Going Hunting?

Typically deer / elk/ antelope hunting isn't something recommended for pregnant women since deer carry the version of "mad cow disease" (spongiform encephalopathy) that is *really* contagious to humans. ((The bovine version is actually quite difficult for us to catch, even if we ingest it, but the deer version we can catch from casual contact.)) We studied it in microbiology since there was a mad cow scare at the time, and since my microbiology professor brain tanned his own hides, it was something he was very familiar with.

I would be more concerned with hiking more than a mile in and than going into labor! If it were me I would skip the hunt. I never had to deal with this one though, when I had my boys we were stationed in the UK.

I agree with everyone on here. Your an experienced hunter so go have fun. I personally find shooting relaxing.

Here's my outlook on it. You walk a lot normally, you have your dad, a cell, and aren't far from home or a hospital, the only concern would be the actual gunfire. It's great that the kickback isn't huge, and when/if you fire if it's too much just stop and go back home. I wouldn't even bother with the bow, just try the rifle.
I never got to go shooting while I was pregnant but we have family friends that went very close to their due date, and nothing happened. =) Enjoy the start of the start of the season! Do I get some deer jerky since I responded to your post? LOL just kidding, have fun!

u should use the gun a bow would put too much stress on the bellie and could put u into labor
i would go

I thought I was the only pregnant hunter! Im an avid hunter also and my doctor approved shooting a gun til 30 weeks. Im 32 weeks now and rifle opener for deer starts Nov. 6th here in MN. I plan on going hunting anyways. If you feel fine enough and have someone with, i would go. But shooting a gun can put you in labor so at least your nearby a hospital. Just take it easy and you will be fine. My DH set me up a tree stand 20 yards from the cabin and outhouse, which should work out great. Good luck and get a nice buck.

As L. as you feel fine and have someone to help you drag your prizes out of the woods, go for it!

Good Luck!

Yes, go. No climbing tree stands! And if you get a deer, your dad has to gut it and drag it.

Good Luck!!!

I don't see why you couldn't, as long as your gun doesn't kick and you aren't alone. Bring plenty of water- and be ready to pee in the woods :)

Have fun! If you don't think you will be in danger of over-working yourself and you feel confident that you can safely get help if you need it then I see no reason why you shouldn't enjoy yourself! You know your own limits.

Haha - assuming you aren't supposed to be on bed rest or something ;)

I bet plenty will post on here saying guns will hurt you and your baby if used inappropriately, even if just by accident. But the truth is, that risk comes every time - whether you're pregnant or not.

If you want to go hunting - go hunting. I don't understand what your concern is - the black powder is safe for you and baby? No kick-back? Then what's the big deal? My only thought is that maybe belly fluids aren't enough of ear plugs for the infant? Could the noise be too loud? If you went into labor early, would you be too far from a hospital? I say just bring your water, first aid kit, etc. Have fun.

I say go how can it hurt the baby? you might get kicked alot after the gun goes off though and if it does " i told you so" go hunting and have fun and be ready for lots of kicking. :) from the gun and the baby

a hunting she will go a hunting she will go. sing it elmer fudd

Don't go.
Stay home.
Put your feet up.
Eat bonbons.
Watch TV.
If your dad shoots anything food-worthy, he'll share it with you.

Well, I'm not a doctor, but I would guess that as long as you're having an uncomplicated pregnancy, will NOT be alone and would be able to get to a hospital in a timely fashion (just in case) it would be ok. Just make sure you listen to your body, bring lots of water and snacks and STOP if you feel anything weird or strange.

How much weight will you be carrying? When I was my late 3rd trimester, my doc told me not to lift anything heavier than 15-20 pounds (and that wasin regard to lifting/moving boxes). If you were thinking of carrying your gun, ammo, other supplies, etc. while hiking (meaning, you'll be carrying the weight for sustained periods), your allowable weight may be less than 15-20 lbs. You might want to consider letting someone else carry those items for you. (And be careful while hiking, re: don't fall or lose your balance).

Have fun!

I am in the same week as you...I say go for it I am. It sounds like you are prepared for any early labor...also I wouldn't worry about the recoil because that is on your shoulder and nowhere near your belly. Good luck!

**ADDING THIS:
Ya know... 'babies' in the uterus... CAN hear... what is going on in the outside world. I hope the gunfire is not too 'loud' or scary for the baby? You may find, that with loud noises...the baby may get more active... or woken up.
You are 36.5 weeks along... so baby is pretty much fully developed.
When my kids were in my tummy... certain activity/sounds would cause more activity in my tummy... their movements.
So something to consider.....
-------------------------------------------

Is there a hospital nearby? Just in case?

Maybe ask your OB/GYN.... ?