Matia Leholat | Home From The Hill

HOME FROM THE HILL

Matia Leholat | Home from the Hill | by Joe Leholat

From the moment Matia entered this world, his world revolved around being in the great outdoors. He loved nature, loved animals and always looked for ways to be out there in amongst the action. And most of all appreciated and loved the bush.

At six months of age, he experienced his first outdoor adventure: a camping and fishing trip on the Murray with dad, mum and sister in tow. A small tent with a blow-up mattress, getting bitten by mosquitoes with his first fishing rod in hand. We can still see that smile on his face. It was priceless when he caught his first fish, a little redfin.

As a family, we continued these trips, each time exploring new places, new firsts, new adventures and each trip enhancing Matia's knowledge of everything bush. As a father, the pride to see him excel and in his element brought pure joy.

Then came the real joy, sharing my passion for hunting and shooting with Matia. He couldn’t wait to turn 12, and when he did that’s when the real adventure started; getting his firearm licence and going on his first hunting trip was for him surreal. This was the beginning of a newfound love, filled with respect, wonder and excitement.

Studying maps of the High Country and all things hunting, there was never anyone keener than Matia to go out for a hunting trip. Having been a precise shot from a young age, he never once missed a deer. And with this, he shot his first fallow doe. The exhilaration he felt was contagious, and my pride for him was overwhelming.

This then paved the way for many more successful hunts for sambar and fallow, which in turn started the sausage-making adventures in the garage. The love and laughs shared during these times will always be remembered as special.

As our passion grew, we began to wonder whether there were any clubs we could join to get to know like-minded individuals. That’s when we found the ADA and joined the Melbourne Branch.
Being savvy with technology, Matia discovered Bolt-Action Productions on YouTube. Watching what Steve ‘Robbo’ would upload became a tradition. I once saw he was running a prize competition for kids so, obviously, I had to enter. I submitted a photo and then decided to send Steve a private message to surprise Matia. That’s when our friendship with Steve began, and we joined the ADA Westernport Branch.

Matia loved not only guns in the bush but also his time at the Little River SSAA Range. There, he spent many hours perfecting what he was already good at: shooting.
At 16, Matia’s passion grew even stronger, and I knew it was time he owned his very first gun, a Tikka Hunter 3006. This motivated Matia to appreciate and have even more pride in the sport. He had great respect for his firearm and with it, shot many deer.

Unfortunately, as he became unwell, he recognised he was no longer able to continue his love for a great hunt, as heartbreaking as that was for him. But the memories created we will forever treasure.  A wonderful young man, my son, who shared a passion with me, his old man. I will dearly miss my best mate alongside me in the great outdoors.
 – Joe Leholat