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Deer Hunting Camp

Setting Up A Successful Deer Camp

Setting up a successful deer hunting camp is rewarding and beneficial to all camp members. A deer camp with rules and by-laws, agreed upon from the very start, in writing, by all members, is the basis of a deer hunting camp that is built on a solid foundation. I believe a hunting camp should have a mission statement. It should reflect the values of all camp or deer hunting club members.

A Mission Statement

A mission statement for a deer hunting club basically states what the hunting camp members want to accomplish throughout their hunting camps by-laws and activities. It could be something as simple as " Here, at the Johnson deer camp; we will hunt ethically and honor all fair chase rules in our pursuit of the whitetail deer. We will stay safe at all times. We will be courteous and honest with each other. We will share in each others successes and disappointments."

Foundation Of A Successful Deer Camp

1. Establish a set of by-laws and/or camp regulations. These must be agreed upon by all members. They need to benefit all members. They could be set up to address future problems. An example would be "No Loaded Firearms In Camp", or "Light's Out At 10 P.M.", or "First One Up In The Morning Makes the Coffee And Hot Chocolate".

2. Set Goals - for the hunting camp. Both short term and long term. What would everyone like to accomplish. Maybe it's year round food plots for deer and wildlife, or a weekend to work on hunting stand sites. Maybe the hunting cabin is in need of repair, add a bathroom, add a sauna, build a storage garage, add a deer processing station or room, etc...

3. Have regular meetings. Agree upon the dates and frequencies. Discuss expenses and collect dues. Plan weekends to work around your deer camp. Communicate with each other. Have brainstorming sessions full of ideas and be respectful of each other (by-law rule).

4. Elect a president. Have a leader; or coordinator. Someone fair, honest and passionate about the hunting camp.

5. Share the work load and all be part of the effort (by-law rule).

6. Be flexible, and open to adjustments as circumstances dictate.

7. Don't repeat mistakes; honor successes, celebrate accomplishments, respect opinions, forgive shortcomings, teach and mentor the young, help the old and wise, assist the disabled, and resist arguments.

These are just a few suggestions to establish and maintain a successful deer hunting camp. I am sure there are many more. Good luck hunting and stay safe.

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