The Last Hunter’s Moon We Shared

This Week In Ag #188

It was 25 years ago this week. We had just finished harvesting corn on my wife’s family farm. My wife, Mom and two sons joined Dad and me in the field. Before moving our equipment, we paused to admire one of God’s great masterpieces.

A bright orange Hunter’s Moon illuminated that autumn night sky. Sadly, it was the last we’d see together, as Dad passed away two months later. But that beautiful memory will be forever etched in our hearts.

Hunter’s Moons have been the subject of art and lore for ages. They’ve shown the way for explorers, sailors, hunters and farmers.

Hunter’s Moon is often confused with the Harvest Moon. Yes, they are very much alike in how they light up night skies. Both provide prolonged evening light. Unlike normal moons, which rise 50 minutes later each day, Harvest and Hunter’s Moons usually rise 30 minutes later each successive night, meaning sunset and moonrise are not far apart.

Their difference mainly comes down to timing.

Harvest Moon relates to the autumn equinox; it occurs nearest to the start of autumn and appears at the end of September (although once every four years or so the Harvest Moon is in October instead of September). For centuries, farmers have relied on its beaming light to help harvest crops.

Hunter’s Moon is the next full moon following the Harvest Moon, usually occurring in October. It’s commonly called the Blood Moon, as it often glows bright orange or red. This moon helped light the way for hunters to track deer and other game roaming and grazing through the harvested cropland, as they fattened up for winter. It signaled the time to store up and preserve meat, while planning for the winter ahead.

Folklore has it that babies born a day after the full Moon possess infectious energy. As someone born the day after the Hunter’s Moon, I like to think that’s the case!

You can moon gaze at the Hunter’s Moon this Sunday, October 25. And hopefully, make some lasting memories of your own.