Well it’s come and gone – Hunting Camp 2013. It was one of the smaller camps we’ve had – only about 42 people – but all the faithfuls/diehards came once again. 🙂
This was my home for 5 days.
A peek inside the outfitters tent.
The evening we arrived there was 3″ of snow on the ground. Thankfully, Russell had went up the day before and set up the tent because of the weather report, so we were on dry ground.
The next day was muddy for only half of the day, and that’s one of the things we love about Arizona. By afternoon, the water had soaked into the ground, the sun had dried it out and the weather was beautiful from there on out. Chilly at night always, but quite nice during the days.
I had some fun once again with my Dutch Oven. I made the dough at home and let it rise the 1st time. Then I shaped the cinnamon rolls and put them in cake pans lined with parchment paper (trying to minimize contact with aluminum). Next I froze them. Once I got to camp, I let the rolls rise the 2nd time by the woodstove. Then I placed the cake pan into my Dutch Oven and cooked them using coals from the fire. They turned out marvelous. I’m always so excited when that happens. 🙂
A new group meal idea I tried this year was Deep Pit cooking. I can’t remember how many pounds of beef I purchased but it was enough for about 50 people. I won’t give you all the details but we cooked the meat for about 7 hours. I was so thrilled when I unwrapped the package to find it was fork-tender and piping hot! I also made potatoes in the Dutch Oven and the rest of the ladies brought the sides & salads. We always eat well when we’re camping. 🙂
So how did my $150 Craigslist outfitters tent work? Very well, thank you, although if you ever do get in the market for one, I definitely would recommend buying one with an internal frame. This one is external but for $150, I’m pretty happy. Here it is being used for a variety of activities.
The kids found a variety of ways to keep themselves entertained.
There were 5 tags for 5 hunters. Four of them had tagged out by Saturday night… all except Justus. But, Monday evening was his time. This was his 1st hunt.
Justus and his hunting buddy (who was also one of this years elk hunters).
Mid-day Monday most of the campers had departed and it was just us and one other family left. But then Justus tagged out and so on Tuesday morning it was time to pack up our home in the woods until next year.
Goodby to dirt, smoke, and the great outdoors and hello to hot showers & a 10″ mattress. 🙂
Related
13 Comments
Anna
Yes. I’d say “going home” is one of my favorite parts of camping. “Enjoying the great out-of-doors” for a few days always makes One thankful for their 10″ mattress and hot showers, eh? *wink*
Looks like you’ve pulled off another successful event. 🙂
Wes
That looks like a great hunting camp – I’m glad that everyone in the group was successful. I live in wyoming and hunt elk up here, and have not been successful for the 2013-14 campaign. I even went to a hunting camp in january for the first time, but we were only able to stay 1 night because our tent blew over and it we kept getting stuck in snow drifts!
Elisabeth
That must have been some pretty heavy winds! Not too much snow here in Arizona that we have to worry about. 🙂
Pingback:
Daylene Alford
Your cinnamon rolls look wonderful. I will have to try
Elisabeth
Thank you!
Andy Miles
Hi Elisabeth,
Enjoyed reading your blog as you posted so many pictures! Glad that you had a successful hunting trip. Justus must be really proud of his first hunt! I can still remember my first. =)
Cliff
Thanks for showing us your camp, it’s really great to see how others do it. The pictures really show how much fun your family had. I’m sure you all gained lasting memories, and that is what really matters, isn’t it?
Tammy C.Hoffman
wow..What a great hunting camp!!Seems like everybody had a great time. Your post gave me the idea of going to Arizona next time with my family and friends. Your food selection for the camp is awesome. Last year my husband bought a Craigslist tent for our summer camp. That really worths the money and really safe.
Prone Outfitters
I’m glad to see hunting camps still going on. You don’t see it as much these days. There’s such value in these types of camps and the skills our children learn. Congrats on the success!! Love hearing a good hunting story. I don’t know if you all still host this event, but we’d be interested in featuring you on our website. I think it’s a great cause and deserves attention.
Christina
Awesome Hunting Camp, Thanks for giving us the idea for perfect Hunting Camp, Deep pit cooking and Photos of meat made me hungry !!! 😀
Brett Ellis
Sorry but I really have to comment about the cinammon rolls first thing! haha THEY LOOK VERY YUMMY! haha, eating can be one of the most anticipated “activity” in camping haha.
This looks like a really nice camping team you gathered. I love the space you have in your tent but I’d like to bring over some swags and sleeping bags (we use Crashpad Gear) too and take the time to sleep outdoors with the kids watching the stars if lucky. Looks like you had a lot of fun! That was one big beast you got!
Tim Hunting
Great write up, love all the photos. Looks like you had an excellent time.