My Account of "Deer Season"

Having just survived my first "true hunting widow season," most of you knew that eventually one of my posts had to be about Deer Season. For others who don't, "why?" You ask? Simple. My soon-to-be-husband is a hunter. Not just any kind of hunter. He's a tried and true, born and bred, lifelong Northeast Wisconsin Hunter who comes from a long line of hunters who have hunted on the same piece of land for generations upon generations.


This is MY account and understanding of Deer Season: Hunting typically starts in the fall with a  variety of season "types," like bow, muzzle and rifle. Bow season starts somewhere in September; Rifle in November; and Muzzle in December - each lasting at least a week going through January. Okay, so if you're still following along, hunting season spans from September to January. And oh, mix in bear, turkey and partridge hunting seasons somewhere in between that time frame too. 

 He looks so proud!

Fortunately for me, I really only have to focus on deer season, and specifically rifle season. In Wisconsin, it starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and lasts 8 days. In the UP (or Upper Peninsula Michigan), it starts on November 15 and lasts 15 days. Of course, Rob hunts in the UP. 


I figured 15 days without him around wouldn't be too bad. It's his time to "Ar, Ar, Ar!" Go sit in the freezing cold on a log somewhere in the middle of the woods for hours on end. Waiting for something to go by and sometimes not see anything at all for days! Uh, not for me! 

15 days of him not being around, so I can do my "hunting widow" thing, which means a lot of women-bonding, shopping, cleaning or redecorating for some. I, adapting quickly to my role, and started doing the same including the tradition of a girls' dinner with the other hunting widows from Rob's family.

I keep saying 15 because well, that's how long hunting season is "suppose" to last. When we lived in Phoenix, it was no problem... he'd do whatever to prepare, I dropped him off at the aiport *kiss, kiss, hug* and then about a week later, I'd pick him up and proceeded to listen to his "hunting stories" until he was tired of talking - or I was tired of listening. ^_^

Fast forward to 2010, we now live in Wisconsin, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from hunting camp. Remember that 15 days? Now "hunting season" lasts A LOT more than that. Not only does it include the actual "season," but there's the shopping for supplies, preparing for the trip, setting up camp, putting up deer stands and oh yeah, the mounds and mounds of laundry done in "special, non-scented" detergent. My god there was A LOT of laundry, both before and after!!

It was a good season.

This blog isn't a slam on hunting, it's simply my account of how long hunting season truly last. I would never complain and embrace it because It's cultural aspect of this region that's been seeded for generations, but COME ON... when they say 15 days..... I say, uh... yeah right! I guess the good thing that comes out of all this prepping, working and waiting.... venison summer sausage and brats. YUM!