DEER CAMP CAN’T BE A ONE-OFF
Deer camp, wherein groups of men hunted deer from “camps” began over a century ago, when deer were plentiful and restrictions on harvest were few. Wiki describes such camps as “…rough, but with unique comforts. Over a century ago, hunters would spend weeks in camp as it took so long to get there. Chores were done during daylight hours to prepare and serve food and clean up after hunters with appetites whetted by outdoor exercise. Cabins were initially quite drafty and simple and the wind would whistle through the logs, perhaps echoing the call of the loons on the lake. All provisions, including water, had to be carried into cabins equipped with wood stoves for heat, and using candles or kerosene or gas lanterns for light.”
Most camps were begun by family members or groups of hunting friends. I was lucky enough to be invited to a typical deer camp in the mid-1990s. A group of friends had purchased five acres from a local timber company and built their camp in the mid-50s. Camp featured a front porch (where coolers were kept for food and drink, there was no
