I have the good fortune of traveling to many camps across Michigan. Bass camps, deer camps, turkey camps, sucker camps, walleye camps—you name it, someone has a camp for it. Why is that? What is it about getting away and focusing on the hunt for whatever species we are pursuing? Are these camps dying off? Do folks still head north for deer camp like they used to? The answer, as sad as it is, is yes—this tradition is slowly fading away. HOWEVER, those of us who are still here can and should do what we can to keep this tradition alive and well, one camp at a time. 

For me, heading to deer camp always meant our small two-room shack on the backroads of Cheboygan County, Michigan. A pump well, an outhouse, and memories that make me smile to this day. Once you get a fire going, the dampness and mothball scent slowly dissipate, replaced by the warm smoke of the small wood stove. 

Loud stories are told and retold. Cabins, tents, and campers all work for hosting camp—it is really about who is there. My personal favorite is grouse camp. As the members of our camp slowed down and stopped coming, we invented a new tradition: The Grouse Grand Masters! It was an attempt to create an easy, one-day grouse hunting event in early to mid-October. Getting the old guard to come out for three or four days of deer hunting was getting too hard. But a one-day grouse hunt from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM seemed doable and almost gentlemanly. 

The Grouse Grand Masters still draws a crowd for the weekend. Sadly, some of our camp members have passed away just within the last year or so—Kent and Dickie T are no longer with us—and my father is unable to make the trip due to strokes he suffered years ago. However, we move on. We cherish the old memories and start creating new ones. 

I look forward to grouse camp and deer camp, and instead of choosing sadness, I am focusing on who is coming rather than who can’t make it. Life has seasons. I remember full buck poles and 8 to 12 guys lined up for the firearm opener. The Grand Masters will draw maybe 8 to 10 guys this year, and some of the next generation are beginning to see how great a weekend at camp can be. 

So, here is my challenge to you: None of us want to see deer camps and fish camps fade away like the setting sun, so we must all do what we can. Create a one-day event, and if that includes some great food and a few libations, you are on the right path. Grouse camp may look a little different now, but that’s OK. We only have so many autumns left, and none should be squandered needlessly. Bring your kids, bring someone new, make sure to build new memories, and keep telling the old stories. 

And if you’re ever on Munger Road and see a broken-down, two-walled garage with a campfire going, stop in and say hello. 

To Kent, Dickie, Dad, Fred, George, Greg, Eddie, Ricky, Mo, Ray, and everyone else—thanks for the memories. See you at grouse camp. 

 

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