Keeping the Traditions Alive: Deer Camp Fun

By Stephan W. Papp

Here we are again, friends. It is the Friday before the Wisconsin Gun Deer Opener. Households throughout the Badger State are a flurry of activity. Are the tags printed? Is the laundry done drying... and did I add a fabric sheet? Is the grub box packed for the weekend or week? Tent ready? Should I have shot another couple groups? Did I pack a tow line? You name it, everybody is acting as Santa. Checking the list twice!

This afternoon as I make my traverse to the Angry Dane's, there will no doubt be the seasonal decor of blaze orange hanging from many a clothesline or tree. As I make my way home Sunday, there may be a deer in its place. Oh, the anticipation of opening morning is a beautifully palpable thing. I look forward to sharing the woods with familiar friends, breathing crisp, clean, air, and hearing the music of the November woods in all its glory. Perhaps I'll even get a crack at a deer!

Many of my students are travelling to their own deer camps. We were discussing the traditions they've been learning. I tell you what, dear reader, there are some incredibly fun deer camps in these here parts. We broke down deer camp into several pieces. Here's what we came up with.

Cards with Grandpa: It doesn't need to be grandpa but I couldn't think of who I'd rather learn to play and beat! The card games of choice included cribbage, euchre, dirty clubs, spoons, Texas Hold 'Em, and gin. Invariably, after the hunt after dinner is served, what better way to share the stories of the day than over a deck of cards with your friends and family.

Opening Morning Sit: If that initial walk into the deer woods doesn't have you full of anticipation, appreciate, and wonder, you may want to check your pulse! Watching the night fade into the predawn does something for you. My senses go into overdrive as I yearn to hear a deer approach. You'll most likely find me in a tree stand or ladder stand these days. I haven't used my climber for some time. For years, I perched against a sturdy tree overlooking any number of backdrops. Many of my students have the added comfort of a heated ground blind or a perched box blind. In my camp, we refer to them as Taj Mahals.

You just want to make sure you are not be the first person who needs to come down because you're cold. Granted, that person will make a push to the other stands... often producing a deer, but the shame of being cold is a big deal in our camp.

Lunch: After the morning sit, typically when I'm congealed to my seat, the thought of slowly walking out of the woods to meet the Goof Troop for lunch is one of my favorite parts of deer hunting. It began with my father and grandfather. We'd eat at the bar in Clam Falls. The smell of frying oil and batter was a good smell. Burgers, onion rings, french fries, and sodas were sheer magic to my ten-year-old mind. Being able to sit in the bar with my uncles, cousins, dad, and grandpa were a highlight. The Dane, Matt, and I like to mix things up. We may hit the local bar for a basket lunch, or make a homemade chili and tailgate at the cars. Often, one of us will have made some venison jerky mixed with hunks of cheddar to snack upon as well.

Breakfast: Many of my students speak of the early morning breakfast before taking to the woods. More often than not, I'm driving, so don't get to make much ceremony of that, but I like the idea of double-toasted toast, fried eggs, sausage, bacon, stiff coffee, and muffins. What does a hunters breakfast look like in your camp?

The Drag: The celebration of successfully harvesting a white tail deer is a joyous thing. That joy is not for the harvester alone, but for all associated with them. Never is that more apparent than when helping your buddy drag a deer out of the woods. It is quite true that after the shot is when the real work begins! Sharing of the job amidst your hunting brothers and sisters is an integral part of it all. Shared gratitude makes memories.

Processing: Many of us will hang our deer, be it the meat pole, the pole barn, the garage, or a tree in the yard. At some point, when the hunting is done, the collective call is made to process and package the deer. These sessions often take place in somebody's garage, includes snacks, music, beverages, and laughter galore. Many a deer is shared amidst hunting parties with thoughts of delicious venison meals ahead.

First Meal: What do you cook first in your camp after a successful hunt? The heart? Liver? Tenderloins? Backstraps? Every hunter I know has their favorite first meal. That meal cements the hunt as a success and is a celebration of partaking in this crazy November tradition. For me, more often than not, it's the tenderloins made simply over a cast iron skillet. I drizzle them in olive oil, simple salt and pepper. I eat them rather rare and let them rest. They are a delicious treat.

Favorite Venison Meal: My meal repertoire continues to grow each season. As I become more seasoned, my wife and I grow more adventurous in trying new things with our venison. Some of the newer recipes include Oso Buco with the shanks. Crockpot then smoked ribs. Venison with Icelandic blueberry sauce is an absolute game changer. Full shoulder roast (turned out like silky velvet!). Heart wrapped in caul fat. Amidst all these delectable meals, I've grown more and more to appreciate a simple venison roast.

I haven't been able to brave liver yet... perhaps this year. Is there any dish outside of patte or liver and onions?

The soups, chili's, jerky, snack sticks, and summer sausages are all fun ways to remember your deer camp adventures in the Wisconsin Deer woods. Hunting is so much more than just the hunt, my friends. It encompasses so much more.

I wish you all a safe and successful season tomorrow. Regardless if you bag that 'turdy point buck, I hope you make some great memories.

Cheers!