Back in the Deer Blind

I grew up hunting and fishing in the great state of Michigan. But as Claire and I have moved around the country during the past eight years, I rarely uncased a gun or fishing rod. So I was excited when a good friend invited me to join their deer camp on Beaver Island!

Beaver Island is not the place to go if you are intent on shooting a deer. The herd is relatively small and since it is a deer management zone you can only shoot a buck with at least three points on one side. After three days of hunting, I was the only member of the camp of four hunters who actually saw a deer. Opening morning I had a nice little four-point meander by my heated blind. Not a shooter, but fun to watch.

As I said, deer camp on the island is not about shooting big bucks, but more about hanging out with the guys, eating and drinking too much, laughing, and telling tall tales. It was great to get back into the woods with a rifle and a deer tag. I am definitely looking forward to many more Michigan hunting and fishing adventures now that we are back in the mitten!

There was snow on the ground when we arrived, and it snowed every day of deer camp!

The week started at the sight in competition where islanders shoot and have a dinner together.

This is the lovely couple who host the sight in event. Great people!

Sighting in a 50 yards…

Ken won the competition!

As the winner of the competition, Ken is honored as the first in line for dinner…

We are not exactly roughing it at this deer camp …

I spent my days sitting in Ken’s heated deer blind.

My view from the blind.

A black squirrel provides a little entertainment …

Not many deer camps with this kind of view …

Our camp chef, bogey, makes some amazing meals!

There was even a deer camp cake!

Getting off the island can be a challenge this time of year. I made it just before a white out shut down the airport!