Deer Women
A while back I profiled a Minnesota lady who wanted to let other women know that deer hunting is NOT just a man’s sport! And, Judy Koep of the Brainerd Lakes area can cite 47 years of hunting experience to prove it.
Judy says she got started in deer hunting because I didn't want to stay home when Marv ( Marv Koep is a Fishing Hall of Fame guide in the Breezy Point area and, Judy’s husband ) left for an outing. Judy had small game hunted before and enjoyed the outdoors. She grew up on a farm and enjoyed tramping in the woods., etc. so it was natural that she started deer hunting the first year we were married and has hunted every year since.
Judy remembers ‘breaking in’ to what had always been considered the man’s sport, deer hunting. Judy says her father-in-law had a fit when he heard that Marv was taking her along hunting and made "no bones" about it. but Judy persisted and she says eventually he grew to like the idea. In fact, when she hunted on my father-in-laws land, he would even give her some of the better stands. Judy says she really took a lot of abuse by some men hunters one year, but it only made her more determined to continue hunting.
"Now, all of Marv's sisters and their daughters hunt” said Judy.
Judy does admit, however, that her deer camp is probably a bit different than the traditional deer camps that men relish. “Most of the time the ladies deer camp, is her own home!! Nice warm bed. Although, Judy admits she has stayed in cabins, etc. Judy says the ladies in her deer camp take it serious and get a good nights sleep the night before Opening.
Judy’s deer hunt is mostly “just for ladies”. Judy started hunting at age 20, but her daughter and granddaughter started soon after taking gun training. They all look forward to the fun of getting together for chili at the local cafe and talk smart about their hunting experiences. Judy says her daughter Shelley is by far a better woods-person and that her granddaughter prefers the fun of the hunting party, eating, telling stories. We laugh and laugh” reflects Judy.
Judy Koep likes everything about being outdoors. And she likes to be very quiet when she is outdoors so she can take in all that is new and interesting around her. For example…”On a 'drive' one time she was standing on a little rise in a swampy area. She stood perfectly still and a chickadee landed on the brim of her hat. It looked her in the face, swinging its’ head back and forth. Judy says she stayed perfectly still and she and that bird had a long stand off before it flew off.
“Being so still, you see, smell and hear so much that you never experience by just taking a walk in the woods. It's the deer's home, they know every inch so you have to outsmart them” said Judy.
But, being still doesn’t mean that Judy doesn’t get her buck.
As Judy tells her story...“I have usually shot a deer every year. Maybe only once or twice that I have not filled out. My most prized deer was when I was sitting in the woods across from a drive that the other hunters were making. As I sat so still I heard or sensed something behind me and low and behold there was a nice buck sneaking in from the back-side, but going away from me. I did get it after a few shots. and everybody else that was hunting with us thought I must be lost and was firing for help or something”.
Daughter or Grand-daughter, it doesn’t matter, Judy lets everyone in her hunting party know there are rules to follow. Judy says “they know from dad (Marv) that they are welcome, but they are to follow good sportsmanship and especially safety rules!
Judy also has some tips for ladies, or anyone else that want to get started deer hunting. “Go with a brother, dad or husband that will introduce you to the great outdoors. Wear warm but comfortable clothes. Enjoy and appreciate every little thing about nature that you see, hear or smell. Expect nothing and you'll receive so much”.
Yes, even Judy has had a couple of hair-raising tales to tell about her deer hunting experience. This sounds like a tall tale but Judy claims she almost got run over by a buck. As Judy tells it, "I shot it ( the buck) while I was sitting on the ground, it swung around and came right for me. My gun jammed when my jacket cloth got caught in the rifle chamber when I ejected the shell. I ducked behind the tree and dirt hit me in the face as the buck swung by. I had a hard time sleeping that night.
For a long time Judy's kid's laughed about "Grandma got run over by a ( reindeer)--deer" the Christmas song” said Judy.
How much does Judy enjoy deer hunting in Minnesota? Judy is her church’s organist on Sunday’s.
She said that when her church’s new pastor came to town sometime back, she told him that in Minnesota the first weekend in November is considered….."HOLY WEEK - end".
She didn't say whether or not the pastor was impressed!
Posted by: cjjohnso on August 26, 2009 at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
