KANSAS CITY, Kan. - I’m a self-proclaimed “indoor girl.”
I can honestly say the most “outdoor” activity I’ve experienced was as a child. When I was younger, I would climb trees outside my parents’ house to find dollar bills. My dad taped them to the limbs. (Yes, my dad used to tape dollar bills to the tree. Yes, I thought money grew on trees until I was 7 years old.)
I wanted to learn about deer hunting. What’s a better way to learn than exploring Cabela’s?
Stepping inside the 180,000-square-foot store in Kansas City, Kansas for an indoor girl was like discovering an untapped land of shopping splendor. It’s full of taxidermy animals, shoes, pants, shirts, and deer urine.
Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. There are no “hunting types.”
As I walked through the store, I was shocked to see how diverse the shoppers were. Men in fancy suits, young families and retirees. I started to feel as though I belonged there and people weren’t judging me when they glanced my way. They were probably trying to figure out how I managed to walk around the large store in four-inch heels.
2. The largest mule deer museum is housed in the store.
The Mule Deer Country Museum has the world’s largest collection of life-sized trophy mule deer in their natural habitat.
Oh, deer!
3. Archery is the most popular way to hunt deer.
From what I learned, archery is the most popular way to hunt deer. For archers, deer season usually lasts from September through the first week of January. Rifle hunting for deer doesn’t begin until November. Archers get more time to hunt.
Inside Cabela’s there’s an entire corner of the store dedicated to archery. I found myself gazing like a child in a candy store.
4. Hunting bows are not the same as the ones I made as a kid.
I was excited to see that bow-and-arrows were not just bendable twigs with twine tied to either end. You know, the way we used to make bows as kids.
They were complicated, expensively delicate weapons that I was secretly excited to get my hands on.
There was an array of different sizes: recurve bows, long bows, compound bows and crossbows. They are available in a wider variety of colors and prices from about $150.00 to well over $1,500.
5. Whisker biscuits are not what I originally thought.
For a beginner like me, it was suggested that I use the Genesis GenX Compound Bow with an adjustable 25-40-pound draw weight.
The one I test shot cost about $240 and comes with accessories including an arm sling and the whisker biscuit. Yes, whisker biscuit. I learned that this is not something my cat will enjoy to munch on. It is an bow rest.
I LOVED shooting the bow. I hit the target every time. I was standing back about 15-20 yard away too. Not bad for a first timer!
Racks and racks of hunting clothing.
6. Hunting outerwear feels like a dream.
I was surprised to see a women’s clothing section. It’s not as big as the men’s section, but it did have a large selection to choose from.
I believed that the gear would be scratchy, uncomfortable and make some sort of corduroy noise when I walked. Boy, was I wrong! It was the most comfortable outfit I have ever put on.
I wore an insulated waterproof jacket with matching insulated pants. I had never been so comfortable in my entire life!
It was what I imagined being wrapped up in a cloud would feel like. I even added a pair of all-weather boots to complete the outfit.
That was about $350 worth of hunting gear.
7. All camouflage is not the same.
It depends on your hunting terrain.
8. People hunt for many reasons.
I turned to the Missouri Department of Conservation for a little help understanding why hunt.
“I started hunting because many of my colleagues hunt and seemed to get so much enjoyment from it,” said Stacey Davis with the Missouri Department of Conservation. “I hunt because I enjoy the meat, but also I enjoy the time spent in the woods prepping for the hunt and waiting for deer.”
Deer hunting was not just for people who enjoy the “kill.” People from all walks of life enjoy the silence that can only be found in the woods. Others enjoy an opportunity to help the environment. Some may disagree with this concept, but without deer hunting it could cause overpopulation.
9. Hunting for a beginner can be $$$.
Deer hunting can be quite an expense for a beginner. Adding up what someone, like me, would have to spend, would be around $650. Not including the hunting license and deer tags.
I’m sure there are cheaper ways like borrowing gear or buying gear online.
10. New respect for hunters.
I have yet to go hunting myself but have a new-found respect for those who do.
11. New hobby?
I think I found an outdoor activity I am good at -- target shooting with a bow.
12. Putting deer urine on your clothing is a BAD IDEA.
Trust me on this one!
