Hunting Hartford

We've been perplexed by this sign ever since we first saw it at the corner of Park and New Park. Does this sign make any sense to anyone at all? A hunting association in Hartford? The sign indicates that the association is interested in hunting for some duck and venison. Nothing wrong with that, both duck and venison are pretty tasty, but where are they going to find duck and a six-point buck in Hartford?


While we've seen ducks at the pond in Goodwin Park the practice fields down the street from Weaver High, we are fairly certain it is frowned upon to unload buckshot in either area (enter unoriginal and trite Hartford Courant commenter comment here).

Alright, so at least there ARE ducks in Hartford. When do you think was the last time a six-point buck was seen in Hartford? (Ed. Note: Notice the proper hunting vernacular. That's right, we can go hardcore both urban or rural.)

We've yet to see either a buck or a doe in our travels around Hartford and we haven't heard of anyone who has. Our guess is the last time one was seen around here wan't all that long after this cool map was printed.

So back to this odd little association. We have to assume the club has either disbanded or moved and left their sign behind. The doorway and window are certainly suggesting that the area is vacated. There doesn't appear to have been any attempt to remove the graffiti that appears to be either a finger puppet or a phallus.

Our guess is this wasn't even much of a hunting association. More likely the club was formed (as most clubs seem to be) as a rouse for husbands to get out of the house and drink beers without their wives around. Think about it, it's a perfect plan "Honey, I'm going to the Spanish American Hunting Association meeting, do you want to come?" It's one of the oldest tricks in the man playbook. Women will recognize this move as a version of "book club."