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My eye’s bubbled over with tears even though I was standing inside our wall
tent; smoke wrapped me inside its thick blanket. Cleared of smoke a moment
later I pitched some crispy black wedges into the woods. I was deep inside
the north woods of Wisconsin hunting grouse and woodcock.
Camp Drumming Thunder is our base shared with every other creature, wolves,
porcupines, skunks, and bear. A few strangers uninvited might pass by. We
all get along great.
Training is a big part of our time here. Training outside the box. Every
time pup runs the same training field, would be like us hunting the same one
acre over and over, ya it should be fun but its not. Pup is going to have
fun every day at camp; the training goes unnoticed not forgotten. Pups
favorite moments all run together as one I’m sure. Late summer days
training will have pup and you adventure ready.
A wall tent will bring you to a new set of boundaries with only a compass to
get you out. It’s just an idea!
You won’t need to hedge your bets, the fall colors will be there along with
the birds. Unconditionally guaranteed, pup will love you from the start.
Within the forest shimmering creeks are your boarders. Blackberries, sweet
air and a bit of sun with breathers give sporting life more purpose.
Thinking of the time Ron Stot of Wisconsin looked eye to eye and nose to
beak with a turkey size grouse as its flushing flaring dusted wings left
streaks on his cheek. From a perfect pointed bird to an astonishing spin,
guns and smoke and laughs, but our laughs are longer and fuller inside the
tent, why is it so? Camp does that. Riches won’t buy you this kind of
feeling. Sure those camp chores take time but it’s the chore time that
helps bring everyone together, compare notes, weave stories and re-invent
ideas.
The days in camp start out soft. The pendulum of time is off, just a little
slower hidden in the forest. You can saunter your way to a new start and
closure flapping around out there! You will lighten your cargo each day;
this is why you should go. Offered for every size, the forest, camp, good
food and wine is luxe.
Breakfast is amazing. Only the finest coffee from enamel cups. Sure it may
sound like any other breakfast, but it’s not the same old refined, dressy,
ultrasoft ways. This is an empire breakfast, enjoyed by a rare few. The
coffee is always the temp of your choice; just remember the same spot on the
wood stove, no need to rush, birds wait outside.
I remember the time I had only one bird in the bag and birds were
everywhere! I looked at my wife and agreed. She and our two young children
visiting for the day could have the grouse for supper and I would have the
kid’s hot dog! As we walked back on the trail to camp we flushed a young
grouse. This bird was putting up for the night in the pines twenty yards
from our tent, hot dog or grouse; I wasn’t letting my sportsmanship stand in
the way! We all ate like royalty for sure; I hovered about with a smile.
The owls nightly voice more clear.
Camping is one part road trip that requires packing light. Once camp is
unfolded dressed up and set, its time to investigate wood for hand warming,
cooking, firing the stove for coffee and storytelling. The fires warmth is
like a sunset’s golden light. If tonight is a four dog night your wood
needs to be dry and hard. Cold nights without good wood mean a dog or four
in bed for added warmth!
In the deep of the night when the wolves come howling, our dogs talk back in
that citified lingo. I roll over and say nice things, sleep overtakes
quickly.
Burnt toast, hot coffee, a new day, when you’re the burnt toast try a camp
for renewal. Each flush of a trophy bird will renew and recharge you. The
added weight in your bird bag is sure to lighten your spirit.
By: Dennis Lutynski of Skydance kennels |
