And so it begins...

So here I am, Saturday May 7th 2011, in my newly acquired swannie (given to me by my oh-so-generous sister who conveniently works at a recycling center) ...Blogging.  Well at least I look the part!

For those of you who don't know, this, the 1st weekend proper of May, is a sacred weekend in the hunting man's diary, "Opening weekend". Duck shooting season opening weekend in New Zealand is also a sacred weekend for plenty of hunter's wives. For many, leading up to the weekend it means competing with other hunter's wives (or mothers!) to make the best bacon and egg pie, and when triumphant, knowing that all the men in the mai-mai are secretly wishing their wife was as competent in the kitchen as you. In my case, this time rather than having to cook, I had to sew. My darling hunter is a bit rough with his hunting gear, and his faithful swannie had had it's zip replaced numerous times. So we decided to go 'old school' and I promptly got out my eyeletting tool and with a little help from some old shoelaces I saved (mum will be so proud) made it a lace up! Helping your hunter prepare for such an auspicious and competitive occasion is all part of the joy of having your dinner killed for you!

So.... checklist:

Decoys, jiggly duck butt thingy, flying duck kite thingy

Ridiculous amounts of camo, duck caller

Dogs (preferably also dressed in camo), dog food, rugs

Arms (yes both kinds), ammo, knives, sharpener

Leatherman (email me for your logo here leatherman people!)

Tent, sleeping bag, favourite pillow, air mat, torch/headlamp

Cooking stove, billy, pots, plates (not necessary) cutlery (unless you've got the ultimate leatherman), lighter, food (bacon, beans, bread, beer), Chilly bin,

Boots, gumboots, spare socks

Camera, batteries

Toilet paper & shovel!

Now in my case the list also includes:

Chainsaw,

Portable Mai-Mai

Firewood

Brazier

Petrol

and probably a few other things he snuck on the trailer!

You've got two options here - let him do everything, and just help when he asks where something is (he'll ask, trust me) and keep out of the way... or actually help him. Option one is by far the easiest option! I should also point out that I'm assuming you don't want to go with him... loads of wives do, and out shoot the men, and that's totally cool. I, however, know that opening weekend is notoriously a wet weekend, and I prefer (as I do on most hunting occasions!) to stay home, do my nails, play bejeweled blitz on facebook, dance around the house to girlie pop and drink some vinos with my ladies!

So pack him up and send him on his merry way, crank the Beyonce, get your heels and swannie on and enjoy the peace girls!