Deer Hunting - Not just for men anymore!
If someone would’ve asked me 10 years ago if I ever thought I’d be into deer hunting like I am now, I’d have told them they were crazy. Growing up, nobody in my family was ever into deer hunting and although I’ve always loved the outdoors, I never once had an inkling to do it myself. But, here I am. I now have my own gear including camo hunting pants and shirts designed for a variety of weather, I have thermals for those freezing cold mornings, I have a fantastic pair of boots that shield me from water and snow, and I even have my own rifle. Well, it’s on loan to me from my husband until I get my own, but technically, it’s “mine.”
My husband has been deer hunting ever since he was a little boy and it was just something that I became interested in shortly after we started dating. He gave me all kinds of information and taught me the basics of what I’d need to know. He invited me out deer hunting with him on a few occasions and it didn’t take long before I wanted to do more than just sit there with him. Before I knew it, I was going out on my very first hunt.
I’ll never forget that brisk winter morning and the layer of snow that was on the ground which made it a perfect day for deer hunting. I’ll always remember the excitement I felt when I took my first shot on a doe and how ecstatic I was when my husband took one shortly after I did. Deer hunting isn’t for everyone and it’s something I’ve learned to appreciate, respect and love. I look forward to the season every year with anticipation and excitement for that very first day out in the woods. I’m to the point now that we don’t even have to see anything while we’re out, just being there is enough for me. I love the heads that turn when someone looks at me, especially other male hunters, in disbelief that I’m a hunter. I’ve only ever hunted deer and small game, but my dream is to go west someday and trophy hunt game such as elk, moose and caribou.
It’s difficult for me to even begin to describe how I felt the very first time I was deer hunting but I know it’s a feeling unlike any other. The emotions of that day alone will be with me forever and I fortunately get to add more amazing memories each and every time I go out. I enjoy deer hunting because not only is it always a wonderful time that my husband and I get to spend together, but because I get to appreciate being outdoors and experiencing nature and the woods in a way that is unappreciated unless you’ve been deer hunting yourself. I already can’t wait for opening day again this year!