texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,768
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,997
Posts9,719,292
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
First rule of "Deer Camp"...! #7281480 09/09/18 01:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 166
tsasunkawitka Offline OP
Woodsman
OP Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 166
Are you kidding? The first rule of deer camp is we tell everyone we know whatever dumb thing you did in deer camp! Like when you lit the pot-bellied stove and didnt open the flue and smoked us all out of the cabin. Or when you had to walk to my stand to borrow a bullet cuz you forgot yours. Or the time when you opened your stand door from the ladder and a ring-tailed cat immediately attached itself to your face and you commenced to screaming and flailing about til you and the cat fell to the ground below (true story). Yep. Youd better believe that at least three generations of young hunters will hear that tail around the campfire. Im still laughing many years later.
But isnt that part of the fun of deer camp? This will be my 50th season and its not the wall mounts that we gain from deer camp. Its the experiences and the memories. I do wax nostalgic about how things used to be because I wish everyone could experience a bit of the good old days. Its where every 12-year old wants to be like the older menlike their dad. And, where dad and the older men want to be 12 again. Deer camp is where boys become men and men are reminded how they became who they are.
True deer camp for you younger folks was a tent, a pop-up camper, an old travel trailer, or a wood floor cabin with no running water or electricity. Maybe it still is. I hope so. Roughing it is not no wi-fi. There is much to learn from being cold, wet, uncomfortable, and inconvenienced. We learn to think critically from adversity. You learn to be prepared and efficient when youre forced to. There is something bigger and greater at work in deer camp.
I learned to peel a tater in one continuous piece from one of the older men betting me he could do it better. Loser peeled twenty pounds. I never did win the bet, but I can peel a tater like nobodys business. And, I still have all my digits. I learned why its not good to swallow tobacco juice. I even learned to poke holes in a quarter at 100 yards. When I finally got it perfect, they mounted it on a dog tag chain for me and I wore it til I went to boot camp. I shoot pretty good now.
If youve never used an outhouse, youve never been to deer camp. I can recall running out at night in my long handles, barefoot, freezing, and sitting in the privy playing with my flashlight. Dreaming about the mornings hunt to come. Shivering, teeth chattering, and thinking "it cant possibly get any better than this"!
Deer camp is also where we learn not to close our eyes when we finally get a shot at our first deer. I had a year to relive that miserable experience over and over. It taught me humility, patience, and lots of anger management.
I think I learned how to be a good human being. How to be a righteous man. Dont take the last piece of meat when someone is still out. Pick up after yourself. Dont slam the door when you head to the outhouse. Close the cattle gate behind you. Put a log on the fire before you head out. Many important lessons on interacting with others. Respect, courtesy, and common sense.
My first thoughts about God came in the nights out under the stars, hearing the older men speak about the majesty of space and such. Belief came to me out there. Something so vast and amazing couldnt possibly just happen by accident. Even as a kid I saw that.
I learned to overcome fear when my dad left me in my stand til well after dark one night. I didnt know at the time that there werent lions, tigers, and bears in the woods of Montgomery county, Texas. In fact, the men went well out of their way to reinforce that notion. I was terrified but remained resolute in my dads instructions to not leave my stand til he came. He finally did, and it instilled a bond of trust between us that lasted many years later. He always showed up when I needed him to most.
Being teased, taunted, and generally messed with as a kid was part of a right of passage. You learned not to be so thin-skinned. To take it in the spirit it was given. Even to dish out a little. The whole process was a hide-toughening. A test of who I was and who I would become by men who had been through it with their dads. Good, solid, upright men. Hunters! 50 years later I am the man I became in those camps of old. My sons and grandsons are as I am. Pretty sure they want to be me, and I, them!
The moral of this verbose rant is simplytake a kid to the woodsto deer camp. Because there is no greater place on this planet.


39 years booking hunts worldwide with over 3000 outfitters. If you want to kill it or catch it...I've got it!

Detail Company Adventures
(713) 315-0480 Cell (best)
(713) 524-7235 Office
(800) 292-2213 Office
rick@detailcompany.com
SCI, HSC, DSC Member


Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281485 09/09/18 01:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 65,416
S
SnakeWrangler Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 65,416
cheers


Originally Posted by Sneaky
I believe in science and I’m an insufferable [censored]
Originally Posted by beaversnipe
Actually, BBC is pretty damn good

"You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281499 09/09/18 01:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,643
B
BubRay Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
B
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,643
Well said sir. up


Take Care,
Bub
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281538 09/09/18 02:15 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,001
J
jhunter77 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
J
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,001
cheers flag

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281539 09/09/18 02:15 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,001
J
jhunter77 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
J
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,001
cheers flag

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281549 09/09/18 02:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,457
R
redhaze Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,457
happy3

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281555 09/09/18 02:25 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 862
B
BigLou Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
B
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 862
Amen

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281560 09/09/18 02:35 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
Creekrunner Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
I try my best to pass on/duplicate as much of the above to the other, younger guys on the lease...when we're not in a seminar on trophy management. rolleyes

Thanks for posting.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281561 09/09/18 02:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,857
S
Simple Searcher Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,857
That is publishable. Well done. up


[Linked Image]

"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281580 09/09/18 02:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,043
W
Wilhunt Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
W
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,043
Very well said, have to believe most have experienced the above. up

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281732 09/09/18 05:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
N
Nogalus Prairie Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
N
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
up


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281764 09/09/18 05:54 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
D
Dalee7892 Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
D
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
Well said. Can relate to a lot of what was written. A person could not relate to any of that unless he lived it.

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281772 09/09/18 06:04 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 482
R
ROCKMAN57 Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
R
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 482
That was a wonderfull read and I could feel the things you spoke of,just with different faces and places I'm sure.Ditto what Searcher said.I would but the book.Happy trails.


Keep your powder dry,the wind in your face and watch your backtrail.
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281789 09/09/18 06:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,981
pertnear Online Content
"Demolition Man"
Online Content
"Demolition Man"
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,981
tsasunkawitka,

Wish you could create a deer camp training course to "de-millennialize" or "millennial-proof" some of our youth.

happy3


"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” - George Orwell
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281798 09/09/18 06:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 166
tsasunkawitka Offline OP
Woodsman
OP Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 166
Pertnear,

If only there were such a place. I do appreciate all the kind support here. Was trying to convey some things I see are sadly missing. I have clients who will spend a hundred grand on renting a luxury lodge for a week. In my mind, the guy sitting around a campfire with friends eating dinty moore stew from the can is far wealthier!


"The finest thing I've ever smelled is coffee percolating and bacon frying over the fire on a cool, crisp, Texas morning"!


39 years booking hunts worldwide with over 3000 outfitters. If you want to kill it or catch it...I've got it!

Detail Company Adventures
(713) 315-0480 Cell (best)
(713) 524-7235 Office
(800) 292-2213 Office
rick@detailcompany.com
SCI, HSC, DSC Member


Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281830 09/09/18 07:23 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
D
Dalee7892 Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
D
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,136
Coming in from the hunt in the evening and everyone participating in preparing dinner. Peeling the taters, cooking the meat, setting the table, stoking the fire. Clean up then some drinks and bs till wee hours. Greatness.

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281842 09/09/18 07:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 368
2
270Sendero Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
2
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 368
Sounds like you grew up in the same camp as me. I loved every minute of it

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7281863 09/09/18 08:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,208
T
Texas Dan Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,208
Its where every 12-year old wants to be like the older menlike their dad. And, where dad and the older men want to be 12 again. Deer camp is where boys become men and men are reminded how they became who they are.

Places that are male only have become few and far between. And to even speak of them is taboo in many circles.

I started hunting with my future FIL and my wifes uncles soon after I met her. I couldnt have imagined her or any other woman being in deer camp during all those years. It wasnt a matter of exclusion but simply a place and activity where men took an interest. Even today, there are only men in my hunting circle and our wives desire no part of it. Thats not to say that women shouldnt be hunting, but simply that many men have something in them that creates a desire to pack together. It can probably be traced back to our earliest ancestors. IMO, only time will tell the impact of the changing role of men in our society.

Last edited by Texas Dan; 09/10/18 02:05 AM.

"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7282086 09/10/18 02:20 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,109
R
Ranch Dawg Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,109
Very well put ! Sounds like the camp I grew up in. Wouldn't trade it for anything.... clap


THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND THE PARTY NEVER ENDS.

F##K YOU JOE BIDEN !!!!!
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7282383 09/10/18 02:47 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 482
R
ROCKMAN57 Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
R
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 482
I remember a woman in our camp(in fact it was her camp) way back in the day when we were hunting in the Davy Crockett Natl forrest.It was my Ain't Joyce and she dipped and snorted snuff.When you heard that old Rem 1100 of her's sing you knew meat was on the ground.She was tougher than many a man and didn't mince words.Times have changed quite a bit since those days of sittin around the fire down in the woods at night.I miss that old woman with all my heart.Back in those old days she took more deer and caught more and bigger catfish than any man I knew cept maybe Uncle Shirley(her old man)
Thinking bout them has brought tears to my eyes so I'm gonna sign off now. Good Hunting to all and to all good luck.


Keep your powder dry,the wind in your face and watch your backtrail.
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7282437 09/10/18 03:22 PM
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 179
D
D'hanis Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
D
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 179
That was awesome to read. Posts like that are my favorite part of this forum. I guess now I'll get back to daydreaming about opening day from the comfort of the office... *sigh*

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7282488 09/10/18 04:07 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 12
W
Wooman Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
W
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 12
One of the best posts I have ever read!!

Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: BubRay] #7282495 09/10/18 04:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,135
L
landsurveyor Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
L
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,135
Originally Posted By: BubRay
Well said sir. up


"A hungry dog hunts best." Lee Trevino

www.prospectlandsurveying.com
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: tsasunkawitka] #7282509 09/10/18 04:33 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 336
B
Brian C. Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
B
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 336
Well said


God Bless Texas!!! Godspeed our Military!
Re: First rule of "Deer Camp"...! [Re: D'hanis] #7282510 09/10/18 04:34 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,770
M
Mr. T. Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
M
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,770
Originally Posted By: D'hanis
That was awesome to read. Posts like that are my favorite part of this forum. I guess now I'll get back to daydreaming about opening day from the comfort of the office... *sigh*

X2


Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co.
Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3