You’ve heard the saying, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” Well, I know several hunting wives who have done just that—they’ve joined their husbands in the hunt. Some did it just so they could spend time with their husband during hunting season, and now those women are just as into it … and they’re really good at it too!
If this is you, go on girl! Get out there and rock it!
But what about those of us who don’t have any interest in hunting? Is it unreasonable to think we can spend time with our husbands during hunting season?
If you’re not one to join your husband in the hunt, it may appear on the surface that you’re left with only two options:
Option 1: Nag him until he changes his mind and stays home, or at least agrees to not hunt nearly as much.
If you’ve tried this option, you know firsthand that it doesn’t work!
Nagging him to give up what he loves only drives him to spend more time hunting in order to escape the nagging. Or if he reluctantly agrees to hunt less, his time at home won’t be what you anticipated…
Sure, he’ll be at home, but he’ll be wishing he were hunting and festering about the fact that he’s missing out. And this may lead to resentment toward you for making him give it up.
Option 2: Accept the fact that you won’t see him very much, if at all, and try to make the best of it.
Many hunting wives find themselves in this boat because they don’t know of any other way.
But here’s the thing … there’s actually a secret option 3:
Option 3: Join him … but not for the hunt.
For those who don’t want to hunt, you can join him for parts of the hunt that you’re comfortable with.
Trust me—there are plenty of things within the vast world of hunting that you would not only be comfortable with, but actually enjoy. And not because it’s tied to hunting, but because you’re doing something together, with your hubby.
Let me give you some examples.
Here are ten ways you can spend time with your husband during hunting season…
1. Join the Prep
Tag along as your husband does prep work for the season. This can include lots of different activities like surveying a new property, checking and moving the game cameras, or going along with him as he sets up tree stands.
You’re basically just going on a hike in the woods at that point, which is the hunting wives’ equivalent of “taking a stroll in the park.” And that definitely qualifies as a date, right?
Hey, our date nights may look a little different from other people, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun!
2. Go Scouting
While scouting is part of the prep work, this one deserves a category all on its own. Because if you’re not one to trek around in the woods, maybe you’re up for a drive.
While my husband and I were still dating, he once asked if I wanted to go for a drive. “Sure!” I said, thinking he just wanted to spend time together. But it wasn’t until halfway through our little outing that I realized … we were scouting!
I’ll be honest, initially I was let down. But I have to admit I was having a lot of fun before I realized what we were doing.
We talked, laughed, joked around, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. It was definitely a date, and a great one at that.
3. Attend Deer Camp
Even if you don’t hunt, why not accompany your husband at deer camp? Unless it’s a guys-only kind of thing or space is limited, you could always use deer camp as a little retreat.
When he’s taking a break or gearing down for the night, use those brief moments to hang out at camp. Then when he’s gone, read a book, do a puzzle, spend time on your craft, or simply take advantage of the peace and quiet in a remote location.
4. Track the Animal
After your husband takes the shot, ask him to call you when it’s time to begin tracking. Some blood trails are really tough to follow, and he could use a second set of eyes.
Plus, who doesn’t like a good mystery to solve? It’s a great way to get in on the excitement!
5. Talk About Hunting … Occasionally
If hunting has become a sore subject in your home, talking about hunting may not sound appealing to you. But if hunting is what’s on your hubbies mind, then one way to connect with him during the season is to be willing to talk about it. Not all the time, but occasionally.
If you’re thinking, “Hunting is all he talks about! So how is this any different than what I already do?” Well, just hear me out…
The difference here is engaging with him during the conversation and looking for the parts that you find interesting.
Instead of passively listening (or even tuning him out altogether), try to get into it as you’re listening to his story. It’s not about being interested in hunting; it’s about being interested in him. And when you can relate to him on something he believes is so important, it can lead to some really good quality time.
6. Brainstorm Solutions
If your husband isn’t having success in the field, you just might be the one who can help.
As he shares his struggles, you can help him problem-solve by sharing any ideas that come to mind. You don’t have to be a hunter to help him think outside of the box or brainstorm solutions he may not have considered yet.
Need some proof? Here’s a great example of a hunting wife who made a suggestion to her hubby that led to him landing a giant buck. She wasn’t a hunter, but she had an idea and offered to help. She ended up getting really into it and had some fun in the process.
7. Process the Animal
If you don’t take your animal to a processor, this is certainly something you and your hubby can do together. Play some music in the background, form an assembly line, and chat with one another while you’re getting the work done.
Are both of you competitive? Turn it into a friendly competition by giving each person an equal portion (like a hind quarter for each person) and see who can process their section with the least amount of waste first.
8. Send Messages
One great thing about technology is that it gives us the ability to stay connected even at great distances. So, use it to your advantage … not just to communicate, but to connect.
Send him a picture of something that made you laugh. Record a short video clip of the kids being silly. Remind him of a special memory you have as a couple. Let him know you’re cheering him on. He may not respond right away, but you’re still spending time together in those brief moments of contact.
Oh, and if his response is a picture of the sunset from the tree stand, that just might be his way of bringing you into that stand with him so you can watch the sunset together.
9. Watch the Weather
If your hubby watches the weather to know when it will be the best time to hunt, you can watch the weather to know when it will be the worst time to hunt. Maybe it’s when the temperatures are too warm or when it’s going to be pouring down rain—it just depends on what he’s hunting.
And if you don’t know, ask him! He’ll tell you.
Then take advantage of the times he’s not able to hunt because the weather isn’t cooperating. It may be a last-minute ordeal, but hey, you can be spontaneous! And this is coming from the Chief of Type A’s over here, so if I can do it, you can too.
10. Go to the Range
At some point—either prior to or during hunting season—your hubby will need to spend some time at the range (or perhaps in your back pasture) either sighting in his gun, shooting his bow, or prepping his weapon in some form or fashion.
If you’re not comfortable with a firearm, this is a great time to learn with your hubby as your instructor. Or if you’re spending time at the range anyway so he can sight in his rifle, set aside 20 minutes to shoot some clay birds together.
If your husband is an archery hunter but you’re unable to draw back on his bow, you can be the one to call the shots he has to make. Or, the two of you can walk down to the targets to retrieve the arrows together.
Whatever you decide to do, just make it fun!
I’m telling you … it is possible to spend time with your hubby during hunting season. You just have to be creative.
So, take a few minutes, think about all the tasks surrounding hunting that you’re open to being a part of, and let your husband know what you have in mind. If you’re unsure you’ll like it, give it a try anyway. You might surprise yourself and end up enjoying it.
And just one last thought…
No matter what you decide to do, be sure to show up with a good attitude. Have a good time together as you’re working shoulder-to-shoulder, and do your best to remain open-minded as you step into his hunting world.
It’s likely you’ll learn a thing or two, and even more likely that you’ll end your time together with a greater appreciation and admiration for each other.
How do you spend time with your husband during hunting season? Comment below.
Shared By: Jackie Bednara
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