Like Tim, I've been going to camp since the inception with Ron and Greg and then adding others in the late 90's. One daughter just started college this fall and the other is a senior in high school. Both run competitively and I found myself chasing races around the state of Michigan this fall as well as doing an official visit for the younger to sign with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on the final weekend of this years camp, so it just wasn't going to happen. Good news for me, both girls are going to be in Michigan's Upper Peninsula going to college and only about 2-3 hours from camp!
My first deer in camp came off of Banana Ridge. It was 1992 and there were deer and acorns everywhere. I put a stand in an oak tree after scouting the first morning. That night I saw no less than 30 deer parade through, but most of them about 60-70 yards away. The next morning the same story, so I moved the stand. That night, I heard a crunching of leaves coming my way. A few steps at a time and I thought for sure it was a single deer-a buck of my dreams-slowly feeding my way. I finally saw the movement and low and behold it was a gobbler. Now turkeys hadn't yet taken a stronghold like they currently have back then, so this was the last thing I expected to see, but it sure got my heart racing. The next morning a nice doe came through and I made a good shot and watched her fall about 50 yards away. Since it was early and I had my buck tag I decided to sit tight and see if any other deer were going to work through. None did, however I was surprised that within 40 minutes ravens were already circling above my deer. They have and uncanny ability to see the white of a deer's belly from above.
We added Kevin and Brian, then Brian dropped out and we added Roger and Eric and Little Eric (Tim and Kevin's son-in-laws). All the best camp mates anyone could ask for. We've had many guests over the years including Fred ASBELL, Steve Turay, Brian Cole, Bill Heath and his son, Tom Jenkins and a scattering of others. DEER CAMP in Michigan's Upper Peninsula just has a charm and aura of it's own. I'm glad Henry had a chance to experience this coming from a country that does not allow bowhunting. What a great opportunity for him to experience and I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to meet him. His products that are well thought out and great quality (I use his fletching jig, feathers and taper tool).
It's also gratifying to see Ron and Tim overcome shoulder surgeries and continue their passion of shooting traditional bows. Sitting by the Shrewhaven woodstove, enjoying a snort of good bourbon and swapping tales after dinner. It's just something that can't be beat.
Topic: SHREW HAVEN 2018 (Read 13652 times)
