Trophy Takers & Traditional Gear with Steve Dimitrakellis

In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty sits down with Steve Dimitrakellis—chairman of Trophy Takers Australia—for a yarn that dives deep into traditional gear, bowhunting history, and why community is everything in this game.

Steve shares how he got started with a bow as a workaround for not being allowed a rifle, and how that decision sparked a lifelong obsession with bowhunting. From building wood arrows and tuning longbows to keeping the culture alive through Trophy Takers, this is a rich conversation full of wisdom, laughs, and bowhunting tradition.

What You’ll Hear About:

• Growing up with a strong bowhunting culture in Albury and Twin City Bowman
• How traditional gear shaped Steve’s hunting style and preferences
• Tips for tuning arrows, brace height, and reducing bow noise
• The appeal (and obsession) of longbows over compounds
• The story and mission behind Trophy Takers Australia
• The importance of community, mentorship, and passing on the passion
• Scoring systems: Douglas vs Pope & Young vs Boone & Crockett
• The evolution of bowhunting gear from plastic rests to precision carbons
• Why the Trophy Takers annual awards are more than just a trophy night

Whether you’re a trad bow shooter, new to bowhunting, or someone who’s been around long enough to remember wood arrows and score sheets by post, this episode is a celebration of everything that makes bowhunting special.

Find Steve Dimitrakellis

Instagram: @memosity48

Find Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

Episode Sponsors:

• Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off. @dogandguncoffee
• Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off. @kayuga_broadheads
• Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt. @venturehunting
• Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. @jabstickoutdoors