I was 10 years’ old when I was fortunate enough to go on my first hunt. It was an experience of a lifetime and one I will never forget. My dad and I took a father daughter trip to a concession we had in Kimberly, called Rooipoort. This was where I spent most of my childhood holidays with my family and friends. It holds a very special place in my heart and so it was only apt that it was where I hunted my first animal.
At the shooting range I took my time perfecting my shots before we headed out. My dad guided me through the entire process, teaching me to focus on my breathing and to squeeze the trigger of my 243. I took the time to focus in on the target, blocking out all other distractions and after a good session at the shooting range we decided to head out.
We drove around the reserve, stopping to enjoy the beautiful sights and scenery that it had to offer. After a while we finally bumped a herd of Hartebeest that had just left a waterhole and decided to give it a go. We jumped out the vehicle and put on a stalk. Following my dad through the thicket, before I knew it, I was up on the sticks. He spotted an old bull at the back of the herd and whispered those same words he had taught me at the shooting range. To take a deep breath and squeeze the trigger. The Hartebeest was standing broadside about 100 yards away from us. I focused on his shoulder through the scope and took the shot. He dropped straight to the ground. My dad and I high fived each other and slowly started making our way towards him. I had always been told about the blooding tradition when you hunt your first animal and so I eagerly waited for my dad to blood me. We spent a good while standing around the Hartebeest, admiring his beauty, and discussing the hunt. In amongst the adrenaline, I felt a great sense of respect for the animal. I now understood the value that hunting places on wildlife.
This was an eye-opening hunt for me. From that moment on I gained a much deeper respect for wildlife and the value that it has. I understood the meaning of life and death. I had just taken a life but contributed to something so much bigger than myself.
This trip was a very special time that I fondly look back on. My dad and I spent a week of quality time together in the bush. We spent the evenings around the campfire under a twinkling universe and told many stories. I believe that there is no better place to spend time with your loved ones than being in the bush. It allows you to disconnect from the fast-paced world we live in and stop and smell the roses. It was a privilege to have my dad guide me on my first ever hunt and I have enjoyed many more with him since then. I admire the man he is and all that he has taught me about hunting over the years. I feel very privileged to have grown up in the hunting industry as it has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in Africa and taught me many life lessons. I have been working for my dad for the past four years filming safaris for our clients, which has always been a dream of mine and I look forward to many more wonderful moments in the bush!
Emily Vermaak
