Your Guide to a Deer Hunting Widow’s Weekend Getaway

At Edenwood Ranch, we love being able to create hunting trips that are fun and functional with our deer hunting farms and guided hunts. However, we are also equally passionate about giving non-hunters a reason to look forward to vacation time. This month, that means we’re talking about a deer hunting widow’s weekend getaway! What is it, who is it for and how can you plan one? We’ve got the answers for you.

 

What Do We Mean by “Deer Hunting Widow”?

The title of deer hunting widow, also known as just “hunting widow” or “deer widow,” has been around for a while. It’s used to refer to the absence of many spouses or significant others on the opening weekend of deer hunting season.

Urban Dictionary defines it as: “The spouse or significant other of a hunter, whom, during hunting season, is typically left alone, ‘widowed’ by their hunter spouse’s prolonged absences; includes sleeping alone in the marriage bed, minimal sex life, extra essential babysitting responsibilities (for those with children), refrigerator depleted of beer supplies, bank account depleted of financial supplies, and the itty bitty possibility of said hunter spouse bringing home some fresh meat. I.E., Girls’ night out while my husband is in the woods; I’m a hunter’s widow this weekend.”

While we didn’t invent the title, we certainly appreciate its sarcastic nod to the annual temporary separation.

 

What Happens at a Deer Hunting Widow’s Weekend Getaway?

Well, the short answer is simply: anything you want!

We’ve seen some pretty creative ideas both here on site as well as around the country. The primary goal is to find ways to avoid missing your partner by spending time doing fun things you don’t normally get to do when they’re around. Some great weekend getaway examples include:

• Planning a winery or brewery tour extravaganza
• Attend a craft fair or two (and then get creative and make some of your own crafts, too)
• Have a movie/book series themed weekend with all activities connected to that storyline
• Shopping, shopping and more shopping!
• Spa weekend – DIY version or find a nearby full-service salon and spa
• Go big: book a weekend away at an all-inclusive with your closest friends

 

Picking the Right Location for Your Getaway

The location you choose for your Widow’s Weekend should help enhance your plans. For example, if you and your crew of fellow widows are nature bugs and want to enjoy things like campfires, stargazing, wildlife photography, kayaking and more, incorporate it into your lodging choice. If you are more of a fan of the city life, find an Airbnb or hotel near all the action. The less you need to drive to get to your activities, the more flexibility you have.

Get your group together for a fun planning night a couple months before the big weekend. Have everyone bring one or two ideas of a location and surrounding activities that make the location a good option. Remember – your spouse is spending time scouting his hunting location and you need to be just as diligent.

 

The Widow AND Hunter’s Weekend Getaway Option

At Edenwood, we’ve also seen guests enjoy family deer hunting trips with a bit of a deer hunting widow’s twist incorporated into the agenda. They do this by gathering a group of family and friends and booking our private ranch for their hunting weekend. During their time here, those who want to hunt can enjoy a guided hunt with our expert guides. The rest of the group can enjoy our many on-site indoor and outdoor activities, including:

• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• UTV Rentals
• Swimming
• Paddleboarding
• Ziplining
• Cooking in our multiple gourmet kitchen spaces
• Large indoor gathering spaces for movie nights and game time
• Much, much more!

This way there’s time for everyone to pursue their own activities during the daytime and still be together in the evenings – the best of both worlds!

 

Family Deer Hunting Trips

If you are looking for the right place to take your first time hunter, a place to hone your skills or a place where everyone – even non-hunters – can all enjoy hunting season together, Edenwood is the place for you. We provide all the essentials, lodging, dozens of activities, space to spread out, beautiful hunting land, hunting stands and blinds, & more. Give us a call today to learn more about our many options!