We had the pleasure of hosting aspiring hunter Caroline Sample for her 16th birthday in 2023. Hailing from Louisiana, Caroline is the daughter of our returning client, Knighten Sample. Her passion for hunting was ignited by her father at a young age, making family hunting trips a core part of her upbringing, starting with shooting BB guns with her brother since she was just 5 years old.
Her first hunt was an Axis deer in Texas, which firmly cemented her love for the sport and marked the continuation of a cherished family tradition. Throughout her hunting career, Caroline has found a kindred spirit in her good friend Kaylee Ann Stacy, whose father also shares a deep passion for hunting through his association with the Dallas Safari Club (DSC). Together, they have grown up attending shooting schools and embarking on hunts across various locations.
Their mutual dedication to the sport has garnered recognition, with Kaylee Ann winning the Dallas Safari Club Young Hunter of the Year Award. A friendly rivalry continues as these two young hunters pursue numerous trophies from expeditions that span the USA, South Africa, Spain, and more recently, New Zealand.
While numerous trophies have already been collected, for Caroline hunting means so much more.
With unwavering determination and skill, Caroline embarked on a memorable New Zealand hunt with Venator in pursuit of many big game animals. Her hunt included a trophy red stag, new zealand tahr, chamois new zealand, and Arapawa ram. During her New Zealand hunting experience, she left a lasting impression on our team of guides, who have decades of experience leading hunting tours in New Zealand.
In the rugged and steep terrain with unpredictable weather, she successfully took a 200-yard shot after an hour-long stakeout, securing an impressive nz red stag among other prized species, including New Zealand fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, and Arapawa ram that she had dreamed of adding to her trophy record book. Hunting stag in nz is world-renowned, and Caroline's effort showed why red stag hunters travel from all over the globe for these New Zealand hunting trips.
With hunting being a deeply ingrained part of Louisiana's culture, Caroline's story serves as an inspiration to other young hunters in the wider hunting community, encouraging them to not only pursue the sport regardless of age and gender - but also the opportunities that hunting offers while also gaining a strong appreciation for the responsibility that goes with operating firearms through her attendance at Saam’s Shooting School. Caroline’s message to others is simple, "Just get out there, do it, and have fun!"
As she continues her hunting journey, Caroline Sample is a shining example of the possibilities that await those who embrace their passions and are not afraid to break stereotypes in the thrill of the hunt.
Whether you are an aspiring hunter or looking to introduce your children to the sport through a family hunting trip, we invite you to join us for world-class hunting in New Zealand or at our ranch in Oklahoma.
Keep reading our journal entries.
The best outfitters bring every part of the experience together: high quality animals, exceptional guides, remarkable hunting country, considered accommodation and great food. We sat down with Jacques Hartzenberg during his recent visit to Venator New Zealand to talk about his life in the African bush, the growth of Chapungu-Kambako and what it takes to deliver a complete South African safari hunting experience.
The Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) stands as one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine game animals. Renowned for their thick, flaxen manes, agile nature, and affinity for sheer vertical rock faces, hunting a Bull Tahr in the Southern Alps offers one of the most physically demanding, rewarding pursuits in the Southern Hemisphere. Navigating rugged high-country bluffs, executing precision shots across deep ravines, and enduring the crisp alpine elements leave a lasting impression on every sportsman.
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Last year, we had the pleasure of partnering with Johann Fanzoj to create a custom Classic M98 built around the legendary Mauser 98 action. The bespoke rifle is a reflection of shared values and hunting excellence. Made from premium materials with meticulous attention to detail, the Classic M98 is more than a rifle, it is an heirloom, offering hunters a lasting connection to heritage and a timeless expression of luxury.