Once upon a time, I wrote a little story about a fellow going to deer camp.
“Gone to Little Buck” told about an older man who had been going to this camp for many years, but now that most of those in his age group were gone, he was reluctant to join in for deer season at all. (You can probably find this story online if you are so led, “Guns & Cornbread” readers.)
All over the country, many of you are preparing to go to deer camp soon, if you haven’t already. The opening of the firearms buck season (the greatest show on earth) differs a little from state to state, but most such seasons either opened recently or will by Thanksgiving week.
(READ MORE: Make time for a return to deer camp this hunting season)
I would submit to you that this deer season, and deer camp, could be a little different.
How so? By you inviting two different guys (or girls) to camp. Or at least two types of hunters.
Let me explain.
The first hunter is the one you know all too well. He may have been an original member and founder of the camp you are in. You understand, of course, this camp may be a ramshackle cabin built by this guy and two of your uncles (now passed on), or an ancient military surplus tent erected annually next to a huge expanse of U.S. National Forest land.
The size and shape and current condition of the camp isn’t really important. What matters is it is deer camp, and it is where hunters want to be at this time of year.
(READ MORE: Deer camp features venison, sharp knives and college football)
As I was saying (you let me get off track there a little bit), this first hunter has been around since before you were born. Time and age (the great thieves to all of us) have taken much of his energy and vigor, but not his desire to be at camp. The hunting light still burns bright in his eyes. He may not climb the hills with you now, but he wants to be there when you return so he can hear all the details.
How many deer did you see? Was there a lot of sign? What else did you see? Any turkeys? You get the idea.
A major plus is that this guy is going to take care of camp while the rest of you are out in the quest for venison. Camp will be tidied up, dishes washed, and there will probably be something simmering on the wood stove. Oh man, can you smell that pot of chili or beef stew?
This guy, the veteran, is a great asset to your whole time at camp.
OK, now for the other hunter I was going to tell you to invite.
This person is on the other end of the spectrum in their hunting career. This is a young man or a young lady who has just started hunting. They may have been afield a few times before or not. They may have never been hunting before, but they want to — like really bad. They have heard about it, read about it, dreamed about it. They are locked and loaded and full of vinegar to be in any hunting experience.
They will be a sponge to any and all hunting advice and lore you wish to bestow on them. (Side note: Many experienced hunters find they really enjoy doing this — mentoring a new hunter, that is.)
You may find this new addition to your camp roster will add immeasurably to the season. Seeing, through the eyes of a new hunter, all of the dozens of things about hunting season, the outdoors and camp life that you may have taken for granted will absolutely change your hunting experience. And I mean in a good way.
You may very well be the only chance this young hunter (or the adult who just started hunting) gets to be exposed to the hunting world.
Think about that. If you don’t do it, there probably won’t be anyone else who will do it either.
One more thing. Having these two hunters, the old and the new, in camp at the same time can be a real bonus. You may find that one complements the other, and you may very well find that you learn from both of them.
So go to deer camp. Have a big time, tag the big buck, enjoy your buddies, and eat a lot of good food. If you can, take one of the above hunters — the old or the new, or both.
All they want is an open seat in the truck and for you to blow the horn when you pull up in the yard.
Have a wonderful deer camp.
“Guns & Cornbread” is written by Larry Case, who lives in Fayette County, W.Va. You can write to him at larryocase3@gmail.com.