The Hunting Season Survival Guide for Spouses: 5 Fun and Practical Tips

Whitetail buck

Several years ago I met a wonderful man with an addiction - hunting. If this man wasn’t actively in the woods hunting in his free time, then he was watching a show on hunting, or reading and researching more about hunting. He loves buying cute matching sets in camo, and he has a separate closet in the house just to hold some (not all) of his hunting gear. While he participates in a variety of hunting activities, this man talks about deer season all year long. He’s always watching and plotting to get the elusive “big buck.” 

In loving and eventually marrying this man, I learned so much about this way of life. I’ve been able to enjoy the spoils and learned that venison chili might truly be the best chili in the world. I appreciate the way that this community is dedicated to land and animal conservation. With programs like Hunters For The Hungry, I know hunters can do their part to keep the deer from overpopulation while still respecting the animals' lives and feeding their neighbors. 

While I can appreciate all of this, I also know that I’m not personally interested in picking up a rifle or a bow. Instead, I appreciate when Rives disappears into the woods and finds the time as a way to get back to myself. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make sure we both enjoy hunting season when the rut hits. 

Embrace being a Widow of the Woods (Temporarily and Within Reason)

Communication, communication, communication. Understanding when, where, and what’s happening with your partner is always important, but I’d argue it’s particularly important when your partner is disappearing for hours at a time if not overnight. Prior to hunting season even starting, it’s helpful to know generally what they’re hoping to do that season and how it fits into both of your plans for the next few months. 

Sometimes life doesn’t have enough free time or space to allow for as much if any hunting for your partner and, unfortunately, that’s just the reality. But it’s best if you can work together to find the space for your partner to get out in the woods. Set the timeframe for both the start and the stop, so you’ll know when it’s time to come back out of your hunter’s widow era.   

Feast On The Meat In Your Freezer Before Adding More

Venison Chop

Deer season means you’ll likely have more meat to add to the freezer. Assess what deer meat you have left from last season in the month leading up to the start of the new season. It might be time to throw a backyard BBQ with venison burgers, or maybe you have some family who’d love to take a little meat off your hands. You just want to be sure to create a little space prior to loading in more meat. Bonus tip: assess what was eaten fastest last year (venison sausage, steaks, or ground?), and consider “ordering” more of that particular style in the new season. 

Agree On The Gear Organization

Hunting is the kind of hobby that requires a lot of things. Whether it’s outfits, cameras, arrows, tents, coolers, or so much more, it all helps out your hunter with getting to their end goal. While it’s all well and good that they need these things, it’s not okay when it suddenly takes over your house and disrupts your flow during hunting season. 

Prior to the start of the season, talk with your hunter on where you’re okay with their equipment landing. It might also be good to set timeframes. For example, maybe you’re okay with the puffy hunting jacket sitting by the front door with his boots for the weekend when he’s using it regularly, but it all needs to be put in the closet during the week when it’s not being used. 

Enjoy The Full Control Of The Remote 

When hunting season hits and Rives leaves me to my own devices, I revert back to my old single lady days. I’m watching every show and movie that Rives says no to. Considering deer season starts around the same time as spooky season, it’s perfect. Practical Magic? Watched it. The new M. Knight Shyamalan movie, Trap? Fell for it. Did I watch the first 10 minutes of both Gossip Girl and Gilmore Girls before deciding I wasn’t in the mood for either and moving on? Absolutely, and I didn’t feel bad about it. 

Whether murder mysteries or reality TV are your go-to, this time during hunting season is a great opportunity to enjoy watching whatever you’re in the mood for without compromise. And in reality, it’s not just about the remote. Enjoy life for a bit without consideration of your partner. That dish that they’re not a fan of? Enjoy it! Are you a night owl while they’re a morning dove? Stay up late and sleep in! Hunting is the kind of hobby that gives you, as the partner, the space to enjoy this.   

Celebrate The End Of The Season Together

Once deer season wraps, take a minute to celebrate the hunt and come back together. Whether that’s by feasting on the latest spoils of the season or (if you’re tired of venison by that point) maybe a fancy dinner out on the town. Take a minute to reconnect with your partner and reset to your normal routine. 

There are so many different ways to enjoy this season while your loved one follows their passion. I think it’s important to both create space for them to take their time in the woods and for you to take care of yourself and enjoy this time as well.