It's the one day of the year that men of all walks of life value like kids do Christmas, it's opening day of deer season here in Missouri and all the boys in my family hunt, some more than others but all four enjoy this time in nature. And today has to be the coldest start to deer season that I can remember but they still go. It's only in the 30's today with a nasty wind that feels like the 20's, but they still go! No deer have been bagged yet but they are out again till dark. It's been a few years since a deer has been taken within our family, I don't know how everyone feels about hunting but it does help control the population plus fill the freezer to help the grocery budget through winter. I don't hunt, never had, not my cup of tea, but I understand why the men do and I wouldn't even try to stop them, if I could!
The girls and I have our own tradition for opening weekend. Our town holds the Christmas Open House tour every year on opening weekend, so we gather together and hit them all, signing up for giveaways, nabbing the free goodies and treats and kindling our mood for the Christmas season with all the pretty decorations and trees, and let me tell you, I'm REALLY in the mood to decorate now! Except due to the cold and high winds today, we didn't make it to all of them, just too cold for us! The boys are brave to stay out in the elements like today, all for the hope of bagging a deer for the freezer.
So today, I'm thankful for their safety in numbers while hunting, and praying that it continues till the season ends. I'm also thankful that I don't have to go, and can stay warm inside with free flowing coffee, my computer and plenty of crafts to keep me busy till they return.
I appreciate it when the men I work with go out deer hunting too. It means so much on my limited budget to have fresh meat in the freezer as they always share with me. They also reap the benefits as I bring them lunch when I make venison stew.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you still had lots of fun at the open houses, even if you didn't get to go to all of them. Our weather will change tomorrow. Warm and rainy today, but will be down in the 30-35 degree range tomorrow. Or so the weatherman says.
I love that picture you posted. So calm and relaxing. Just beautiful. xxoo
Reading your post was like it was me writing it but my hubby has been hunting (archery) here in GA since the Saturday after Labor Day (it is a long season). He has been lucky enough to have gotten 2 deer this year and with him being unemployed it definitely helps out.
ReplyDeleteCheri
My youngest son (21) is on his first deer hunting trip w/ his twin sister's bf and his family in the UP; their yearly guy trip.
ReplyDeleteI'll be asking you for tips, recipes, and how to's if he brings home a deer...
I did pray all day that he's safe and no one shoots him (a Mom's way of thinking...I wasn't worried if he was warm, well fed, etc., though :-)
Take care...until again...
We hunt archery, rifle and black powder mule deer and bear. We hunt to put fresh quality food on the table. And there were times if we didn`t have venison, we didn`t have food to eat. I love venison!
ReplyDeleteI don`t do the black powder. I told hubby a long time ago I`m not shooting anything that shoots flames past my ears! I have had deer tags and hunted with my husband and it`s a time my son and his dad share now. Just love it.
Nice post and great comments!
I forgot to comment on your Open House visits. Wish we had that type of event here. Sounds like so much fun and it really does get me in the holiday spirit reading about it. Thank you!.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, it's been several years since J hunted. I can remember some cold mornings, with snow, in our neck of the woods, opening day. The cold is always good for the season, especially for field dressing.
ReplyDeleteThe last deer, J bagged, was many many many years ago. That day is preserved with a mount, he has in his "lodge" room. He carried that deer, several miles, from the Cuivre River bottoms, home. All alone.
I know families who depend on deer season, to provide food for their tables. Especially this year, with our present economy.
We fully understand the need for keeping the herds controlled. Without a controlled hunting season, the over population could cause the deer to starve to death, for one thing.
Another thing that concerns me is construction within the natural habitat of deer and other animals and birds. We hear about people complaining because they are over run by deer, in the suburbs and they want the "authorities" to "move" the deer away from their homes. "Naturally", it was the home of these beautiful animals, first. With all the growth, it's sad to see deer driven from their homes.
I suppose we have this understanding of the need for hunting season, because we have spent our lifetime, in rural surroundings.
Now, I'll step down from my soap box and say...the very best Summer Sausage, is made from Venison. At least that is our opinion.
Hope your guys had a successful first day.