Our PH, Sakkie, asked me if I had ever shot a gun before and I replied no but that I was willing to give it a try.  It turned out that I had inherited my parent's great aim and we planned on finding the "perfect" springbok for me.  "You don't have to shot it if you don't feel comfortable," Sakkie said.  "Lets just see how it works out."  Sure enough, fate was kind to me and we came upon a springbok just before sunset, standing for the perfect broad shot.  My heart pounded in my ears and I said my silent prays before I let out my breath and pulled the trigger.  It was a perfect shot.

   Ever since then, I am constantly looking forward to the next hunting adventure and luckily I was able to accompany my parents on my second safari to Namibia and South Africa.  It was quite an experience!  I came down with the world's worst cold and was sick for a week and a half.  Regardless I was able to climb some "kopis" and get my baboon!  I was also very thankful for my dad letting me hunt the Kalahari Springbok.  Namibia is quite a place!  In South Africa, I greatly admired the White Blesboks and was even happier to have the challenge of hunting them. 

   Hunting is a wonderful challenge, both mentally and physically.  It is a wonderful experience, enjoying the outdoors and geting to meet the most wonderful people!  I have grown to appreciate a great many more things in my life because of hunting and I feel that I have grown even closer to my family because of it.  If you ever get the chance to go to Africa, take it.  It is an experience that you'll never forget!