Who runs the world!? Girls.
Come take a ride on the mine train as I sit in my deer hunting tree stand with this montage of thoughts and emotions of being a new hunt(ress) and first-time hunter.
Tree Stand Confessions From My Mind
“Ok B, let’s go. Gotta disprove all the stereotypes. You can be quiet. You can be still. You can kill an animal. Be this tree. You ARE this tree.”
“But Bambi was really cute.
“And a cartoon.”
“Did I just start my period? That cannot be good for trying to be this tree. Trees definitely do NOT menstruate.”
“I cannot believe my headlamp went out this morning. Darn kids, always messing with my stuff.”
“Good thing I like to get up early.”
“Back to business. Where am I supposed to hit this deer again? Oh jeez, now I forgot what a deer looks like.”
“Will these mosquitos just leave me alone??”
“What if a bear comes?? They can climb trees. Hmmm…I did not think this through very well. At least I have a weapon. I’m good. Everything’s good.”
“I have to get back to the eye doctor because I cannot see crap up here.”
“Ohhh, a squirrel. Ohhhh, another squirrel. Wow, there are a lot of squirrels out here.”
“Focus. Deep breath. Relax. Enjoy.”
“The sunrise is so pretty.”
“You really are not good at being quiet.”
“But you’ll get better. Just sit here and be quiet.”
“Alright, finally got a bit settled. Let’s get to reading this book.”
“I hope I brought enough snacks. Ugh, what if someone got stuck out here without snacks? I love snacks.”
“I should have watched more YouTube video’s on this sort of thing.”
“I bet I could take conference calls up here…”
“These DARNNNNN mosquitoes.”
“This is a great place to get some Kegels in.”
“Oh, I heard something, maybe it’s go time.”
“Nope, just a leaf.”
“It would totally suck to fall out of a tree.”
“I’m sure it’s snack time again.”
And so it goes. Here’s the thing: a year ago I had never camped, never even thought about a bow, thought all fish were disgusting, and could barely cook EasyMac without burning my house down. Now, I’ve trekked difficult terrain, cook most meals at home, eat fish, and my kids are learning what it means to harvest their own food. They’re running barefoot through the woods while I am planning different outdoor adventures with family and friends and…sit in deer hunting tree stands (like, what the heck!?)
The first time is uncomfortable. It’s about the experience and the process and not being held back by identities that have been painted on you, or that you have painted on yourself. As a first-time hunter, maybe you’re sitting in the tree stand super “woke” and serene, but if not… the next time you’re in the tree stand remember: it’s ok to feel, think, and say all the things. But be proud of yourself girl, you made it here and you got this. Bring home the bacon…or whatever meat you’re after (pun completely intended).
