April 30, 2026

Mother’s Day is about celebrating the women who balance family, work, and adventure without missing a beat. So we asked our trusted Hunters Element Women's ambassador Team to share their must‑have pieces of kit. The gear they truly love and rely on for every kind of mission.
Chosen by Casey Learmond & Laura Spence
“I am obsessed with this layer for keeping me warm and dry during those drizzly, crisp days. It’s become my absolute go-to whether I’m out hunting, fixing up the maimai, or just busy on the property. I always reach for this because it’s both durable and waterproof; two huge factors for me since I’m constantly out in the elements.
I think durability is such an essential for any woman’s wardrobe, whether you’re living rurally, you're a hunter, or you’re just a mum on the go. I need my clothes to keep up with me, and the Forge does exactly that. It’s super warm and cosy for those nippy mornings, but it still packs down beautifully without all the extra bulk.
It’s honestly the perfect pick for those frosty mornings on the farm, drizzly days in the hills, or standing on the sidelines for winter sports. If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day winner, this is it!”
- Casey Learmond
“Incredibly warm, and unlike softer puffers, this one can handle some serious wear without tearing. I love that it’s waterproof—you don’t have to stress about throwing it on in the rain. It fits well, has a great hood, and packs down small, which is perfect for hunting trips.”
- Laura Spence
Chosen by Casey Learmond
"As I always say, durability is essential in any woman’s wardrobe, whether you are rural, a hunter, or a woman on the go. These tights are for you.
What I love most is that the stretch is so comfortable and never restricting. It means I can clamber around freely, knowing I have a full range of movement. The side pocket is also such a wee bonus; not many tights come with them, and we all know just how much women value a good pocket!
The black pair is a great staple that hides any mucky mess you might get covered in while out in the field, and the green pairs so well with the Hunters Element Desolve camo. Both are such great options for any mum who needs her gear to work as hard as she does!”
- Casey Learmond
Chosen by Casey Learmond
"This stays on my belt 24/7, whether I’m hunting, butchering, or duck shooting. Honestly, I don't know what I’d do without it. It is impressively roomy yet compact. In mine, I usually carry my gun or waterfowl licence, my PLB/radio, wind powder, snacks, extra ammo, a lighter, toilet paper, lip balm, and my phone… all in that one pouch! I love that it comes in three different sizes, so you can chop and change depending on what mission you’re about to get up to. It also has a foam-packed back so it sits comfortably on your body! It essentially is like a wee ‘hunting handbag’ for us chicks out in the field. It’s the perfect, practical gift for any mum who loves getting outdoors!”
- Casey Learmond
“These fit snugly and do an awesome job of keeping your feet dry. I use them year-round, from alpine tahr hunting in the snow to stalking animals in the bush. They’re tough, durable, and the soft shell material keeps things quiet when you’re on the move.”
- Laura Spence
Chosen by Amy-Lee Podjursky & Laura Spence
“I use this a lot as a mid-layer. It’s super soft, lightweight, and really breathable, so you can stay comfortable without overheating while walking. The hood is a bonus for protection against the sun or a cold breeze”
- Laura Spence
"A standout Mother’s Day gift for mums who love the outdoors. Lightweight, warm, and incredibly packable, it’s built to handle everything from early morning missions to chilly evenings.”
- Amy-Lee Podjursky
“Combining comfort, durability, and everyday style. it’s perfect for busy mums who are always on the go, whether that’s out in the field or relaxing at home.”
- Amy-Lee Podjursky
“Built from premium, heavyweight fabrics, they deliver unbeatable warmth and comfort whether you're in the hills or Netflix and chill.”
- Amy-Lee Podjursky
My connection to the outdoors began early, guided by my father, who worked as a venison recovery pilot in the late 1980s. Growing up, I spent most of my time chasing red deer. Over time, that passion has grown into a strong love for hunting Tahr in the high country. My dedication to the outdoors has led me into a career in conservation, working as a ground hunter removing introduced species from New Zealand forests to help protect our native wildlife. For me, hunting is about connection to the land, ensuring these wild places are protected for future generations.
I’m a hunter, waterfowler, and conservationist. I enjoy being in the outdoors, filling the freezer, as well as taking the occasional trophy. I hunt with both rifle and shotgun, mainly in the central North Island, though I’m now branching out into the South Island as well. My main targets are fallow and red deer, but during the waterfowling season I also target mallards, paradise ducks, pheasants, and spoonies. By profession, I’m a school teacher and I’m currently studying to become certified in rural pest control.
I hunt recreationally because I loves the outdoors and knowing where my meat comes from. I enjoys watching the animals and spending time learning different species and enjoy the challenge of targeting older animals when I can, and getting into some back country. I also help with pest control on local farms and trying to help maintain healthy animal populations on doc land. I am passionate about sharing the knowledge of hunting with others and teaching the next generation.