Growing up, like most young girls, hunting was not at all on my radar. My dad hunted a few times when I was very young and had some limited success. But it was more of a social hobby than a lifestyle for him. My interest and knowledge of the sport was miniscule to say the least. When I moved to Colorado after college I met my husband and I was thrown head first into the world of hunting. My husband, his father and his brother own a traditional archery shop called Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear (You can check it out here https://rmsgear.com). My husband grew up hunting everything; pheasant, ducks, grouse, goose, turkey, bear, mountain lion, deer, elk, moose… basically anything you can legally hunt, he did. It’s a lifestyle and a passion for him. I often joked that the only thing I could possibly be jealous of in our relationship is a bull elk bugling in September.
As you can imagine, as soon as we started dating, hunting quickly became a passion of mine too. Within the first year I had a brand new bow in my hand and was enthralled with all things traditional archery. Yup, you read that right, traditional archery. I use a recurve bow as my primary weapon of choice. It takes considerable time and dedication to learn, but let me tell ya, it’s a fun and addictive sport.
Hunting is a passion that connects me deeply with God’s creation, offering an exhilarating escape from the hustle and stresses of everyday life. The thrill of tracking wildlife through serene landscapes fosters a profound appreciation for the outdoors. Each hunt presents challenges that test my skills, patience, and resilience, making every successful outing incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the camaraderie shared with family and friends strengthens relationships and builds a sense of community, as we exchange stories and experiences around the campfire. The hunt also encourages sustainable practices and respect for wildlife, teaching my children where their food comes from and reinforcing the importance of conservation. Overall, hunting is not just a hobby; it is a fulfilling blend of adventure, skill, and connection to the natural world.
Each year we have been blessed by my husband who is able to “bring home the meat” literally! I haven’t had to buy beef from the store in over a decade. Our freezers, yes we have multiple, are packed full of the most organic all natural protein on the planet! We use every scrap we possibly can from each animal right down to the bones and give thanks to God for each and every sacrifice.
As of this date that I am writing this I have taken a few turkey, a few deer, and a moose with my bow. I also have taken one bull elk. However, I used a rifle during that specific hunt as I was seven weeks postpartum with my second daughter and did not have sufficient time to train and be proficient enough with my bow. In this portion of the blog I will share stories of my personal hunting experiences, how we hunt, process, package, and use the meat. As well as recipes we love, and tools and equipment we use.
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