Deer Camp Traditions

[bowhunter1023]

Opening day of gun season is a big event in this state, and has been for years. I was just wondering what kind of traditions other guys have going. It may be cutting off shirt tales for a miss, or just getting together in the same place every year.

We get together at my uncle's on Sunday afternoon and eat lunch, then we get the cabin set-up for the night. After that we head over to Tall Tines camp and sling a few slugs to check things out. After that we head out to pick our spots for the next morning.

The hunting isn't top notch, but you can't beat time with family. Not to mention my uncle making the best breakfast in the world. Its great until you get to you stand...:nono:

We sit til lunch, eat, then drive, then we head to our farm for the afternoon. Can't wait to do it again!

[MagnumMudMan]

We have about 10 of us that go down to my buddies place and stay in his basement and camper. We don't necessarily have any true traditions, but we sure eat well. We usually play pool and drink a few beers, and then struggle to get up the next morning. We never stay up too late though. Want everyone to be a least sober in the morning. Tired, but sober.

We (dad and I) are going down this Saturday and staying through Wednesday. Probably make sure dad's gun is still hitting the bulleyes on Sunday and get his blind up. Beyond that, Sunday is just more of a prep and planning day than anything.

We have been known to play a prank or two. Last year, my buddy shot a small button buck and when he got it back and put it in his truck, we put a leash and a collar on it. Now that was funny.

[traphunter]

This is what I do like to hear about gun season. The simple fellowship with other hunters. Good post and keep them coming.;)

[traphunter]

I havent established any traditions yet. I have always dreamed of having a deer camp but it hasnt happend yet. Last year I hunted by myself on the opener and it was pretty lonely.

This year me and doewatcher plan to get out there early and stay late and let the other hunters drive them to us.

[gunrac]

Opening day of gun season is a big event in this state, and has been for years. I was just wondering what kind of traditions other guys have going. It may be cutting off shirt tales for a miss, or just getting together in the same place every year.

Usta hunt an camp the Wayne. 6 or 8 of us. Alway's had a ball. Lost my ol' buddy to cancer, went back down the following year. It just wasn't the same. :( These were pretty much annual events. We had 1 nite we went trap shootin. Hit a local turkey shoot another day. Had a competiton shoot with a local camp. I supplied all the walleye for a big feed with this other camp. Card game's. An a couple, "why did I do that", trip's to Glouster. :coco: We occupied our time quite well. Killed our share of deer. Alway's wackin up some meat. :D

I've ripped off my share of shirttail's, but it wasn't because I missed a deer. :bouncy:

[franman78]

My family has been hunting Ohio Power ground during gun season for the past 30 years. Every year they leave the Friday morning after Thanksgiving (when all those crazies are standing in lines at stores) and head down to set up camp. Camp, eat, etc. all weekend and head out ready to go Monday morning till Wednesday. This will by my first year being able to actually hunt opening day down there. Kind of nice being out of college now and have paid vacation to take to hunt. I'm from Versailles in Darke County in the West of the state where deer and woods are few and far between and there is no such thing as deer camp. It's nice to know there are others in the state that enjoy the camp aspect as much as I do.

[bowhunter1023]

franman, hope opening day goes well for ya. I love it. I'm 24 and haven't missed one in 14 years. I was lucky and our school district had the first day off, then I went to OU and we had the whole dang month off. I always love watching my watch and waiting for the first gun of the season to go off. (It was a little more dramatic before youth season.)

[Buckmaster]

Fortunately, I am the host of our Deer Camp and I try to be tagged out prior to gun season. I've spent all my tags this year so I enjoy playing camp cook, bottle washer, photographer, and deer hauler. I hope my 6 buddies enjoy my services as much as I do helping. Always an enjoyable time hanging out with family and friends. The memories are better then the "hunt" anyday. Good luck to you fellow hunters.

[Cap't Ernie]

When we are over in NY (like we will be next year for my high school graduation present to myself), we go down on Sunday afternoon and do a bit of scouting to the treestands that are set up on the land so that we can find 'em in the morning. Then we get up about 3 am and go over to the neighbor's camp for a HUGE breakfast and a good time, then off to the woods!

Here, it's just me, Pops, and some years my brother. No real traditions.

However, I do always bid the smokepoles goodnight before hitting the sack. They are all named and I get each one out (particularly mine) and tell em good luck like you would a huntin dog.

Capt Ernie

[Talltines]

I'm 42 and since I was 10 my family has got together for opening week of gun season. Though camp has been at differant locations the tradition of getting together and sharing stories remains the same. Since then, My wife,Daughter, son, and nephew has joined in the tradition started by my grandfather (93 years old ), Who still hunts along side me just as when I was a kid.The only differance is he hunts at my camp now, for his camp is now one of the great stories told around the campfire. Hopefully I'll be mentoring my grandkids ( NOT TO SOON!!! ) through the woods teaching them everything that was taught to me throughout the years. Bowhunter, I'll be leaving after dinner tommarrow , just as we do every year. See you soon!!! Would'nt miss it for anything!!! My Wife, Daughter , and Son are all tagged out with nice bucks, so I have some catching up to do!!!!Steve,:bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy:

[outdoorsfellar]

Great stories guys ! I too hunt alone ...out behind the house. Each year I yearn to be a part as well. At least I have a cabin of sorts out back to make things seem cool. Anyway, if anybody has pics of deer camp life, please post !

[Q2XL]

usually do my deer camps durin bow season.dont usually go out durin gun but been goin for the last few years too hunt with my dad.good luck too all this comin week and be careful out there.

[Full Rut]

Been to a few camps that friends had in the mountains of central PA. Always had a good time regardless of the results. Getting everyone together ,having a few cold ones and talkin deer. Good times. Now we try and do the same thing for spring turkey.

[HoytShooter88]

A group of of us have been together for about 25 years now. We hunt 1,500 in Know county. The group started out at about 20, it is down to about 10 now. But a few of us have started bring our kid's so the group is getting bigger again. We sit up and play cards every night..