Mums Who Venture – Carly & Ethan Parker

Mother's Day Series by Venture Hunting & Outdoors

Carly & Ethan Parker

Gold Coast, QLD

This Mother's Day, we're celebrating the mums who are raising the next generation of hunters, fishers, and adventurers — while also carving out time for themselves and their own passions. The mums who pack the camping and hunting gear at 4am, carry the extra snacks, sit in the cold, teach patience and grit in the field, navigate the highs and lows, and wouldn't trade a single moment in the bush for anything.

Welcome to Mums Who Venture — a Mother's Day series where we sit down with real mums from our community and hear their stories of getting their kids into the outdoors, and making space for their own passion pursuits!

*Carly & Ethan at the Gun Traders Australia stand*

Q&A with Carly

How did you get into hunting and the outdoors lifestyle?

"My hobby as a kid — I grew up spending holidays fishing and camping with my family, so being outdoors has always been part of my life. My husband Glenn also grew up hunting, so as Ethan got older, it became a natural progression for us to bring it all together and step into the hunting lifestyle as a family."

How do you involve your kids in this way of life?

"Ethan's been around fishing since he was 1, so it's always been part of his world. When he was 11, he started to get his firearms licence — we supported him and made it happen. Since then, he's been right alongside us, learning, getting involved, and growing into it naturally."

What's your favourite memory in the field with your family?

"There are so many — from watching Ethan on his own, be present in the bush, and learn how to read signs and animals. But my favourite would have to be when Glenn and Ethan got their first deer together."

What does a typical outdoor adventure look like for you and your family?

"Whether it's hunting, fishing, or something else, we just love getting out in nature as much as we can — whether that's hunting state forests, fishing, or being part of courses. We often film along the way for YouTube, so it's about connecting together and just getting out there — it's about the whole life, cooking together, exploring, and enjoying the simple things that come with being outdoors."

What would you say to a mum who wants to get into this lifestyle but doesn't know where to start?

"Honestly… a little bit of a plug — start by listening to the Women Who Hunt podcast! But really, just start small. You don't need to know everything — find your people, ask questions, and give it a go. The confidence comes with doing."

What does this lifestyle mean to you as a mum?

"It's about raising a capable, grounded young man who understands the value of patience, respect, and where food comes from. It's the time we spend together, the lessons that can't be taught inside, and the memories we're building as a family that will stay with us for life."