In the last few years, in my 50’s, I went hunting with my husband and instantly became addicted. My whole life hunting was all around me but it was never something I could find the time to do and never had the real desire to actually hunt.
I raised 3 boys, all them avid hunters growing up, so the Mom in me would either stay at camp/home and cook for the crew out hunting or I would take advantage of a few hours alone to catch up on cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, etc.
The few times I went, sitting there freezing and bored, all I could think of was 100 things at home that needed to be done for the week to keep us organized and on schedule. We stayed busy with baseball, basketball, school activities and other outings. Plus I worked full-time, so there was no such thing as spare-time around our house.
Therefore, there were never enough hours in the week to get it all done. I felt like I could serve them better at home keeping our everyday life running smoothly. Most importantly, I loved seeing the boys spending quality time with their dads in the woods and the joy it brought to them.
It built a common bond with them that they will never forget; being divorced, this meant the world to me. It was the one thing they did with dad and dad alone which served its purpose well and proved to be time well spent and memorable for them all.
When my Husband Ron asked me to go hunting, I was game to go, not expecting to fall to the fever. He took me to a high fence Management area and we hunted the whole day. Something sparked in my soul. He killed an Axis Deer that day and I was beyond excited and left in awe.
Two weeks later, we went back so I could actually hunt one for myself. It was an exhilarating experience. I had not even shot a gun in 20 plus years, but I was determined to try. It was like riding a bicycle that I could handle just fine.
Ron was skeptical (so was I, to be brutally honest), but after hours of hunting that moment came and there he was, this big Antlered Axis deer right in my scope and BAM, I did it. Brown down, first shot! I could not have been happier or more excited. I think my husband was quite surprised that I pulled it off seamlessly (so was I) and he was even more excited than I was.
The first thing I did was text pictures to my sons, shaking like a leaf, I couldn’t get the photos out fast enough. After all the years of them hunting and me being at home cheering them on, excited to hear about their adventure when they got home, I wanted them to see I learned something from them and their years of hunting stories. An experience I will never forget!
For the last 3 years, Ron & I have been hunting on our lease property in Georgia. The High fence experience got me hooked but now I am determined to find success in the open range. I am patiently waiting on that big shooter buck to walk in my path. In the meantime, I will just enjoy the time spent with my husband in the woods absorbing everything God has created.
At 55, I now appreciate every bird and every peaceful sound the great outdoors bring. I spend quality time talking to God and watching the wildlife frolic around me. 2 weeks ago, I watched two yearlings play with each other for 30 minutes, it was incredible to see. I love nothing more than watching the cardinals appear and flutter around me as I look diligently for other wildlife to watch in their natural habitat; very relaxing and peaceful!
I have so much respect for hunting and it has proven to be a positive influence on my life in many ways. Its first impression is dear to my heart; it built long-lasting memories and relationships for my sons with their dads and you can’t beat that.
Personally, I am facing my life long fear of heights and I have been able to somewhat climb and sit in a tree stand and not be scared out of my mind. I am building confidence and facing my fears every time I hunt. I am feeling more and more comfortable navigating my way through the woods alone and most importantly I am growing my relationship with God in ways like never before.
I spend time admiring his creations and quiet time reading his word while patiently waiting. I am trying to appreciate “The Sound of Silence” and turn negative thoughts into positive ones. This is where I find it easiest to connect with God on a personal level and learn to trust him with everything and best absorb how he is directing my steps.
Look at the Birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26
On a lighter note, Hunting with Ron is an adventure in itself and at times is quite comical. I would have to title it “The Misfit Adventures of Hunting with the Gaylord’s”. Our camper leaked on the coldest night in Georgia, our bed was soaked, the furnace wouldn’t work, and the camper was freezing and wet.
It wasn’t pleasant, but we will chalk that up to a bonding moment between us, and a good laugh anyway! Hunting in the cold rain isn’t as fun or comfortable, but next time that happens, I will leave Ron in the camper. Let’s just say he wasn’t a happy camper!
I must add that I am not a fan of the cold either, however, I can say the one and only time I appreciate “hot flashes” is while I am freezing in the woods. They sure prove to be delightful and welcomed lol.
See there is an advantage to being a mid-life woman hunter.
I love our trail cameras, and it is a riot to hear Ron when the big Bucks show up on the camera just when we get back to camp or he gets up in the middle of the night to see countless deer on the cameras right at the feeders after we sat several hours patiently waiting. All in all, great fun, bonding and laughter that equal treasured moments with the Hubby!
Buying stuff to better your hunt can be expensive. We have used countless products and gear and have eliminated the stuff that didn’t work or was not worth the investment. Here are a few of our favorite things to help save you time and money on items that just don’t make a difference. I have found the best pricing on Amazon and with My Prime membership, the savings are awesome!
I absolutely love my Primios ground blind. It is lightweight, easy for me to carry and set-up by myself and roomy with excellent views and angles. Perfect for women hunters, it’s awesome!
I recently added the Sniper Seat 360 to my blind to make it more comfortable, and most importantly, to stabilize my rifle for better, easier shooting.
I swear by “The Can” by Primos, bleats call. It is so easy to use, sits quietly in a pocket and has an authentic tone. Last but not least, Veil Camo is my newest addition and I absolutely love it! It’s comfortable, cozy, warm and has many zipper pockets in just the right places. The pattern is awesome too!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
And to all of you Women who hunt, Brown Down, Girlfriend! Happy Hunting!
Please share your hunting pictures and stories with me, I welcome them!
