How One Hunt Inspired a Woman to Start Her Own Business

In June 2023 my family took our first trip to South Africa for an epic hunt with Doornrivier Safaris. I went as an observer, excited for the opportunity to take photos of wildlife and record my family’s hunts. I grew up around hunting my whole life, but never had the interest to hunt myself. That was until I experienced spot-and-stalk hunting in the Great Karoo plains of South Africa and realized how exciting it was. I decided to toss my hat in the ring and join the fun.

My parents, our Professional Hunter William, and I stalked up on a herd of impala, and we spotted a beautiful ram with them. I took my shot at 206 meters, and he dropped in his tracks. This was an incredibly special moment for me to take my first-ever animal in South Africa. I enjoyed our entire trip immensely and fell in love with hunting. So much so, that I decided to join the outdoor and wildlife industry with my own business. I founded 206 Media, LLC: Outdoor and Wildlife Photography and Videography services, naming it after the distance on my first-ever shot at an animal.

I was fortunate enough to return to South Africa this year for two months to work with Doornrivier Safaris again as a videographer for their hunts. And now I am traveling all over the US working with outfitters to capture more epic hunting experiences, from mule deer to sandhill cranes. I am extremely grateful that I could start my own business and do what I love as a photographer in the great outdoors. And it’s all because of an impala. – Catherine Rennell

Editor’s Note: Enter SCI’s Women Go Hunting Awards Challenge by submitting a photo of any animal you have harvested. The Challenge runs through December 31. Ten women will win $100 gift cards for clothing and gear from Prois Hunting. And don’t miss the Women Go Hunting Ladies Mix & Mingle held during the SCI Convention on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Register for Convention at convention.safariclub.org. To learn more about Women Go Hunting, where we celebrate the hunting accomplishments of all women, go to safariclub.org/get-involved/women-go-hunting.