Opening Day

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you my God.” Psalm 42:1

For those of you who are just getting to know me by reading my blog, one thing that seems to surprise people is that I like to hunt!  I’ve only been hunting for about four years, but it gets more exciting each year.  I think I’m finally at a point where I’m not as scared and nervous about every little thing I do, and can just enjoy the entire experience. There is something peaceful about breathing in the fresh morning air before it gets light out, and then seeing the sun rise while you’re sitting in a blind or a tree stand. Even though I will totally admit I’m not bright and chipper when the alarm goes off at 5:00am (Jeff can tell you that), once I get settled and up in that tree stand it makes it all worth it.

Although I did grow up around hunting because my dad was and still is an avid hunter, I didn’t get into it right away.  I liked the thought of it because Jeff was super into it, but it wasn’t until he bought me my first bow for Christmas in 2014, that I really started learning and growing into it. I learned to use my bow when we lived in Wisconsin.  We would get in as much practice as we could around football, and I even got my first buck while we lived over there!  Posting the picture of that bad boy below because I’m still super proud of that.  But now that we don’t live in Wisconsin anymore, we have to wait a little longer for opening day of bow season!

So here we are October 1st, and Jeff’s alarm goes off this morning.  It was a little rainy but we got up, got dressed, and headed to the tree stand together. Surprisingly we saw about 11 deer, which definitely was more than I thought we would!

It was only the first day of the season so this was a great sign.  Michigan hunting is way different than Wisconsin hunting obviously, but it’s still fun to get out there and see some deer.  Plus, any time that Jeff and I can get away just the two of us is really nice.  Even though I will say, there are times we get a case of the giggles together while hunting, and that’s never good when you’re supposed to be quiet!  Side note: One thing that I think is really important for couples, is to find an activity or hobby that you can do together.  I actually didn’t think I would enjoy hunting as much as I do!  When Jeff first bought me my own bow, I thought I’d just be doing it because he loves hunting so much. But I shortly found out that I love the sport of it, and I learn something new every time I head out. But it is a hobby that Jeff and I can enjoy together. We’ve only been hunting together for a few years and we have so many awesome and what I call “learning experiences” from it.  The memories and friendships we’ve made through it has been amazing too.   If you are able to, find some type of hobby you can do with your spouse or significant other that you both enjoy. You won’t regret it!

We sat this morning for a few hours, then headed in for some coffee and breakfast.  My parents watched Carter this morning (thank you!), so we could go out together.  When we walked in the door from hunting I think Carter was a little confused as to why we were dressed the way we were!  He’ll learn someday, right Jeff?!  It never gets old walking into the door and seeing Carter’s big smile.

“Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me.” Genesis 27:3

All in all, it was great to get outdoors in the hopes of getting a deer.  If you were able to get a hunt in this morning or lately, I’d love to hear about it.  Leave a comment below or feel free to message me separately! Thank you again for catching up with the Next Play, and Happy Hunting!

Lots of love and God Bless,

Alyssa