Deer Camp 2024

[356]

The truck is packed (overpacked?) as I wrap up some work related details before heading off to deer camp 2024. For over 100 years, the host family has gathered each fall after the harvest to gather meat for the winter, be it deer, bear, turkey or raccoon. Once modern firearms seasons were establish, the gathering continued (howbeit, legally). For the past six decades the family has continued to gather at the family property for a week of "deer camp" during firearms season. The 100 plus year-old cabin is well off the grid along a beautiful clear river meandering deep through the Ozark mountains. This is the forth season I have been privileged to be part of this tradition. This is a sleeping bag and wood fire experience accompanied by great food, bad coffee and tall tales. We are usually treated to a visit from outdoor hall-of-famer Bill Cooper, whose writings and podcast have fueled many a hunters dreams of success and adventure .

Over the course of a week, it is likely many deer will fall. The first to succumb will become the "Camp Deer" providing us with a variety of meals, including gourmet stuff backstrap, venison stew, fried venison & onions and venison sliders. A few lines will be wet to ensure a little variety the the menu.

I hope others will share their deer camp experience on this thread. Happy Hunting!
Deer Camp 2023

 

[trampledbyturtles]

That's cool.

Would love to be apart of something like that.

Enjoy every min and don't take things to serious. Things tend to work out better that way.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Nothing quite like it. Good luck to all !!!

 

[356]

Well, we didn’t see any deer on opening day. We heard a lot of shots and, by text, read of many deer taken nearby, so our hope is not diminished. The disappointment related to the lack of deer sightings was easily offset by bacon, eggs, gravy and homemake breads for breakfast, and venison slam burgers for dinner!

 

[356]

Day 4; I’ve yet to see a deer, but two does have been harvested by fellow camp members and I took advantage of an opportunity to reduce the predator population by one.
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[356]

Taking a break from the action (or lack of) to do a little pistol practice and firepot story telling. For the afternoon hunt we will be using a CVA 6.5 Creedmore pistol and a S&W model 65 .357 at a pinchpoint travel route.

 

[356]

Day 5: A cold front has arrived, so our hopes are up. After the morning hunt we will be going to Ironton, MO to help with a senior deer hunt for residents at The Baptist Home. I still have not seen a deer since firearm season opened, but we’re having a great time.

 

[356]

One of the senior hunters had success on what turned out to be a beautiful (heavy) doe. What a blessing to take folks in the Baptist Home (Nursing Home) on a deer hunt!

 

[356]

Back at deer camp. Day 8 and not a single deer sighting from our blinds and during scouting. Heading home this afternoon. Camp tally to date:
- Me: didn’t even see one
- Landowner 1: didn’t see any
- Landowner 2: harvested a button buck
- Friend of family 1: harvested doe
- Friend of family 2: Missed a mature buck, saw another yearling.

 

[Electrodigical]

That's what I'm used to! lol Heck that would be an amazingly successful year for us.

I see and read all these things online where people see more deer in a morning than I will in two decades.... I have no concept of what that must be like.

 

[356]

That's what I'm used to! lol Heck that would be an amazingly successful year for us.

I see and read all these things online where people see more deer in a morning than I will in two decades.... I have no concept of what that must be like.

Good perspective! Deer camp is more about camaraderie than filling a freezer, for sure. Last year we harvested a deer a day (and two on a couple of days). Not seeing deer is what I grew up with in California and in Minnesota. It was on my 9th year before I saw a deer. One of the older guys at camp said this season reminded him of the 1970s.

The low numbers this year are likely due to a bumper mast of acorns—I saw plenty of sign—just no deer, as our deer populations are generally increasing in our state.

That said, I enjoyed camp immensely and consider myself fortunate to be part of this deer camp tradition. A couple of Little Debbie’s made the lack of deer a little less painful!

 

[bueller]

That's what I'm used to! lol Heck that would be an amazingly successful year for us.

I see and read all these things online where people see more deer in a morning than I will in two decades.... I have no concept of what that must be like.

You aren't the only one. If I see a couple doe and a yearling buck on a 10 hour all day sit it's a pretty decent day.

 

[scatterlands]

Reading post like this makes me realize how truly blessed I am . Fortunate enough to own 60 acres in the Ozark s. My family owns a additional 166 acres then I lease 20 more all are joining my place . We never kill does and this year harvested 6 nice bucks . Probably saw 50 different deer from my stands alone .