Work or Woods? Where Are You This Monday?

If you’re from Michigan, either you deer hunt or you know someone who does. It’s that time of year – hunting season. There are several types of people I know who enjoy this time of the year.

Some people say this is their favorite time of year; they go out in the woods and just sit, waiting for anything to walk by. Yep, that’s it, with no intention of shooting, just to soak up the pure beauty of nature. Listen to the silence of the wilderness, the sound of the birds and animals as they scamper, storing food for the cold months ahead.

The second group of people I know are the avid hunters. They are out there to provide for themselves and their families; returning to the natural self, foraging for their own food. This group of people look forward to using their venison to make a variety of meals, soups, stews, chili’s, sausage, and jerkies. They have a whole book of recipes to try.

Then, there are the sport hunters. They are out there looking for the rack, in search of the trophy buck. They gamble with their friends and family, not always for money, but for bragging rights. Who got the first deer this year? Which in the group got the largest deer? Who sat out in his or her blind the longest? Which of the gals or guys didn’t even leave camp this year, but was just there to feel like one of the group?

That leads me to the fourth type of hunter…some of you already know him or her, others will have to think harder about who this could be in your group of friends. They head up to the camp knowing that they won’t even go out. They are there to be a part of the group, to make memories with their friends and family. Some of them are there to cook, others to pass out the cards for the euchre tournament; they are there because it is the only time of the year that they will spend with this special group of friends.

Then, there are those of us who don’t hunt at all, but send our significant others, friends, and family off into the woods. Yes, some of us are referred to as hunting widows. Year after year, every November, the hunters bundle up and head out to the woods; and we, curl up on the couch with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa or glass of wine.

There are plenty of people who will pass each day like the rest, heading to work, or completing tasks at home; regardless of who is where in the woods. However, most of the hunting widows or widowers I know will use this time as an excuse to go to the show with a friend they haven’t seen in a while, or head to the mall to get started on some holiday shopping.

Regardless of which group you fall into, it is true that you fall into one of them and know another who may fit into another. You see, our activities complete us, they draw us closer together, build a sense of belonging. Regardless of your place this year, please watch for the hunters and the deer who are moving through the woods and across busy roads and highways.

Have an absolutely marvelous Monday!