The Deer Camp

[recon6036]

My Grandpa built this camp in the 1940’s. I have fond memories of deer season here as a kid with my Grandpa, dad, brother and Uncle’s.
I am the last of those that hunted out this camp and recently started the process of demolition/remodeling; starting with the entryway.
Stripping the half log siding and tar paper off the exterior to expose the wooden slats is pretty nostalgic know my grandpa stood there with a hammer and nails building this camp some 80 years ago.
It’s pretty run down with lots of rotted wood and I think burning the place down to start over would be best, but I’m feeling the need to pick away at it in order to hopefully save the original camp.
Just thought I’d share a little bit about an Upper Peninsula of Michigan hunting camp with lots of history behind the old walls.

 

[INMT]

My Grandpa built this camp in the 1940’s. I have fond memories of deer season here as a kid with my Grandpa, dad, brother and Uncle’s.
I am the last of those that hunted out this camp and recently started the process of demolition/remodeling; starting with the entryway.
Stripping the half log siding and tar paper off the exterior to expose the wooden slats is pretty nostalgic know my grandpa stood there with a hammer and nails building this camp some 80 years ago.
It’s pretty run down with lots of rotted wood and I think burning the place down to start over would be best, but I’m feeling the need to pick away at it in order to hopefully save the original camp.
Just thought I’d share a little bit about an Upper Peninsula of Michigan hunting camp with lots of history behind the old walls.


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I grew up hunting out of a deer camp that was “picked away at to remodel.” I loved everything about it. Do what you can to retain it, but I also understand what it takes to do that vs rebuilding. Regardless, it’s awesome you have those memories.

 

[Nick87]

That's pretty cool.

 

[Straight Arrow]

My Grandpa built this camp in the 1940’s. I have fond memories of deer season here as a kid with my Grandpa, dad, brother and Uncle’s.
I am the last of those that hunted out this camp and recently started the process of demolition/remodeling; starting with the entryway.
Stripping the half log siding and tar paper off the exterior to expose the wooden slats is pretty nostalgic know my grandpa stood there with a hammer and nails building this camp some 80 years ago.
It’s pretty run down with lots of rotted wood and I think burning the place down to start over would be best, but I’m feeling the need to pick away at it in order to hopefully save the original camp.
Just thought I’d share a little bit about an Upper Peninsula of Michigan hunting camp with lots of history behind the old walls.


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Remarkably, 'don't see any sign of water intrusion or subsequent damage. It looks well built and appears to be a perfect size for a hunting shanty. I encourage you to maintain the original structure and renovate with whatever exterior appeals to you and family. Clean, spruce up, repaint, and renovate the interior to be comfortable, practical, and cozy for you and family. You have inherited a family heirloom gem which should last another hundred years with a little TLC.
Best of luck and enjoy!

 

[duckhunt]

That's great stuff.

 

[TN2shot07]

That’s pretty awesome, another vote for anything you can save is probably time well spent!

 

[recon6036]

Remarkably, 'don't see any sign of water intrusion or subsequent damage. It looks well built and appears to be a perfect size for a hunting shanty. I encourage you to maintain the original structure and renovate with whatever exterior appeals to you and family. Clean, spruce up, repaint, and renovate the interior to be comfortable, practical, and cozy for you and family. You have inherited a family heirloom gem which should last another hundred years with a little TLC.
Best of luck and enjoy!

Thanks!
Had a little water damage several years ago around the old chimney, but my dad and I took the chimney down and shingled the roof.
I’m going to put vinyl siding on.

 

[homers]

What county in the UP? My grandpa's deer camp was in Iron County. Maybe tear it down, re-use some of the wood in the new place as a bridge to the past.

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I’d look your grandpa right in the hairy eyeball and tell him it’s just right on the sap.

 

[TheGreek]

Place looks sweet. Would love to see some bucks killed out of the place over the years.

 

[recon6036]

What county in the UP? My grandpa's deer camp was in Iron County. Maybe tear it down, re-use some of the wood in the new place as a bridge to the past.

Delta county. Stonington Peninsula.

 

[recon6036]

Place looks sweet. Would love to see some bucks killed out of the place over the years.

Here’s a couple.
My biggest….15 pt ….long ago

My brother’s last deer before he passed away.

 

[.270Rem]

Your brother's buck seems like it has a big body, kinda like a small steer that grew brown and white fur. Keep making memories there.

 

[Bowhuntrben]

Very cool Ron! Thanks for sharing!

 

[F250]

Great thread ! thanks for sharing. Brings back deer camp memories from my early years.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Very cool!

 

[Steiny77]

I grew up in Indiana and even having a deer heard to hunt here is a relatively new thing. Prior to the 1970's if you lived here and wanted to hunt deer, you probably traveled out west or up north.
Always read about and admired these cool deer hunting camps. About ten years ago I bought some ground and built a great hunting camp in southern Illinois where the whitetail hunting is excellent.

A lot of great times are had at deer camp. We've figured out the fishing around there as well and use the place a bit more year round.
Will likely pass the place on to the younger guys when I age out of the sport.

Regarding "what to do" with that old building, I'd tear it down and rebuild it right if you have the $$ and wherewithal to do so. Will be hard to beat the qualities of new construction -vs- old plus you wont have near so many mice and bugs to do battle with. A new place will be much more weathertight, secure, better insulated, you can wire it, heat it, cool it to your liking, etc. Note - Build some unheated garage / shop space too, you'll find use for it.