Heidi Esau

Maybe you've had the best hunting season you could have dreamed of. Maybe this year hunting has been that needed break from the chaos of our world. Or maybe hunting season has been a grind for you this year, adding frustration to an already difficult year.

I've had both those experiences, but this year has definitely been the latter. I started out with an opportunity on the opening day of bow season at a buck in full velvet; something that has been on my bucket list for a long time. A miscommunication resulted in an arrow flying beautifully right over the deer's back. Then, as often happens, many hunts and many hours were spent and the tag still isn't filled.

If I'm being honest, my hopes and drive started to wane around the time that rifle season rolled around. Historically, rifle season around here could be equated to a rodeo, with many people driving around looking for a buck to shoot, and days filled with the sound of gunshots. If you follow our story at all, you are aware that last year there was also an overzealous road hunter that shot into the bush I was sitting in, and honestly, that memory still leaves me a bit unsettled when it comes to rifle season. I am also a wimp when it comes to cold weather and those fancy boots that say they keep you warm to -40C result in frozen feet at -5C for me.

That being said, there have been some bright spots as well. I find that this year especially, it's crucial to find the good in situations instead of dwelling on the things that haven't gone your way. Troy & I have two young girls aged 4 and 6. In the past few weeks, we have taken them out to the stand quite a few times. When I change my priority to having fun with my kids and introducing them to hunting, the frustration of all the hunts that haven't gone my way fades as I remember why we hunt in the first place. It's not all about shooting a giant buck, it's about spending time outdoors. I am reminded of how very lucky I am that I can take my daughters out for an hour or two to sit in the stand just a short walk from our house, and we can just walk back when the kids, or I, get cold. We are still getting out and getting the kids used to the stand, but not pushing the limits on time and getting so cold that they are miserable and don't want to come out again. My goal was to keep it fun for the kids so they want to keep going back.

One of the big lessons on the year was to really respect the hunters out there self-filming. Not everyone has the budget for a film crew, and it certainly takes another level of dedication and skill to get your own hunt on film. I had the chance at a nice buck during muzzleloader season, but while it was still legal light, it wasn't acceptable camera light. It takes dedication and a resolve that the goal is to film your hunt in order to pass on a beautiful deer simply due to the light conditions. That being said, I know that I would have been disappointed in myself if I had shot that deer and not got it on film, as that was one of my goals going into the season. It didn't come together for me this year, but you better believe I'll be out there again next season with that camera in tow, and I'm already looking forward to it!

Heidi