More Than a Trophy

PH Journals

Carbon Score: 5

We’re taught that a trophy is measured in inches—a number in a record book. But what if a trophy meant something deeper? In this episode, I return to the land that shaped me—the Chris Hani District, a place I’m proud to call home. My first-ever hunt, a blesbok with my father, was a memory I thought would be the first of many. I never imagined it would also be our last. Now, every time I lace up my boots, that memory walks with me. This time, I head out with my bow to assist my friend Koot Prinsloo from Langside Meats in managing local blesbok numbers. But what began as a routine management hunt quickly turned into a journey of patience, reflection, and quiet resilience. After a challenging first day and a missed opportunity at 40 yards, I had to step back and refocus. On day two, everything changed. A dark-colored blesbok—almost resembling a Bontebok—stepped into the frame. A rare animal. A rare moment. This isn’t a story about inches. It’s a story about memories, moments, and meaning—a reminder of why we hunt and what we carry with us long after the shot.

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