It Began with a Passion Found Later in Life

I started hunting a little later in life. In 2012 I discovered a passion that would change my life in ways I never imagined.

Hunting led me to start a women’s outdoor group here in West Texas, where I could help other women experience the outdoors for themselves. It also led me to begin taking four female veterans on a West Texas whitetail hunt each year, at no cost to them. That hunt has grown into one of my favorite times of the year. The friendships, the laughter, and chance to share something I love means so much to me.

And then there was Africa.

Hunting South Africa had always been a dream, though I wasn’t sure it would ever come true. When it finally did, I got to experience it with my bow in hand. I took a blue wildebeest, an eland, an impala, and a golden wildebeest. Every animal and every day gave me a memory I’ll carry forever.

But this kudu has a story all its own.

We were eight minutes from calling the hunt and heading back to camp to pack for the long journey home. After all those hours waiting, this beautiful bull appeared. I drew my bow, took the shot, and suddenly the dream I’d carried for so long had one last unforgettable moment.

I came home grateful for the hunt of a lifetime. More than that, I came home thinking about where it all began: a woman who found her passion a little later in life and decided to share it. – By Kim Phares