How to Set Up Deer Camp in the North Woods with Safety in Mind

You know it's that time of year already. The leaves have all fallen, the first flurry of snow has sprinkled the grass white and of course you awake every morning to gun shots firing off. No you don't live in Los Angeles, this is Michigan. And its Opening Day of Deer Season.

Your Buddies have decided this is the year to get together and head up North where the Pines whistle and the trails and fields are desolate. Hopefully though not barren of that 20 point buck you hope to bring home.

You are all packed down with the essentials, right down to the little pop up camper in tow behind your Truck. The whole Gang heads out like a caravan of Geese migrating to the South. In search of peace, quiet, campfire stories, guy talk and of course a break from the wives.

Many hunters revisit the same camp year after year, but if you trying out a new spot for the first time make sure that you have permission from the owner of the property to hunt and camp there.

It is usually like seeing an old friend you haven't seen in years. As you approach you are getting those butterflies in your stomach and eagerly wanting to see the camp you have missed for so many months. Then you arrive and get out and breathe in that crisp clean northern air.

The first thing you will want to do is to wander around a bit, take a look around. See if anything has changed or if there are any other campers near by.

Make sure to clear a spot for your camper to be set up at. This is a good time to start planning as to what direction you want the camper to face. It is best to have the door facing either to the east or the South, this will eliminate any brisk cold winds that may whip right in, it should also help keep the inside of your camper warmer.

Designate a place for a Fire Pit. This is one of the most important things to have to worry about when camping, for some this may be a main source of heat and cooking. A Tripod Grill is an essential tool to have when camping and setting up deer camp. This can work as a good solution to keep food warm, to smoke items or to boil and heat water.

The next step would be to gather around some kindling and firewood if you haven't done so already.

Keeping the fire going almost all of the time is a good idea as long as the area surrounding you isn't too dry. Some hesitate about having a Campfire going all night, but this can also be a good safety issue. The middle of the woods is typically pitch black at night and even with flashlights it can be hard to see what is around you. If the inevitable happens and you lose track of your Campsite, the fire will serve as bright reminder of how to get back to camp. Just be sure to use fire safety precautions at all times and to keep the campfire small and far away from trees and brush.

Once the camper is set up, while it is still light, make sure you are completely unpacked, and settled in.

Make sure the camp site is now in working order and functioning properly. A makeshift outhouse is also a very important thing to remember especially if you have no toilet in your camper. A large vegetable or pickle bucket will suffice just fine. Just make sure every one cleans up their own mess when it comes to the Port- a- John.

Be sure to dress in layers. It can get mighty cold in the North Woods. Gloves and heavy jackets are must haves for the avid hunter. Be sure to display your hunting License on the back of your jacket or vest, this assures others around you, that you are a hunter and you are sticking to the rules of hunters safety in mind.

Always carry an unloaded gun while you are walking or doing other tasks. This is a safety issue and all caution should be taken into consideration, for the protection of yourself and others around you.

Don't forget night time at the camp. You may go to bed sweaty and warm, but through the night as the fire dies out, and you stop moving around so much, the big freeze sets in, chances are you wont feel it until you get too cold to get warmed back up. Again, even layering your clothes at night is an essential tip in staying comfortable and safe. A heavy sportsman's sleeping bag is another great thing to have in order to keep warm and cozy throughout the night.

After you are all settled in and camp is set up, its time to go out find the Buck of your dreams. So keep safety in mind and have fun.