Spring is a great time to have a baby (I think). You get the summer off to enjoy the new baby, it’s getting warmer and the farmer’s markets come back. But, I am not the only one who is planning to deliver in the next few weeks; many of Maine’s white-tailed does will be joining me in adding to the population. Does will typically give birth in fields and along the tree line where they are comfortable and not in too much stress. As we get out and about more to enjoy the changing seasons, it is vital that we stay away from does that may seem like they are in trouble (they could be pacing or have their tail up) because they are getting ready to fawn and do not need the added stress. The bulk of the fawning will...
Someday, in my dreams, there will be a store full of outdoor clothing. Deer hunting, turkey hunting, fishing… a store full of every possible article of clothing that you could possibly need. Blaze orange, camo, base layers and outter layers… it will all be there. And the best thing about the whole thing – it will be all women’s clothing and NOT pink! I bought my first pieces of camo this spring in preparation of turkey season. Nothing crazy, just a head/neck cover and a long-sleeve shirt. I had to try and figure out what men’s size I would need that would do the trick and be usable next year (while covering the baby bump this season). I think I did it, but if there were women’s sizes, I could have...
Last week, Hubby and I traveled to Unity to the 7th Annual Sportsmen's Conference and Game Dinner and met up with Robin and her family. The dinner raises money for local non-profits and serves game that is usually donated by local hunters, game wardens who take animals that have been poached and the members of the Unity College community. We had everything from elk and bear to togue and beaver. And if you were lucky enough to get tickets to this yearly sold out event, then you were able to enjoy a 5 course meal in addition to the yummy appetizers. I was open to trying anything that would be served - within reason (I won't eat the heart of anything, even when I am not pregnant) and I am happy to report that there...
If you have read this blog for any period of time, you know how much I love deer ticks. As I head out for turkey season in a couple of weeks... how concerned do I need to be about those little blood suckers coming after me? (Rabid, Duck Hunter...) I have the Doctor's ok to wear deet from my knees down and I bet I could spray clothing or a blanket and put it over me... but as I am BRAND new to turkey hunting, I need some help with how prepared I should be.
For 10 years, I have been trained to look for that quarter-sized spot, half way down the crease of the shoulder. That is where I would set my cross hairs and shoot. That one small spot to ensure that the deer I was hunting would die a quick death. The idea that I would have many pellets in a shell and just sort of aim at what I was trying to kill is something I am trying to wrap my mind around. Hubby and I were up at Mom and Dad's for Easter weekend and decided to break out the guns on Saturday afternoon. We were using #6 and #8 shells (I apologize right now for any and all incorrect terminology that I am about to use! I will get it after a while) but will be hunting with #4. Dad has a pump 12 gauge and a break action 12 gauge. The...
A few weeks ago, I was approached about an interview with Elizabeth from Deer Passion (@deerpassion) that would be done on real hunting women. Not the ones who have sponsors and can spend their whole lives making TV shows or promoting themselves, but the women who have full time jobs, families and still find time to get outside and hunt. Here is the link to the interview! She did a great job and writes a great blog so you should check her out anyways! Happy Hunting!
Every time I see or talk to my Dad, we have a check in of local wildlife; have you seen any deer? where where they? how many tracks etc. Dad and I had a roadside chat yesterday as we met on the road and were headed in different directions. The update: lots of tracks near the Sky Condo and he had done some pruning for this fall - we need one more clear shooting lane off at our 1 o'clock to be able to get some good shots along a well traveled deer trail. I asked about any turkeys he had seen because the season starts in just a few weeks. Nada. None in the woods and none behind the house. These buggers are going to make me work to get one of them in May! I say bring it on!! Its a whole new hunting season for a new critter to hunt! If I get...
Somewhere, there is a photo of Dad and I in our matching red and black plaid wool jackets at Christmas. They look like this but red: Although last year, Dad did not wear his wool pants as much, we usually look like twins when we head off into the woods. It's our hunting uniform. So, when I was shopping for baby clothes hangers and I saw a red and black plaid fleece pull over, I had to buy it. Had to. Sure, it is for a 24 month old and I have about 26 months until the baby will fit into it, but it was a small hunting uniform that I needed to buy. To all of you parents out there... what else should I buy? =)
As a 30 year-old woman, it is hard to figure out where I belong in the overall hunting world so that I am taken seriously. Women, and my demographic specifically, are the fastest growing demographic in the hunting world right now. I have been hunting for 10 years and write a few different outdoor blogs about my experiences and in order to keep up with what is happening across the state, I belong to organizations that promote hunting and the outdoors. One of those organizations is the Sportman's Alliance of Maine (SAM). I have been a member for about a year now. Their mission states that: The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine is Maine’s largest sportsman’s organization with 10,000 members and a headquarters in Augusta, ME. SAM is considered...
