Hunting While Pregnant

I had goals and high expectations as the 2017 deer season grew near. There was a certain buck on my hit list and I wanted to help restock our freezer as well. Opening weekend came and I knew something felt different. The following week I got confirmed that we were expecting a baby. I knew then not only my season but our lives were about to change. I was going to continue hunting while pregnant.

During the next few weeks I endured morning sickness, even during the afternoon hunts as well. I wore my harness so I wouldn’t fall when I’d lean over to get sick. I also took snacks with me, like jerky, peanuts, or even crackers.

After awhile I started to notice how quickly I was getting tired while walking to the stand. Even more so when I was climbing 20 feet up a tree with my pack on. My harness was also getting tighter from my growing belly. Due to these reasons, I was grounded from a stand to a blind.

Many days I lacked the drive and motivation to go hunting due to being tired and feeling sick. Somehow I made myself go each time for the possibility of seeing a good buck. In time I did feel a little better sitting out there surrounded by nature.

While I was 16 weeks pregnant, I finally had a decent buck come out. I got my Thompson Center .243 ready and when he walked out 60 yards in front of me I stopped him then pulled the trigger. He jumped, tucked his tail, and took off over the hill. I named him The Twilight Buck.

Hunting While Pregnant Tips

As it got colder and my belly grew bigger, more changes had to be made. I learned a few techniques that helped me get through my hunts better. Those techniques were:
⦁ Keep snacks on hand
⦁ Take breaks when needed
⦁ However you hunt, try to be comfortable
⦁ Be aware of how you move and lift your gear
⦁ Stay hydrated during warm and even colder weather
⦁ Stand and move often especially when its cold
⦁ Above all else, listen to your body and don’t over do it.

When turkey season came, I used the same techniques while in my final trimester then. I knew chasing after them gobblers was out the question, but at least I still had a way to hunt. However sitting in a blind waiting on them gets boring, but my moving belly bump kept me entertained.

Waddling to and from the blind was getting exhausting the further along I got. I was getting slower and even getting out of breath faster too. A few weeks later, I was put on restrictions so my season was over.

No matter the challenges I faced, I enjoyed every hunt that I could. In a way I shared those hunts with my little bundle of joy. It just goes to show you that you can do so much even if your physically limited. So if you feel able, keep doing what you love to do. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. So, can you hunt while pregnant? Absolutely!!