Michigan Deer Camp, Tradition, and Mustard

"As the darkness pours in, Northern Michigan deer hunters make their way back to camp. A blue tarp covers the shack, offering reprieve from the cold November air. A fire is lit inside the shelter so boots can dry out and supper can be had by all. Soon the stories of the day’s hunt are told, as the hungry hunters prepare to feast on the kill and whatever scraps are left in the cooler. Then, a distinct “pop” is heard throughout the camp, and the smell of sweet jalapenos wafts through the air. Someone’s cooking something delicious. Someone knows the weight traditions carry at deer camp. Someone just broke out the Backwoods." - Brandon Hodges, JPT Outdoors

The description above of our annual deer camp was written by Brandon Hodges of JPT Outdoors and spot on.  Tradition is important to us a deer camp.  We look forward to it every year.  It's really not about the hunt or who harvested the largest buck.  It's about friends and family making a priority each year to spend time together.  More importantly, to spend time together away from the television, away from work, away from traffic, and away from all the other distractions in life that seem to seep into every crevice of our day making it hard to stay connected to the people we love and care about.  

At deer camp, it's simple.  We eat when we're hungry, we sleep outside, and we all take turns helping wherever help is needed.  Whether its cutting wood for the fire, making coffee, or digging this years deep dark potty hole.  It's not work - merely activities that we do together as we quip back and forth.  

What's mustard got to do with it? That sweet jalapeno mustard we now call Backwoods Mustard has been part of our deer camp for over 20 years.  Brian Ernst is the founder of Backwoods Mustard Company and it was his family that started the deer camp we all go to.  It was also his mother that started making the mustard for deer camp over twenty years ago. Before long, it too would become just as much tradition as the camp jug of "Apple Pie" moon shine.

Traditions are taken seriously at deer camps even more so than the hunt itself. Tradition is important to us as individuals and to our company.  If you don't have them, get them. If you lost them, find them. If you have them, teach them.  

Have a safe hunting season and don't forget to Break Out the Backwoods at your deer camp this year.