These are some fall pictures before and during our three deer camps.. Lots of turkeys and tons of deer although as usual the bruisers were scant.
This little bear is running West on the Far Ridge Stand and I cannot tell from pictures where his family is. Often they traverse behind the stone wall right behind the camera.
For N.H. this guy is a taker, but of course he has become quite nocturnal.
East plot color. I could have shot about six does from this stand with my bow. Probably should have taken one.
Below you see the bunk house all ready the night before arrivals. Fire is set, menus taken care of, stands all set up, and simply waiting for eager hunters.
Here is another nice one on the Far Field.
I am taking pictures from a twenty foot stand on the East Plot, bow in hand. Could have taken any of these four deer (2 fawns and two does, but chose to enjoy their company instead.
Muzzle loading season I was on the Far Ridge, and this gal jumped the wall and headed for acorns. We needed a deer hanging from the game pole so I took her. She was barren, no fawns, as is any doe I ever take.
The bunks, opening night, slowly filling up.
The dinner table is ready for those grill baked Russets, venison steaks, and special sauces made by our avid hunter Bruce!
Of course we miscommunicate on who brings what, so there is always plenty of premeal snacks...
A roaring camp fire is a requisite, and we ALWAYS have one.
A deer camp always has a pup, or two, present to provide a deer count.
The grill is on, hunters out of the woods, and premeal drinks and cheeses are the moment.
The wine is poured, the sauces almost done and the venison on the platter!
After dinner, cocktails and great catch up conversation fill out the evening.
Gear in the bunk room.
This is Luna, the second of our two Sheltie camp pups. Always loyal...
Celebrating bed time!
Pups get chairs, and a chance to listen to lively conversation too!
Second camp, well attended!
Late in the season, I was on the Far Ridge Stand when two does came out to graze. It is nearly no shoot time. I had a bow, but decided not to take this lady at 25 yards. I was still hoping for the big guy since my freezer has plenty...
This rub is within sight of camp, in the Christmas tree plantation.
Early season East Ridge diversity.
Same plot, night time.
Below buck is in the Far Field...
All in all we had a wonderful season. Some six of us ended up with deer this season, not all taken at our camps, while some were bucks, no trophies were taken. But when considering the re-connection with many friends you may not have seen for a year, it is no matter. It is all adventure, all fun, and all in perfect comradery. Start a deer camp. Do it now. let me know how your season went!
Questions and comment welcome at jackzeller@myfairpoint.net
So glad that you had an enjoyable and successful hunting season. I did not get a deer this season but did enjoy spending my birthday with Rex of Deer Camp Blog and we saw 17 deer together hunting in the Taj Mahal stand but at 200 yards. Best birthday ever. Love going to the camp and seeing all my hunting buddies after so long and a camp fire is a must and so enjoyable. Our county is under alert with the Chronic Wasting Disease now and several counties around us. Holmes County where Rex's camp is not involved. Not a good thing for sure. Take care and see you on Facebook. :)
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