Hi everyone! I hope you all had an amazing Memorial Day Weekend and got to relax and spend some time outdoors with the ones you love! It was so so beautiful out- like perfect temperature, sunny, and there was even a little breeze. Greg and I could not wait to just be outside all weekend.… Read More »
Lake Evergreen Bass Fishing
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPUiWAy-7gE
We made our first vlog! We went out fishing at Lake Evergreen this past weekend and took our GoPro for a test drive. We’re just starting to play around with the filming and editing, but we were both thrilled that we caught a bass on video. So cool! Also, I love that I am doing my make up in the truck while Greg talks about his lures. It makes me laugh every time I see it. I had taken a little nap before we went out and needed a little touch up đ
The Secret to Choosing a Fishing Kayak
For the first two years Greg and I were together we mainly fished from our favorite dock or would take a walk, climb some rocks, or walk through the woods to a spot we thought would be promising. It made it really tricky to find the best spot, and sometimes there were lots of obstacles in the way like mud or heavily wooded areas and sometimes even mosquitoes (even though they don’t really bite me, which is so lucky)! … Read More »
Morel Mushroom Hunting and Date night!
The other night, Greg and I went morel mushroom hunting. There are these mushrooms that grow in the wild in the springtime that I guess are really really delicious and rare, and we were hoping to find some. … Read More »
Wedding talk, fishing, and love at Weldon Springs
Wedding planning and fishing.These two things have definitely been our main focuses these last couple of weeks, and it has been magical! That is just the best way I can describe it. Today, we started out the day with a yummy homemade breakfast and then went to try on suits for the big day!… Read More »
Fishing in February?!
Hunting season in Illinois has only been over for 3 weeks, and Greg and I are already itching for spring big time!! This past weekend we just wanted to be outside so bad. It was like God heard us talking about how bad we wanted spring because on Sunday it was 46 degrees out, and there was no wind, so we grabbed the tackle box and headed out to our favorite spot, Lake Evergreen. If it had been cold enough we totally would have tried ice fishing, but instead we got to pretend it was spring and throw a line in the water.
We didn’t catch anything because the fish are probably shivering somewhere near the bottom right now lol, but I loved splashing in the water and Greg also loved being able to bring out his fishing pole! We are both hoping that spring comes sooner this year, but unfortunately I think the groundhog saw his shadow last week. đ That’s ok, though, six weeks goes fast! Plus, we’ll get out there every chance we can if there’s sunshine. Even if it is chilly, Greg and I can cuddle and go fish.
Ooh a little wedding update, too… We officially found our caterer, bridesmaid dresses are ordered, we’re registered, we have our photographer, and the venue is booked! I am also going to pick out flowers on February 2oth, and Greg has been working on our perfect honeymoon. We are so excited that everything is coming together! Yay for June 1oth and love!
Greg’s look: Sweatshirt similar here – jeans – shoes similar here
10 Reasons to Marry a Hunter
Recently I saw an article on why you should never marry a hunter. It just totally inspired me to write 10 reasons why you should marry a hunter because Greg and I love sharing this hobby together, and the countdown to our wedding has officially started. Whether it’s a good hunt or a not so successful hunt we always leave our spot feeling so connected, relaxed, and happy. So here it goes:
1. Adventure will always be a big part of your relationship.
Greg is extremely adventurous. He likes finding new spots to hunt, different ways to hunt, and is totally fearless when it comes to the outdoors. He is also really fearless in other parts of his life, too, and it is really inspiring. He’s even jumped out of planes before! We are always on a new adventure or coming up with a new idea to try out. Recently we joined an archery league together.
2.You will get to spend extra quality time together.
Waking up really early or sitting out in a field for a long amount of time might sound difficult, but it is actually really special time. It is uninterrupted hours where you can chat or cuddle together in the chilly weather. Usually phone service is pretty bad so it’s just you and your love. You look forward to your hunting trips because you know it is just going to be a great time for you both, and sometimes you even get to stay in a hotel!
3. You get to wear super stylish camo together.
It is just so perfect because camo is so in right now. Even Kim K is wearing it. đ
4. You get to develop a skill and work on your hobby together.
One of the best parts about hunting together is also getting to cheer each other on during a hunt or in practice. Hunting is really exciting especially when the animals work the way you want them to. You get to witness the great shots, adrenaline surging, and sometimes you can even get their moment of glory on video!
5.Hunters are relentless when it comes to meeting goals.
Meeting goals is such a big part of success. Greg has hunted since he was little, and every part of hunting also plays a role in other parts of his life. Greg has big goals when it comes to hunting and always puts a plan into action in hopes of being as successful as possible. If a hunt is unsuccessful he will try a new strategy for the next hunt. As a couple, we are able to set goals and work together to meet them just like we do out on a hunt.
6. Hunters are innovaters.
Whether we are in a sticky situation in water or in the woods, Greg has a solution! He also uses these skills to help me when I get into one of those positions… like that one time I couldn’t get these silly fake eyelashes off! He did not give up until they were removed, and I felt better! đ
7. Sharing hunting as a hobby can lead to bonding in so many other areas.
Greg and I love to do absolutely everything together. We’re into each other and love to share our interests. We love to take part in what makes the other one happy. We shop together, cook together, we watch the same tv shows together, and we spend every free moment we can together. I think sharing such a exhilarating hobby makes us connected and in sync.
8. The post hunt/ adventure naps and cuddles are heaven on earth!
After each early morning hunt Greg and I usually hop in the shower, and then snuggle and take a nap together! It is one of the best feelings because you’re so sleepy, and you both zonk out instantly in each other’s arms. đ
9. So many memories are made out in the wild!
Whether it’s slipping in the mud, killing out in an hour, or getting lost in the woods (I always get worried we’re lost in the woods, and we never do lol) you can look back at those hunts together and laugh and talk about all of the fun parts or reminisque about when I was just learning how to hunt.
10. You’ll always feel safe and loved.
It’s the toughness, certainty in all situations, ability to shoot a gun super accurately, and preserverence that make you feel like you can overcome anything. Also, Greg knows first aid, and his kisses and hugs make even the slippery, dark hunts feel easy and safe. Plus, the passion is just the best.
Down and Dirty
For this post we wanted to show some of the preparation that we do before we are out in a field to hunt. Greg and I get the truck loaded up together with our decoys, hunting gear, camera, and guns. We always double check to make sure that we have everything so that we can maximize the chance for a successful hunt. We also have a pretty good method for getting everything out in the field. We make sure the decoys are organized so that we can carry them or put them in our layout blinds and drag them to the spot. When we get out in the field, I pop the heads on our goose shells and Greg sets them out in their formation.
On this hunt, we also had our friends Pat and Michelle with us. We were able to get way more decoys out, and it was so funny getting them out to our spot because it was so so muddy! The boys carried the heavier decoys, and Michelle and I were in charge of the silhouettes, some of the big foots, and the camera gear. As we were walking mud was just getting caked onto our boots. We were literally like big foot and our feet were so heavy! For some reason the mud was also making us laugh so hard! We were getting stuck, having trouble lifting our feet, and dropping gear like every two seconds, and it was just the funniest thing ever! All of our organization beforehand did not matter because the mud just totally took over.
By the time we got to our spot we were all muddy, sweaty, and just laughing so hard! ( I was also happy I got a model shot in before our hunt because my pony totally fell out, and there was mud everywhere!) We all got everything set up together, and then we were able to watch the geese come in. The outdoors is just so fun, and on this hunt we all got down and dirty.
A Christmas Goose
Duck season is officially over in central Illinois, but Greg and I have started field hunting for geese! I absolutely love field hunting. It is super comfortable, and you can get all cozy in your layout blind. I even bring a sleeping bag and blankie with me so that I stay extra warm. They’re camo, too, of course! Hunting on the water for duck is not always the warmest or most comfortable experience because it’s wet, but in a field you can hide well and just stay warmer. If you are a new hunter or want to try waterfowl hunting I would recommend field hunting first because sometimes the lack of comfort while hunting can be shocking, and field hunting is the perfect way to ease into the sport.
At first we weren’t sure if we were going to get to field hunt this year because we didn’t have an official spot once duck hunting was coming to an end, but one of Greg’s super sweet coworkers knew of a farmer who had land with water, field, and geese, and the farmer is letting us hunt it. I am just super excited about this because field hunting is my favorite.
These pictures are from two hunts from this weekend. We hunted the eve of Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve. It was merry and bright (lol) to be able to hunt those two days together! We would have also hunted Christmas morning, but Greg and I hosted Christmas day for our families (totally magical and fun and more about that tomorrow). Plus,the weather was beautiful. Setting up decoys, Greg  and I even got a little sweaty and had to take off our jackets.
This is also a really sweet spot. Driving to the field the geese were swimming on the water. We didn’t harvest anything either day because we’re still kind of scouting the land, but we did see a TON of birds! Watching the sky while hunting is one of our favorite parts. Geese flew over us and we could just hear and see them so clearly. It is honestly fascinating watching animals in nature like that, and I always leave our hunting spot feeling a deeper connection to Greg and nature. It is a total endorphin high because your heart just gets pumping as the birds get closer to you!
We’re going to go hunt this spot again this Thursday, and hopefully have some better luck. We learned some lessons like hiding our layout blinds better, and we think we have the feeding times for when birds get to the field nailed down. We are just itching to get out again because of how many birds we did see on those 2 hunts!
My hunting gear: jacket – overalls/bibs – boots – sweatshirt
Greg’s hunting gear: jacket similar here – pants – boots – shirt similar here
Deer Hunt Turned Turkey Sighting
Gosh, it has been such a warm fall, and I am absolutely loving it! I always get so chilly when we go out hunting, especially my toes, but these sunny days in the 60’s and 70’s have been heaven! This past weekend Greg and I took a break from duck hunting, spent some time in the woods, and we were hoping to see some deer. We grabbed our bows, sprayed down with sent away, and we were ready to go!
Greg is super adventurous when it comes to the woods. He grew up in the woods so he’s very comfortable walking deep into the forest to find the perfect spot. This always make me a little nervous, but in the daylight I can always keep up, and I always end up really enjoying the walk, nature, and little animals we get to see.
We did not see any deer, but I have to say this was one of my favorite hunt outings. As sunset was approaching, all of a sudden, I heard this really loud flapping noise. The hunting spot that we had chosen was a turkey roost. They were flying home before sunset (turkeys live in trees), and they were all around us. It was so exciting and fascinating.
Because we watched the turkeys as the sun was setting, we ended up walking out of the woods in the dark. Greg gave me the only flashlight, but I was still really kinda scared. We were like 2 miles into the woods, which I think is why we got to see so many turkeys, but as we were walking out I was convinced that we were lost. We were walking in water and had to walk up this really steep hill, and so our little hunt ended with me in tears. Greg knew exactly how to get back even in the dark without a light, and the absolute cutest part was that he kept turning around and giving me little kissies and encouragement even when I was telling him I was never hunting again! lol
Luckily that did not last long. We made it back to the truck, and we were already planning our duck hunt for this Sunday! It’s supposed to be 27 degrees, but luckily I have this new electric hand warmer that I can’t wait to test out! Also, Greg is super excited for the cold weather… the birds should be flying!!