunters willing to share what they see. That’s where Nick comes in—a German hunter from a family nearly a century deep—bringing a grounded view on management, tradition, and why public trust depends on what we do when we’re not pulling the trigger.

We trave...

Every ethical hunter's worst nightmare is taking a shot that doesn't result in a clean kill. What happens next can make all the difference between a successful recovery and a deer lost forever. In this candid conversation with Al Haynes of the UK Deer Tracking Recovery (UKDTR), we dive deep into the realities of what to do when things don't go according to plan.

Al shares invaluable insights drawn from years of tracking experience, revealing why immediate pursuit of a wounded deer is often the worst action you can take. Learn how to properly assess the shot...

Frustrated by the constant shadow bans and content restrictions on mainstream social media? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation, Rachel Draper reveals the journey behind creating Stile Country, a revolutionary social media platform built specifically for those who love field sports and countryside pursuits.

Growing up on a Warwickshire smallholding and later working in the shooting industry, Rachel witnessed firsthand how major platforms increasingly censored legitimate outdoor activities. The turning point came when she and her gunmaker partner found themselves constantly battling arbitrary community guidelines that failed to understand the nuances of rural life. Rather than...

How do you capture the perfect image of a white bird against a snowy landscape when you can barely see them with your own eyes? For Magnus, a wildlife photographer living at the edge of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, the answer lies in embracing both cutting-edge technology and ancient survival techniques.

Magnus's story begins with burnout. After devoting over a decade to his mining industry business, working 12-16 hour days, he reached a breaking point. "I realized I'm not growing as a person anymore," he shares with disarming honesty. A forced business setback became the...

A refreshing conversation from the tailgate of a pickup truck at the Scottish Game Fair reveals both the challenges and triumphs shaping rural Scotland today. Fresh off remastering the entire podcast back catalog for better listening quality, Peter shares concerning news about devastating wildfires that recently swept across moorlands, burning over 10,000 acres of land.

Most striking is the story of dedicated gamekeepers who spent 72 continuous hours battling these blazes, yet received virtually no recognition in media reports. Even when local fire crews openly acknowledged they couldn't have managed without the gamekeepers' crucial expertise, national parks and official...

Why does venison remain a niche product despite its impeccable ethical and environmental credentials? The Stalking Show 2025 brought together a diverse panel of experts to tackle this persistent market paradox and explore solutions to bring wild venison into mainstream consumption.

From the opening moments, it becomes clear that the venison market faces multifaceted challenges. Game dealers like Tristan Kirk explain how logistical complexities and processing costs create pricing pressures that ripple through the supply chain. Unlike cattle operations where transport and processing achieve economies of scale, venison collection involves numerous small pickups from chillers across the country...

The question of effective deer management has never been more pressing across the UK landscape. In this special panel discussion recorded at the Stalking Show 2025 for the British Deer Society, we bring together an extraordinary group of experts to tackle the contentious question: are our current deer management strategies fit for purpose, and do our training standards meet modern demands?

Our diverse panel offers fascinating perspectives from different regions and approaches. From the Netherlands, Floris Lassie shares insights from a highly regulated system where training is mandatory and culling permits are government-issued. Louise Farmer from NatureScot discusses...

A humble fleece from a sheep's back holds the key to a more sustainable clothing industry—if only we'd reconnect with this remarkable fiber. In this episode, we journey deep into the world of wool processing with Fiona, founder of The Shire Mill, a small independent operation breathing new life into British wool.

The disconnect between sheep farmers and the true value of their wool tells a troubling story. What once provided a farmer's annual rent now fetches less than the cost of shearing, pushing many to discard fleeces rather than sell them. Yet as synthetic fabrics fi...

Darren from Kirkbourne Spaniels, a two-time UK Gun Dog Trainer of the Year winner, shares his journey from farming background to professional dog trainer, revealing practical techniques and philosophy for effective dog handling and training.

• Building a career from a lifelong passion for working dogs and field sports
• Matching dog breeds to specific purposes and activities
• Understanding "imprinting" - how handlers transfer their energy to their dogs
• Common training mistakes like overusing verbal commands
• The impact of COVID on dog breeding and training
• Essential training techniques for recall and retrieving
• The importance of...

In this episode I talk to Dean who is a sporting agent and hunter in Croatia we look at the types of hunting he offer and the things you will need to get yourself out there to hunt.

His website can be found here https://www.dean-outdoors.hr/

It's certainly worth a look if you are looking for a diffrent kind of hunting experiance

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 Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

https://www.shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk/link/6f1QuV 

Using this link above you...

In this episode I engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ben from Deer Central. We delve into Ben's latest product launch, exploring its features, development process, and anticipated impact on the deerstalking community. Additionally, Ben shares his experiences and key takeaways for the Stalking Show, offering listeners valuable insights into current trends and advancements in the field. This episode provides an in-depth look at innovations in deerstalking equipment and the evolving landscape of outdoor pursuits.

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 Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

https://www.shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk/link/6f1Q...

Who are Fortis? I chat with Oliver Massey Birch the owner of the company and we look back at how it started and where it is today. Requirements for shooting clothing have become more demanding and people want for more for the money these days. Oliver tells us what sort of service you will expect if you step on to a stand at a show.

Is Fortis the new front runner in outdoor and shooting clothing?

Thats up to you to decided but have a listen and then visit them at one of...

A quick chat with David about the Upcoming 2025 stalking show the count down is on 12/13th April @ The Staffordshire County Showground 

Lets find out what's new for this year show 

Remember to come along and say hello 

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 Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

https://www.shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk/link/6f1QuV  

Using this link above you will get a Free PDS1 Shooting assessment with myself in scotland 

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I talk to Tilly, but who is Tilly she is part of a new generation trying to make a go of living in highland glens of Scotland. 

Join myself and Tilly looking at all the things a young mother get done from dog training to sheep and chicken herding.

Tilly has stated a new podcast called Tilly Talks worth a listen.

Just an insight to the adventure of this young couple and the struggles of living in the Highlands of Scotland.

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Join me on this chat with Kate about her journey with Lyme Disease 

It's spread by a small blood sucking insect called a tick and can have life changing effects on the body.

Kate has worked through many different ways to prove she had Lyme as the NHS said she didn't.

Here are a few interesting links Kate asked me to add

https://www.facebook.com/share/18KCygAhjb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://time.com/6974403/chronic-lyme-disease-research/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3eq58Y3BRJiFCmPsP7TSe02INS2kVnG_7GhNrEOHt6zwp8ZvKS14lnssc_aem_b...

Join Myself and Katherine between Christmas and New year on a number of  stalks around aberdeenshire.

The journey starts at the target settling Katherine into the rifle. I think the nerves of the microphone didn't help. We stalk 4 different areas in each case they present different challenges.  The weather on this weekend was incredible difficult, no wind and incredibly mild for the time of year. 

Who is this podcast aimed at new stalkers or people interested in getting into stalking.  Why do I say that because I am sure some experienced stalkers will have different ways...

In this episode we meet Claus and Freya a Danish couple who hunt together but have moved to the warmer climate of Italy where they enjoy their new passion of long-range target shooting 

We explore the different laws in owning firearms in both countries as well as the hunting laws

Claus and Freya are one of the first couples to be Pulsar Prostaff.

 __________________________________________________________________________________

Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

https://www.shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk/link/6f1QuV   

Using this link...

In this episode we meet Dana and talk to her about the journey to become a hunter in Canada.

It covers the law around firearms and hunting licence

We also talk about her first solo hunt

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Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below.

https://www.shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk/link/6f1QuV  

Support the show

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Stefan Orman is back to talk about the newest scope that Pulsar have just brought to the Market. We look at all the new and improved features of this unit. 

We also discuss the new Axion rang  and the Merger XT

We talk in detail about the sensor and lenses 

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Part one of a two part podcast looking at thermal imagining and how the technology has moved from Image intensifier tube to digital night vision to the newest themal imagining devices allowing us to see the unseen world in the dark or just in the shadows
 
 We look at sensors, pixel pitch, fields of view and NEDT  and talk about how these can make a thermal different from the next
 
 We talk about Pulsar Devices but other thermal devices are available
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Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below. 

In this episode I chat with Tina a model, artist and survivalist who was on the Netflix show Outlast.
 
 We talk about how you survive and what it like behind scenes with the bit they don’t show on the tv.
 
 This is one tough lady who really breaks the stigma of women in outdoor adventures. Her resilience to push right to the end with a strong commitment to team work you will certainly see if you watch the show

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Thinking about doing the PDS1 or PDS2 use the link below. 

In this episode I talk to Claudia Breit who helps new hunter pass there Hunting exams in a stress-free way. we look at how she got into hunting and brought the rest of the family along on the journey 
 
Claudia is also pushing forward with her own hunting land and changing stereotypes

Claudia also works hard with saving the fawn's information can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2341603806135829

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In this episode I take with Jack Carmody a cattle farmer in western Australia , who has a daily battel on his hands with a population or feral Camels and Kangaroos competing for the precious resource of water which is pump up from underground for the cattle
 
 It crazy in the world of food shortage that the Australian government don’t see the Camel as a problem and won’t let this by the sounds of it good quality meat go into the food chain.
 
 You can find out more by checking out Jacks youTube
 https://w...

Jose Souto returns to the podcast, we have a quick catch up about the year so far and the shows from the stalking show to the Game Fair 

We then turn our attention to his new project which Jose tells us how he has taken game handling practices we use in the uk to Portugal and improved the qualty of the meat prodcuded 

More details about how you can hunt there to be release in eary 2025

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So we carry on chatting with our fellow European hunters in this podcast I catch up with Julia a Polish hunter living in Sweden 

We talk about the hunting education system and types of hunting that can be expected if you went hunting in Poland.

You can find some of Julia hunts on her Instagram feed 
https://www.instagram.com/julienhunts/profilecard/?igsh=MWkwYWJnbDNkcm5raw==

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In this podcast I chat with James who takes us on his journey from game keeper to part of the saving Scotland Red Squirrel team.

The Aberdeenshire team have worked really hard over the last 14 years to control the non native grey squirrel around Aberdeenshire and help the Red Squirrel get a good foot hold again.

The 2024 squirrel survey can be filled in here https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/2024-great-scottish-squirrel-survey/

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In this podcast I talk about the Korthals Griffon dog breed with some very knowable owners, we look at the breed. discuss its use as a pointer, wildfowling and deer stalking dog as well as being a faithful companion.
 
 Join me chatting with Davina Rowe,  Sue Hanson , Sue Wagstaff and Gareth Wilson about the breed and there dogs
 
 A little bit of history of the Breed in the UK
 
 "The Korthals Griffon was first introduced to the UK in 2000 by Mark Taylor who went on to breed out of his Radipole kennel based in Dors...

I chat with Henrik about hunting in Germany and the exams and regulation to get a firearm. Henrik is also part of the Pulsar Prostaff team
 
 We compare the United Kingdom and Germany and how things differ, including some of the technology we can use like thermal and night vision. 
 
 Join me on the insightful journey into hunting in Germany 

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I chat with two professionals, Scott is the Skye gamekeeper and Rob who is Best fox calls. 

The last keeper film was the hot topic of the Scottish game fair so we take a look at some of the key point.

The podcast also discusses many topics from the Scottish game fair, social media and the state of firearms licensing.

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