Cody Piestrak had a once in a lifetime opportunity- twice. If you are not a hunter, you may not understand nor appreciate Cody’s adventure. However, his exploits are far from ordinary and are a great topic of interest, especially if you are an avid hunter. Cody, a junior, had the unique opportunity of traveling to a different continent to pursue a sport he loves, hunting. Instead of the customary small game such as squirrel or rabbit, Cody trekked through the grasslands of Africa to hunt zebra and waterbuck. The purpose of hunting in Africa was not simply to find elusive exotic game, but to be enlightened by the African culture in its entirety.

Cody started hunting when he was seven years old, and it instantly became his favorite hobby. He went two years without any rewards from his endeavors, but the pure exhilaration was enough to keep him coming back. When he was nine years old, Cody got his first buck. Shortly after this major achievement, he traveled to Africa for the first time. He returned home two weeks later with an impala and a blesbok, while his dad killed a zebra. This is an exotic and refreshing variation from typical Pennsylvania buck. After speaking to Cody, he described his trip to Africa as his “favorite hunting experience.” Cody realized that not many people have had the privilege of traveling around the world to pursue their favorite activities; therefore, he is extremely grateful that he was able to go.

After continuing hunting in Pennsylvania, he wanted more thrill and a wider variety of species to add to his already impressive and extensive collection. He traveled back to Africa at the age of fourteen. Spending another two weeks there, he came back with extreme zeal! He shot a kudu, a waterbuck, a bush pig, a nyala and another impala, while his brother killed a zebra. In a recent interview with Cody, he stated that he does not have any other exotic trips planned just yet, but he certainly does plan on going back. He truly had the experience of a lifetime that he will cherish forever; however, this is only the beginning of more exciting and truly unique hunting experiences for Cody.