I am disheartened by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s actions that have destroyed the tradition of “deer camp” for many. Adding Sunday hunts, combining doe and buck seasons, and the inexplicable changing of the first day have robbed future generations of fond memories of family and friends sharing a yearly trip to hunting camp.
My family’s camp was founded in 1952, the year I was born. I can still remember the anticipation leading up to my yearly trip with my father, brothers, and other family and friends. Bags were packed and ready to go before we even had Thanksgiving dinner.
After arriving at camp Friday morning, we would go into town to stock up on supplies. Friday night, we went to a bar or restaurant to meet up with friends we only saw once a year. Saturday, we’d have a great meal together and reminisce about the “good old days” and those no longer with us. Sunday was another day of visiting other camps and friends.
The new regulations have changed all of this. Since hunting was permitted on Saturday, it seems local businesses are not as busy. By Monday, camps are closed up.
While hunting was the underlying reason this tradition started, the real significance of the weekend was the fellowship — the time spent creating memories that would long outlive us as future generations would carry on the stories over Saturday dinner.
If my experience this year is any indication, there will be no one sitting around the table on Saturday nights reminiscing about those of us who are no longer there.
Wayne A. Schickel
Level Green