ORWELL — Kristen Nolan Patterson, a 5’4” tall woman from Bridport, harvested a 231-pound, 7-point buck early in bow season this year. She was hunting from a tree-stand with a crossbow on the afternoon of October 5.
After tracking the deer down, she wondered if it would be over 200 pounds. Her husband, Taylor, wouldn’t guess because he might jinx it, she said. There was no question when it was weighed in at Buxton’s store in Orwell.
“It was bigger than my husband’s deer,” she said recently, giving her bragging rights for a whole year!
This organic, low-fat meat was processed at home and will go to good use as venison pot roast, steak, hamburger and sausage. Game meats are healthy alternatives to common grocery store meats and processed foods.
Kristen has been hunting since she was 12 years old. She loves being in the outdoors and all the family traditions, she said, and recommends that anyone interested should try it.
Vermont Outdoors Woman is dedicated to getting women of all ages into the outdoors through hands-on education. Women from 16 to 80-plus years enjoy programs offered by VOW. They offer two weekend retreats each year.
Hunter education courses and novice weekend mentors are available throughout the state. Check in with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.