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, and she has been 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.
Caroline’s trophies to date include:
USA - white tail deer and scimitar horned oryx
South Africa - zebra, springbuck, impala and gemsbok
Spain - mouflon sheep, ibex and boar (Venator Spain)
New Zealand - red stag, fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, chamois and an Arapawa ram (Venator New Zealand)
While numerous trophies have already been collected, for Caroline hunting means so much more.
The hunt of a lifetime in New Zealand
With unwavering determination and skill, Caroline embarked on a memorable hunt with Venator in pursuit of red stag, tahr, chamois, and Arapawa ram. During her hunt, she left a lasting impression on our team of guides, who have decades of experience in the field.
In the rugged and steep terrain with unpredictable weather, she successfully took a 200-yard shot after an hour-long stakeout, securing an impressive red stag among other prized species, including fallow deer, Himalayan tahr, and Arapawa ram that she had dreamed of adding to her trophy record book.
Hunting without boundaries
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, we invite you to join us.
Keep reading our journal entries.
Brian Bailey hunted with Venator New Zealand to pursue world record Red Stags, aiming to break 1000 SCI. Over four methods of harvest – rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzle loader – three new record stags were taken. Venator combines ethical hunting, unparalleled experiences, and sustainable practices for unforgettable adventures.
For over three decades, the Fraser family and Venator have defined record Red Stag hunting in New Zealand. From the historic 1991 pursuit guided by Duncan’s uncle to the 2023 Kings Slam, hunters have achieved world-class trophies using rifle, bow, crossbow, and muzzleloader. Our legacy of record-setting hunts reflects skill, heritage, and the pursuit of unforgettable adventures in some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Mark Peterson, founder of the Outdoor Guardian Fund and WTA, joined Venator in pursuit of the New Zealand Game Bird Grand Slam. Guided by our expert team, he completed the rare challenge across diverse landscapes and species, from pheasant to paradise shelduck. His experience reflects Venator’s passion for world-class hunting, conservation, and the pursuit of excellence in every adventure.