In this episode of Becoming a Bowhunter, Matty is joined once again by Ben Salleras, one of only a handful of hunters to ever complete the elusive South Pacific Slam. But what even is that? Ben unpacks the “South Pacific 15,” the challenges of defining a slam in our part of the world, and why the pursuit became such a personal obsession.
We dive deep into the last hunt that finished off his South Pacific Slam, the Wapiti from the intense terrain in Fiordland, NZ
Podcast Topics:
- The South Pacific 15: What species make the list, what gets left out, and why the official slam isn’t quite official
- Fiordland Realities: Brutal terrain, vertical jungle, and one of the harder hunts Ben has ever done
- Catseye Block Breakdown: Choosing the right block and period for wapiti success
- Completing the Slam: The planning, prep, and long-range logistics that led to the final tick — the Fiordland wapiti
- Gotta Catch ’Em All: Why collecting species hits the same nerve as childhood card collecting
- Hybrid Bugles & Elk Behavior: Why most wapiti calls in Fiordland sound more like elk than red deer
- Mindset in the Mountains: Choosing the right hunting partner, dealing with weather windows, and staying cool under pressure
- This young bull wants to fight… The story of Ben nearly being attacked by an aggressive young Wapiti bull.
- I saw two possible locations for the tent in the 6 days we were there
- From hunting pigs in Queensland to global adventures… Anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Ben shares future goals, trips planned and a reflection on just what he has achieved with a bow.
Whether you’ve dreamed of your own slam or just love hearing in-depth yarns about a hunt, this is a thoughtful and wild ride through Benny’s South Pacific’s bowhunting feat.
Find Ben Salleras:
Instagram: @bensalleras
Find Becoming a Bowhunter:
Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast
Hosted by: @mattyafter
Episode Sponsors:
- Dog and Gun Coffee – @dogandguncoffee
- Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off.
- Kayuga Broadheads – @kayuga_broadheads
- Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off.
- Venture Hunting & Outdoors – @venturehunting
- Gear up for your next hunt.
- Jab Stick Outdoors – @jabstickoutdoors
- Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off.
