Deer hunting has been a part of Minnesota history for a very long time and is a very popular activity. Benilde-St. Margaret’s has several students and teachers who participate in deer hunting and love to do it each year.
The hunting season in Minnesota varies depending on the type of deer and the hunting zones. The firearm hunting season starts in November and lasts for several weeks. The time to hunt can differ depending on what the hunter is hunting and what the hunter is using to hunt.
BSM science teacher John Porisch is a part of the hunting community and has been for several years. His father got him into hunting when he was just 12 years old and he has been into it ever since. He goes deer hunting every year and typically goes with family members. Like his father, Porisch inspired his kids to get into hunting and frequently goes with them. Porisch has gone deer hunting twice this season in the northwest area of Minnesota, once with his son and once with his daughter. Porisch hasn’t got a deer yet but his son got one when they went earlier. Most people measure success with numbers, not Porisch. “I measure success by spending time with my kids in the woods watching animals,” Porisch said.
I measure success by spending time with my kids in the woods watching animals.”
— John Porisch
Senior Riley Murphy has also gone deer hunting this season. He has been deer hunting for 11 years and plans to continue it for as long as he can. He hasn’t had any luck getting a deer this season but he has got one for the last 10 straight years. Murphy would typically hunt with his dad but as he has gotten older he has been going by himself. He likes the simplicity of being alone in the woods and being able to quiet his mind. Murphy continues to hunt because of the memories he creates each time he goes. Like many others, the first shot deer is the most memorable and stays with you forever. “My most memorable experience would probably be my first deer because my dad was sitting next to me and I was super scared. I didn’t know what to do. I was shaking from excitement after I shot it,” Murphy said.