Hunting is already a sport with few women. And menstruation is no one’s favorite topic. Put them together and what have you got? A niche audience, maybe, but also probably the most helpful article you’ll read all year. Here are my top 8 tips for women who may have the bad luck to be hunting on their periods. Take a look!
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.
1. Use the bathroom right before you leave
This is a no-brainer, especially if you've had your period for awhile and you're a veteran. But if not, or you need a reminder, make sure to use the bathroom right before you put on all your camo gear and head outside. It may be awhile before you get a chance to use it again.
2. Double up
Use a liner in addition to your preferred method of protection in case of leaks. This will help make sure you can stay in the woods as long as you need to find your prize buck.
3. Try a menstrual cup
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what period products they use. But menstrual cups can help you use less waste (helpful in the woods), as well as lengthening the time between needing to change or empty the product. They recommend every 12-24 hours, as opposed to the shorter span of a tampon.
4. Don’t sit with a buddy
If you have spots that can accommodate two hunters and spots for just one, lobby for a solo blind. Those noisy, gassy stomach noises can be embarrassing, and another hunter might complain that you’re being too loud. Hunting can still be a family activity with all the morning and evening traditions at deer camp.
5. Don’t use scented products
Whether you’re hard core and use doe urine or not, you don’t want any smells warning a deer of your presence. Some suggest that it may actually attract the deer because it's natural hormonal process and woodland animals are used to each other's hormones, but there's isn't any overwhelming evidence for this. There's also been some research into whether bigger animals like bears are attracted to you when you're on your period, and ultimately the evidence says no. So if you're hunting where bears may roam, you don't need to fear them any more than usual.
6. Don't drink less water
You'll probably be tempted to cut down on your water intake while you're in the woods so you don't have to use the bathroom as often. But you actually need to drink more water on your period, and some evidence suggests it can even help your period end sooner.
7. Bring pain reliever
There's nothing that can make sitting in the woods worse than bloating and cramps. Any time you're not feeling good, it makes hunting miserable and uncomfortable. Make sure you have the medicine you need to help you get through the day in the woods feeling great.
8. Realize you're not alone
Other women hunt, too, even if it feels like you're the only one. In fact, the number of women who hunt is growing, up to 11% of all hunters. The best thing you can do is pass on your knowledge to other women who want to try it.
For more about adventurous moms, check out this post. And make sure to follow A Wild Lass on Instagram!
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.