Hunting Solo? Female...
 

Hi --

It's opening day deer here and I'm sitting here in gobs of sad because I'm not out there. I'm a recent widow of a bow hunter. I'm rifle. I live rural -- within miles and miles and miles of hill-covered grain fields and rivers/creeks. This is the first Opening Day in 40 years that I have not participated in. We'd get one deer and one elk every season, add a couple steelhead, and the freezer would be set for the year. 1/3 acre veg and berry garden plus chickens -- and all I need is to plant a cow. lol.

Anyway, as I was always with my husband, this new widow thing is a drag. The wives don't smile at the thought of the widow hunting with their husbands. My female friends -- not a hunter in the group.

My gun-store owning cousin was suppose to be here right now -- from So. Calif -- but he didn't show at the arrived time and well, people.

SOOOOOO -- how many of you hunt deer alone? I am holding myself back from donning cammo and doing my first alone hunt -- 30-08 and 22 are both sighted and ready.

Safety is on my mind. But so is this itch. :-)

Talk me down? Talk my into it? I dunno. Talk to me! :-)

Heck, maybe I should just go steelheading. <choices. choices>

First, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.
Second, Welcome to the site.
Third, To thine own self be true.

I am of the male gender, with that being said, I hunt and fish alone most all of the time. To me, it seems more productive to my goals most of the time balancing just my own schedule when the opportunity to hit the woods field or river arises.

If you have a passion for hunting and fishing then you need to keep nurturing that to some degree or another. It may take a while for you to find the balance that works best for you, but I am sure you will.
Good Luck to you.

I will say I bet there are a few more woman out there that may be in a similar situation as you that would love the chance for the outdoor experience and camaraderie..

I started bow hunting with my Dad at 12, going with him on the lease he was on with several co-workers -- all guys. They never gave me a hard time. In fact, they seemed to really get a kick out of having me there. I got my first deer there, and they may have been happier than I was. As time went by, the wives of several of them would join us in camp. Some would gun hunt in season, and a couple started bow hunting as well.

In more recent years, I've hunted with my Dad and BIL. This year, I'll be hunting primarily with my brother, although my uncle and cousin will be on the land when gun season starts.

One year Dad, my BIL, and I got on a deer lease in west Texas. Two of the guys on the lease were NOT happy to have me there. They felt they would have to behave differently -- although the only applicable gripe was that they couldn't wear just their bug suits in the hot weather. Dad said he wouldn't want to see them commando, anyway, so they wouldn't have been able to do that, anyway. ;-) They were jerks in general I think, though, because their uncle was cool.

I wouldn't mind going by myself. However, due to health reasons, this isn't really a great idea for me. I also have more fun hunting with someone. It's great to talk about what you saw, possible changes in tactics, and all the things that go with being in deer camp.

I think, as long as you are fit and feel safe on your own, there isn't really a problem of hunting alone as a woman.

Welcome to the site sunshiney. My sister hunts alone allot. If you're comfortable in the woods, and taking care of the game then the only thing you need to worry about is the two legged predators... I strongly suggest women to take a self defense class. I believe in what these classes teach and knowing a few simple defensive things can go a very long way. I'd also suggest concealed carry, depending on the laws in your state. If you're comfortable in the field, and become comfortable with your personal defense, there's no reason you cannot hunt alone.
Another thing you might try ( and this may see weird) but local personal adds for other female hunters in your area that may be looking for some hunting friends. It might be a long shot but may be worth giving a try. You may be able to find someone in a similar situation, or someone who hunts with their spouse and is willing to take you along. Hope this helps, don't lose your passion for the outdoors, just do what you need to in order to adjust and be able to enjoy them.
-Jake

+1

I believe this was extremely well put, and I as well encourage you to continue with your outdoor adventures !!!

:sign0016:

[First, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.
Second, Welcome to the site.
Third, To thine own self be true.

Thanks for the reply. Nice thoughts and appreciate the warmness.

I do fish alone, often, as we have the Snake River and Clearwater 15 minutes from my home. <lucky me!> But it does help to have someone alone for netting if you hook a 20# Steelie.

I think you've convinced me. I am just sooo alone all the time -- no family here and too many deaths -- that the thought of hunting alone for the first time, well, I'm disappointed my cuz didn't make it, and "first time" makes me wonder what I am forgetting.

But, after reading what everyone has posted here, I'm getting ready to go out. Some guy slipped in one of our canyons -- steep granite over river -- a few years back and killed himself.

And the thought of stumbling onto a rare elk in the wheat fields...and trying to get it out even quartered... well... that's on my mind.

I was of the mind that I would find women to hunt with. I was so surprised to discover so many country woman that don't do much outside at all. I know women here who have never slept in a tent or fished and we are surrounded by that opportunity. I'll keep pushing on though -- it's that they're far fewer in number than men.

Wish me luck!

Thanks! I can't stand it -- so I'm getting ready to go. My first solo hunt!

I have concealed but I'm so far from population -- not a freeway for 100 miles -- and we have little incidence of crime here -- so not too worried about the 2-legged type. Thank you for that nice thought, though.

If I am lucky, I'll do a gutless field dress and take the meat only. But if I stumble on a huge one or an elk, well, that's going to take some thinking to get out!

Ok...here I go.....

Just make sure you have a contingency plan. Let SOMEONE that you can trust know your plans. It doesn't matter if it's just someone at your local fire hall or police station.

And Good Luck!

Spend some time in "town" talking to folks.

Breakfast place, general store, bar; anywhere where "locals" gather - start a conversation !!!

Most country folks can be very hospitable and at the very least helpful..........................

I have a suspicion you'll do just fine.


______________________________________


I think I told you....................

You'll be just fine - Go have some fun !!!

Very sorry and feel for you.
Im male and prefer hunting alone mostly, if its new area then having someone along is always fun.

You know, if you dont feel up to it, thats ok. But you can always go as a tribute. Whether you harvest one or not, that time in nature, time with God, the creator or whatever you might believe, the spirit of those we've lost and cherrish; are always with us and perhaps a hunt would be one more way of paying tribute, showing your love, while also moving forward and still doing something you love? Its just a thought. But then again, as i mentioned, if you don't feel ready, don't.

but never stop living the passion, enjoy nature. everyday in the bush is time well spent!

I hunt alone almost all the time. My father who was my hunting buddy my entire life passed away in 2013. I can't bring myself to share my woods time with anyone else, so I venture out solo now.

Well Sunshine, If you don't care to share, how did things go for you?

Haven't hunted yet this year. Will go to CO in DEC to fill 2 doe tags. But last year I took the following all on solo jaunts:












So, do you have some sort of issue with the fact I'd rather enjoy my own company when hunting? Because if you do, too bad. You hunt your way and I'll thank you to allow me to hunt my way. Can you do that?

TFF,...
flags, there are a lot of things I don't know or really care to know about.
Take a look at the OP's forum name and then re-READ my post again. If that doesn't straighten anything out for you then so be it.

Flags can be overly sensitive :poke:
-Jake

What are the birds in the pictures flags? and is that a .22 you hunt them with?
-Jake

I did read the OP's name. But when your post immediately follows mine and uses some of the same words as mine then I take it as directed towards me. Note the word "share" was never in her post but it was in mine so I took your comment as a shot towards me. If I took it wrong I publicly apologize.

They are blue grouse, also known as dusky grouse. I use an old Rem 22 pump I inherited from my grandfather on them. I try to take a half dozen or so every time I'm back in CO and the season is open.

Ya , well you took it wrong,
and no apology neccesary

I prefer hunting alone, but it sure is nice to have some help on call. Most times things are fine, but stuff happens. Like you shoot something to heavy to lift. Or whatever you are shooting at jumps just as you shoot, ends up wounded and it is getting dark fast. The bulb on that flashlight that has never failed you picks that moment to crap out.

To have somebody on call is wise. Stumbling around the woods in the dark can be flat dangerous. I always carry a map and a compass with an illuminated dial. It really doesn't take a giant forest to get lost in.

Few real hunters will say no when you call in the middle of the night, even just the acquaintances. Most have been there done that.

They are blue grouse, also known as dusky grouse. I use an old Rem 22 pump I inherited from my grandfather on them. I try to take a half dozen or so every time I'm back in CO and the season is open.[/QUOTE]

They look like they'd be fun hunting, nice sized bird. Are they mainly out on the prairies? I don't recall seeing them when I've been in Colorado, but I've spent all my time there in the mountains. Alright, back to the regularly scheduled programming.
-Jake

They are fun. They are a bird of the mountains. You find them mostly where the pines and aspens merge and there are clearings. Not a very spooky bird since not a lot of people hunt them. But they sure are tasty. I like to keep some in the freezer ready to go.

Is this one? If so, I have seen them, just didn't realize what it was I was taking pictures of.
-Jake

Like Flags said they are a mountain bird, size wise they are about halfway between a Ruffled grouse and a pheasant. Here in Idaho they seem to really like to hang out on the edges of timbered canyons. Fun to hunt, but when they flush in canyon area like that and you shoot them 40 yards out or so it can be some pretty straight up and down retrievals, lol.

I hunt alone. The last remaining one in a group of 6 at our UP Mich. deer camp.
My last remaining partner passed in 2005, I invited a couple of guys to go in 2006 and little did I know they were lazy slugs. I now just go it alone. I carry my cell phone with me in the field so I can call if I get in trouble and need help. I also keep my old GPS handy and I no longer push beyond boundary's I know well.

About all I miss is sitting around in the evening talking about old times with old friends. Not to mention all the little tricks pulled on one another in the morning too.

I still have a group I hang out with and coyote hunt with off and on but not for any thing else.

:D Al

Those are ptarmigan. Blue grouse are more of a greyish blue and they will be a little bigger.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

But I'm glad to see you have decided to get out there and do it. Please come back and let us know how you did.

I'm quite a bit older than my wife, so this is a situation we have openly discussed and for which we have prepared.

I can see how the other gals aren't happy about the idea of you hunting with their husbands, but maybe they wouldn't mind if one of the guys helped you drag back your kill. I don't know about the terrain there, but maybe you could get one of those ATVs for the dragging. I would see that as your biggest problem.

Turn it around
 

Sun Shiney, where do you live? Surely there must be someone to hunt with you. At least one girlfriend who secretly has the itch to try it. I would love to make some new hunting friends. I can't believe there are no other hunters who would like a new hunting buddy. If not, piss on'em. Go get you one. I truly hope it turns around for you and I wish you good luck.

I think I told you.................... you'll be just fine.

Go out and have some fun !!! :kt:

Our sports men club has a group of ladies who hunt. It is a pretty big group but they all don't hunt the same things or way. Splinter groups are bow deer hunters, another group are squirrel small game hunters and yet another has dogs and chase coons all night long.
They even sponcer a coyote hunting contest in January with prizes for the biggest and most coyotes a person brings in in 24 hours.

:D Al

Change -Affects men as well as women
 

Do something the same way for a long time -some less than ten years- and it gets hard to accept change.
Saw it with men when they lost their tennage hunting buddies. Some move away; you moved, marriage changed some.

I would have quit thirty years ago if I absolutely needed buddies.
Had one relative quit who lost his buddies, and the farm they use to hunt. His children were all raised and away. He couldn't take to change.
Saw it with a fishing hole. Fellows were there every week. Got over an injury, so I started looking for new places. Old place would eventually change and be gone.
Went back two year later. The fishing hole had changed. All were gone. I moved on to the new areas on the river I had found. They just left.
Change, it usually comes to everyone.

Wonder how this story turned out?

Were you at, most of us guys do'nt mind hunting with you gals, your well come.

Sorry about Your loss Sun Shine,as several stated Go out and try Hunting by Yourself ...Your In my prayers,hoping You find the Courage or a Hunting Partner that Loves Hunting too?Let Us know how things are working out for You!Concerned Fellow Hunter in Missouri!

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

As far as hunting alone goes, I do it all the time. None of my friends like to hunt, and sometimes I just want to go out with someone, but other times its very soothing to go out, watch the sunset/rise. Not only that but you can have the best scent control ever, and if the person you're with just smoked a cigarette, they can bring you down if the wind isn't right, or shifts. It depends on what you enjoy the most about hunting. The social aspect or the thrill of it all. But if you just enjoy the sport, you should just make yourself get up and go.

And not to get all weird, but it sounds like he would want you to continue doing it if you love it. GOOD LUCK!