When Zoey, a 15-year-old American teenager, told her parents she wanted to go on an African safari hunt, they were stunned. Hunting wasn’t new to the family — but Africa? For a young girl? It wasn’t something they ever expected to hear.
Like any parents who love their daughter and want her to be safe, they went into full research mode. Hours of reading. Calls. Questions. Comparing outfitters. Weighing safety, ethics, logistics, and trust.
And that’s when they found Richard Katsma at Western Obsessions.
From the very first conversation, they knew they were in good hands.
Guidance from Start to Finish
Richard didn’t just sell them on a hunt — he walked them through every detail of how an African safari should be planned. If you’re wondering what caliber to bring to Africa, that’s just one of many questions Richard helps families answer before they ever board a plane.
He explained:
- What species were realistic and ethical for a hunter Zoey’s age
- Which outfitters were proven, safe, and personally vetted
- How travel, firearms, lodging, and logistics would work
- What to expect on the ground, day by day
- How the process of harvesting, preserving, and shipping animals home worked
Richard handled everything — from choosing the right outfitter to coordinating travel, to making sure the entire experience was seamless. Zoey’s parents quickly realized they weren’t just booking a hunt. They were booking a trusted advocate, someone who understood the weight of the decision and the importance of getting it right.
Arrival in Africa — and Success Within Hours
When Zoey stepped off the plane in Africa, she was nervous but excited. This was her dream — a bold one for someone so young — and she had no idea what to expect.
But Richard did.
He had everything ready. The outfitter. The gear. The lodge. The plan. So much so that within just a few hours of arriving, Zoey was already in the field. And by the end of that very first outing, she harvested her first African animal:
A stunning springbuck — the perfect start to her safari.
It was a moment she will never forget. Her parents were amazed at how smooth and safe the experience had been from the moment she landed.
A Safari of Unforgettable Firsts
The days that followed were nothing short of extraordinary. Guided by world-class professionals and supported by Western Obsessions’ planning, Zoey went on to successfully harvest:
- Zebra
- Springbuck
- Gemsbok
- Kudu
- Black Wildebeest
- Barbary Sheep
Each one was a challenge. Each one was earned. And each one added another layer to an adventure that became far bigger than anyone expected.
If Zoey’s species list has you dreaming, check out our South Africa Kudu Safari Package or the Gemsbok Safari Package — or build your own custom 7-day safari.
“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience” — From a Teenager Who’s Just Getting Started
At the end of the safari, when Richard checked in as he always does, he asked Zoey how she felt about the entire experience. Her answer was simple:
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
And the best part? She’s only in her teens. Her lifetime of adventures is still ahead of her.
Would She Go Again? Absolutely. But Only One Way.
Zoey made one thing very clear after returning home:
She would go again — but only with Richard and Western Obsessions.
Because to her and her parents, the difference was obvious:
- The planning
- The safety
- The preparation
- The quality of outfitters
- The smooth logistics
- The communication
- The experience from the moment she landed to the moment she harvested her last animal
It all came together because a Western Obsessions consultant didn’t just book a hunt — he built a life-changing adventure.
A Story That Shows What Western Obsessions Does Best
For Western Obsessions, it’s never just about the tags filled. It’s about crafting experiences so meaningful that hunters — no matter their age — carry them forever.
Zoey’s journey is proof of that. Want to see what African hunting looks like through our lens? Watch our episodes from Zimbabwe: A Kudu Adventure, Hunting Impala, and Hunting Sable.
If your family is considering a hunt — whether across the country or across the world — and you want the same level of safety, trust, planning, and unforgettable adventure, Richard and the Western Obsessions team are here to make it happen.
Ready to plan your African safari? Browse all of our guided hunts, check out the Western Obsessions shop, or contact us to talk with a consultant today.
