Hunting is for men

Autumn is one of the best times of year. I can throw on a jacket and go for a walk along gold-leaf trails without having to fight off insects. The sharp smell of rotting underbrush reminds me that Thanksgiving is right around the corner and hunting season is here.

Though I know a few ladies who hunt, it’s a male pastime in my family. I tried it in the name of togetherness. I didn’t want to be a pining hunting widow, so I went grouse hunting with my better half. When he had a ruffed beauty lined up in his sights, I pleaded for its life. “How can you shot him? He’s just standing there minding his own business. He’s innocent. Don’t shoot him.” He fired anyway, laughing at me while I covered my eyes.

Ruffed grouse is one of my favorites now, as are venison and moose. There’s nothing like a meal of game for Thanksgiving. I’ll never go hunting again, but I really don’t mind my husband going and taking my older son.

For one thing, young men need wholesome challenges as they approach manhood. There aren’t a lot of opportunities in the city when a boy doesn’t like competitive sports. That’s one reason why there are young stags gunning their engines up and down Franklin Avenue. When there are two of them stopped at a light next to each other, they take off on the green in a show of power. Better to send them into the bush without soap or a comfortable bed.

Hunting holds many lessons for a young man: How to operate a dangerous weapon with care; use the outdoors without creating a path of destruction; and respect for the lives of animals that are in his power. He also learns to take only what he will use, and follow the laws.

There are always stories after a hunt. The adrenaline and heart pounding when a big buck is spotted. The sadness when an animal is only wounded with the first shot and it needs to be tracked to end its suffering. Sudden alarm when bear noises are heard in the camp in the middle of the night. Every trip holds its own memories.

For the hunting widow, finding recipes to cook the bounty is a good pastime in the fall. Generally, meat with a strong gamely flavour needs a sauce, preferable with an acidy component such as tomato sauce or cooking wine.

Last fall, after having venison cut and wrapped, we labeled the freezer packages Doe or Buck. I found the Buck much gamier tasting, so I camouflaged it in dishes such as stew or curry, and saved the Doe for pot roast.

This year, I’ve asked my better half to please bring back mostly Doe although I know if he gets a shot at a large buck, he’ll take it. It’s a guy thing.