{deer camp}

 

Deer Camp.

A handful of years in his youth Jesse went hunting with family on public land and then in his late teens his uncle purchased land. This is where Jesse has hunted ever since. While dating and early in our marriage there wasn't much time for this extra activity, and the first year he hunted was in 2005. Not having come from a hunting family, this was something of a new language for me to learn. However, learned I have, and not because I am now a hunter or want to be, but because I see how enjoyable it is for the hunters and what I most appreciate is the meat that then comes home to feed our family.

A sliver of time opened up this year for us to all go up to Deer Camp. Jesse has taken Roone a couple of years to observe hunting and this year he will be hunting himself. Seeing this space and enjoying this part of Northern Missouri was a first for me and Ella. Knowing it would be off grid we brought all the essentials to make our stay cozy, without running water or electricity - thankfully the modest cabin has a wood stove.

Late October in Missouri is usually a colorful time of year, and this was true for us this past weekend. So the colors were magnificent and the weather overcase one day then sunny the next so we had the best of both worlds (at least to me). The property has rolling hills, a creek, and wide paths cut to get to the many deer stands. Basically, the land is accessible to walk around and it was lovely and refreshing to do so. A deer or two was seen, and some trail maintenance for the upcoming hunt was able to be accomplished. 

We have toyed with the idea of having our own piece of property one day, but many stars must align for us to have peace about taking that kind of leap. It is a blessing for family to provide this access for the sport of hunting and for venison to be enjoyed by so many.