Utah's Unique October Holiday

Guest Contributor: Callie Ward, M.S.
USU Extension Assistant Professor Garfield County

Utah is unique in the way we have two very special holidays that we celebrate, one is in July and marks when the Pioneer entered Salt Lake Valley and the second one is coming up, and no it is not Halloween! It is the Deer Hunt or should I say, “Harvest Break.” 

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This special holiday often looks like Christmas to some where families gather and spend a lot of time together or to others, it is the Deer Hunter’s Widow weekend, husbands are gone so the ladies can splurge on a party or shopping spree. Either way, there are some great things and often expensive ties to this event. Like any other holiday, here are some tips to help plan for the Deer Hunt:

• Add it to your budget 
  • Just like Christmas, we know when the Deer Hunt falls every year. Add this to your revolving budget and it won’t sneak up on you!
• Watch for deals
  • There are big-ticket items that can ruin your budget fast such as hunting gear, food, and firearms.
  • Shop around, look for sales, or even borrow!
• Stick to it
  • If your husband…(I mean any spouse!) blows the budget on new hunting gear or those fancy binoculars, make sure to have a good conversation about your financial goals and work together to work on debt or collaborate.
  • Keep the money conversation open and fluid!