'Deer Hunting Widows' Create Shopping Experience

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A lot of Minnesota women hunt while others join their husbands at the cabin, but there is a group who consider themselves "Deer Hunting Widows."

We learned there's plenty for those ladies to do up north if they're not into hunting deer. In fact, lots of businesses are now banding together, hoping they start their own girls getaway during the hunting season.

We went to Pequot Lakes, where women also run the businesses. Shopping for new clothes can get personal and when you enter Leslie's in Pequot Lakes, you can tell their selection has its own personal touch.

"It's been here 32 years, Leslie owned it for 28 and I bought it four years ago from her," said Tara Bunde.

When Bunde, Leslie's niece, took over she continued the tradition of stocking unique items.

"We want people to find things they can't find in the cities and have people ask about it," said Bunde, "We want shoppers to answer, 'I found it at a little gem up north,' we want everyone to feel like they're getting something really special."

Leslie's will stay open late Friday and early Saturday to accommodate so-called "Deer Hunting Widows." They came up with the idea through family members that always planned girls getaways during hunting season.

Now, nine other stores in town also participate. So you can bag a deal while the rest of your crew bags a buck. Fall and winter are slow seasons, so the stores really go all out for the event.

All will all offer discounts, and Leslie's plans to offer 20 percent off everything while you munch on snacks and drink wine. Some stores will also do gift card drawings.