Roar Ready: Hunting Insights with Sam Boothroyd

By Sam Boothroyd

Sam Boothroyd is all about making the most of the Roar season. This year, he’s heading deeper into the backcountry and aiming for bigger challenges. We caught up with Sam to hear about his Roar hunting highlights, from unforgettable moments to the advice that’s shaped his approach.

What’s one thing you’re most excited about this hunting season?

This season, I'm super excited to really push the limits in terms of the country I'm hunting. I’m looking forward to getting deeper into the backcountry, beating the feet even harder, and finding some of those true monsters.

Best meal you’ve had after a hunt?

Choosing the best meal is a tough one, about 100 different post-hunt pies spring to mind! But probably the best meal I’ve had so far would have to be fried chicken at about 10:30 pm after a massive weekend hunting Tahr.

Best hunt-related advice you’ve ever received?

One bit of wisdom that has really helped my shooting came from my best mate, Daniel Crimp. He told me to imagine the bullet hitting the animal exactly where I want it to, to visualise the hit before I even take the shot. This gives you the confidence to keep calm, and I’ve found it has markedly improved my shooting.

Funniest or best moment from past Roar hunts?

I’m relatively new to the Roar hunting scene, but last Roar, our trip started with a laugh. We were heading into the hills for four days and stopped at the supermarket for our food shop, only to realise it was Easter Sunday and everything was shut.

Most people would have taken the lesson on the chin and waited until the next day, but we opted to gather whatever we had at home and make do. The result? Ridiculously heavy packs full of tinned tomatoes, half-eaten bags of chips, pasta, rice, and vegetable offcuts. If it weren’t for the fresh venison, it would have been a much less pleasant hunt, but funny all the same.

If you could hunt anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

If I could hunt anywhere, I’d choose Fiordland. There’s simply something unreal about that place that I can’t get my head around, and I need to experience it again.

What’s your go-to piece of Hunters Element gear for the Roar and why?

My go-to piece of kit has got to be the Long Sleeve Eclipse V2 Top. It’s simply the bee’s knees. I’ve found it keeps me just as cool as a t-shirt, which is epic because it gives me a bit more sun protection. Plus, it’s super breathable for those hard slogs uphill with heavy packs.

To keep up with Sam's Roar season adventures and get a closer look at his hunting journey, be sure to check out his Instagram account.