5. The Food
As anyone who has been to deer camp knows, it's not just the deer that are eating well out there! There is a constant array of snacks available at all times, which I like to refer to as the "bait pile". Anything from potato chips or venison jerky, all the way to the camp favorite pickled eggs, there is no shortage of good stuff.
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| Pickled eggs with my aunt's secret recipe. "It's all about the brine!" |
4. The Drink
Hard Truth - There's a whole lot of drinking going on at deer camp! At least at our camp there is. Let me be clear though. It's not a 24/7 free for all up there. It's basically a vacation for all the gentlemen at our camp, so you have a few to unwind and relax the same as you would on any other vacation. I mean who doesn't love to sit down and have a cold beer after a long day in the woods talking about the hunting you did? No matter what your poison is there's no shortage of it when you head to deer camp!
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| Bloody Mary to start the day. |
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| Pick your poison |
A true staple of being at deer camp. After a long day in the cold woods there's nothing better than warming up in a steaming hot sauna. Part of the joy for me is it's methodical process. You have to heat the sauna to just the right temperature. Then you sit down and throw some water on the rocks and soak up the steam. The water has eucalyptus in it, and the minute you hear that sizzle you can feel it sting your nostrils and open up your sinuses. After a good sweat you go out in the snow and cool off. Repeat that process 3 or 4 times and you feel like a million bucks you betcha!
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| 200 degrees is perfection! |
It's no secret that the Upper Peninsula is full of scenic beauty. It's on full display when you are out in the woods for hours on end hunting. Hopefully you see deer, but chances are you'll spot other animals and birds as well. If you are doing things right and being quiet you get to see these creatures doing their day to day in the natural habitat which is pretty cool. Depending on the weather as well, you can truly end up with some breath-taking views. Which again, when you sit still for hours in your deer blind you can savor the moment and truly take in everything that mother nature has to offer.
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| Barred Owl outside of camp. |
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| Sunrise and Sunset |
1. The Fellowship
Hands down the best thing about deer camp is the fellowship. It's being with friends and family and having fun. Many a story is told, legends are passed down, and those that have passed on are remembered and discussed with great fondness. There's jokes that are said, most of them being inappropriate. Except at deer camp not only are they acceptable but they are welcomed.
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| Enter at your own risk! |
Card games are happening almost constantly. Smear, poker, cribbage, you name it. These are heated contests where money and bragging rights are exchanged at a rapid pace.
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| Want to play a little fifteen two? |
It is these stories, laughs, and comradery that make deer camp so special. Generation after generation these rituals, history, and bonding time are passed down as a right of passage. Of course shooting the buck of your dreams is great, and really it's your ultimate goal, but at the end of the day it's OK if you don't bag that big one you've been trying to lure in. I say this because in my opinion being at deer camp has allowed you to make wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime whether you tag that deer or not. So my friends, I hope all of you who are out there in the woods are taking the time to stop and soak in the whole amazing experience that we call deer camp. Until next time, and best of luck hunting!
