I Wanted Something Meaningful

I never thought I would get into hunting, but after meeting Joy Campbell from New Zealand Trophy Hunting, I finally decided to give it a go. I wanted a rug for my new beach house, a rug that had meaning, not just something from the store. Joy did everything she could to make this bucket list item a reality. It was a last-minute decision and off we went.

I had only fired a gun once in my life before and I was nervous as hell that I had no chance. Joy made me feel very comfortable explaining I needed to be in front as I had the rifle. We spotted some deer. Joy said, “Let’s go!” We headed down the rocky hill towards the animals as quietly as we could. We found some fallow deer in the bushes next to us, and they took off. When we found another deer, approximately 150 yards away, I was seated on the side of the hill. Joy set me up with a good rest for my rifle, but I struggled to see through the scope. No shot possible.

The pressure was on, but Joy calmly guided me and assured me that we would find another deer. Then I saw a white fallow deer, and I got super excited. Joy had shown me photos of white fallow deer, and I really wanted one. Now the adrenaline was pumping. I started shaking, but I’m unsure if it was from the cold or the excitement. Joy had instructed when we first went out that when I was ready to shoot to hold my breath, focus and keep my eyes open at all times so that I would know where I had shot. I was ready! Seeing the white fallow deer in the scope, I took a breath and the deer moved behind a bush. I was devastated, thinking, “This was it. I missed my chance!”

But Joy was so calm and whispered to move my rifle to the other side of the bush and keep watching, as the fallow would come out. So, I did, and just like she said, the fallow deer came out. I held my breath and fired. I was so full of emotions! I had actually done it. I had gotten the animal on my bucket list. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before, and I couldn’t wait to tell my dad!

Joy then scoured the big mountain to get my animal for me and gut it. I helped carry it out, and I couldn’t be happier! Joy is a one-of-a-kind woman! When it comes to hunting, she is very experienced and knows what she is doing. She makes you feel really comfortable and gives you the confidence to achieve your bucket list dreams! – Tamara Atherton