Deer on the Brain!

If you're a hunter, like me, it's going to be tough to stay focused this week.  Sunday, the 15th marks opening day of the 2015 firearms deer season in Michigan.  Throughout the state, hunters will be gathering around to share old tales (some even true) from years past and build memories to share around future camp fires.  This year is going to be extra special as I have the huge pleasure of bringing my oldest daughter, Autumn, to deer camp for the first time.  At 14, I think she's ready to endure the predictable ribbing she'll receive from her uncles, cousins and family friends.  She'll be forced to keep everyone's drinks cold and clear any empties from the card table as the junior hunter in camp (affectionately referred to as "beer dog").  I'm sure she'll also lose a bit of change at the poker table as she tries to figure out which hands are best and to NEVER draw to an inside straight.

Since she was 6 years old she's been joining me during bow season and, in more recent years, during the youth hunt where she managed to tag a deer of her own two years ago.  At the range yesterday she showed she's becoming a heck of a marksman (woman..?)  by out-shooting a number of the more senior men at the bench.  The memories I've built with her are impossible to describe as it's often tough for a middle aged dad and teenage daughter find common ground.  For us, it's found in the woods and without it, we certainly wouldn't have the relationship we do.

If you get invited to join a buddy or family member at deer camp, go.  It's an experience you'll surely carry with you forever and one that will have you anxious to carry on those traditions for yourself.  From card games to cutting wood, fixing up an old blind or putting up a new stand, the time spent at camp is among the best time spent each year.  It's one of the only occasions when the snack table consists of delicacies such as pickled bologna, liverwurst, creamed herring, venison jerky, or smoked fish all at the same time...

As you head to camp, make sure to keep old traditions alive, maybe invent some new ones and try to introduce someone else to the experience we all treasure so much.  So here's to a safe and successful hunt!  Throw back a few buck snorts (shot with 1/2 ginger brandy and 1/2 peppermint schnapps) and enjoy another great year in the deer woods!