Deer Camp Rules
 

Starting a deer camp in 2005 but want to get some basic rules down before anyone joins. Need some ideas from you kind folks. I believe its better to get everything in the open before something happens.

What are some of your hunt/deer camp rules or regulations?

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Ill give you one that I am a fan of.No loaded weapons in camp.Make them unload all guns before entering camp.I just about bought the farm a couple years ago when 5 or 6 of us all returned to the cabin at the same time just after dark.I had my hand on the screen door when,BOOM I thought someone had hit me in the head with a ball bat.

Down I went,hand to face,discovered blood thought it was all over.

One of the guys had an older remington 700 30.06 bolt action and it was one that was recalled years ago because of the fact that it could fire while taken safety off to unload.Yes I know thats stupid but thats how they were made.You could not open bolt without taken off safety.Anyway when he flipped the saftey the gun went off and bullet hit the bricks that are in front of cabin door and the brick fragments are what hit me in the face.Had about 10 holes through plexiglass on main cabin door from probably brick and bullet fragments.

After all the excitement was over,this fella was pretty upset and left for awhile.He comes back later and tells us that the same thing had happened several years before while unloading his gun before climbing out of his stand.Cant believe he hunted with it again after that but he was unaware of the recall.

I know long story but morale is No loaded guns in camp....

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Myself & 3 other guys recently bought a camp. It has 80 acres and a well maintained 1100sq/ft cabin. We split the costs 4 ways. We went ahead and got in touch w/ a lawyer & had him incorporate us. We created our own L.L.C. (limited liability corporation) to make everything legal between all of the investors. Here are a couple of notes we have in our by-laws:

If someone wants to sell or get out of the deal, their share must be offered to the remaining stockholders first at fair market value. If the stockholders cannot buy out the person, or find another stockholder, the property will be sold.

Any capitol improvements to the property or to the cabin greater than ($ amount-fill in) must be approved by all parties before proceeding.
If agreed upon, all capitol improvements costs will be split 4 ways evenly.

In case of death to one of the stockholders, their share must be offered to the remaining stockholders first at fair market value. If the stockholders cannot buy out the person, or find another stockholder, the property will be sold.

During November rifle season, and muzzleloader season, names will be drawn for the available blinds on the property.

During November rifle season, bow season & muzzleloader season, the stockholders have first choice of dates & times to reserve the cabin.

During November rifle season, bow season & muzzleloader season, the stockholders shall be allowed to bring two guests. Stockholders get first choice over guest for blinds.

No logging or modifications to the woods, (i.e. cutting out large clearings or shooting lanes) or trees can be done on property without all parties approval.

We shall appoint a treasurer to the duties of paying taxes, & managing the “slush” fund.

One thing that makes our situation nice, is that we all have been friends (& family) for a long time, we get along great and have never had quarrels or arguements that could jepardize the camp. Make sure you guys have fun. Camp is the best time for me. Don't set too many rules/bylaws - this may discourage people. The key is communication with your buddies/family. Your right, keep things out in the open as much as possible. Things (major things) get done by a consensus vote. We keep a log book & document all of our expenditures/upgrades etc. Who spent what on what, to make sure no one does'nt get short changed.
One of the most important things I failed to mention is: make sure they bring enough money w/ them for poker after a long day in the woods.
Good Luck with your new camp,
Yoopper Hunter

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

if you pick your hunters right, you will need very few rules. guns outside is one of our rules, leave the camp clean is another. there are no restrictions on smoking, drinking, playing poker or when the lights go out. you will find that everyone will fall into a task once the camp gets going, some will do dishes,. some like to cook, etc. work details during the off season will probably be required in order to keep trails clear, gather firewood for the coming season and repair of the camp. not sure what kind of camp you have in mind, but the one i belong to requires a fee of 80 bucks each year, this entitles you to all the food and drink you can manage. Just don't overrule yourself.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

1) Safety is your main concern
2) Respect others stuff, land and locations
3) Workload and expenses are shared for the duration of the hunt
4) No guests unless approved by the group or camp owner
5) Ethics must be similar (lawful guys, enjoy time in the woods)
6) Get along

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

My experience over the years is, it takes allot of hard work to 'fit in' to a camp. Camp seems to bring out the best and worst of some hunters. I'm sure you will go through your share of slob hunters. Everybody wants to 'go to camp', but when it comes down to pulling their weight, many fall short. It takes allot of hard work to keep a 'good' camp and good hunters know how to pitch in and make it work. The old camps when I was young are all but gone, but the memories will last a lifetime. Now-a-days, seems all guys want to do is shoot something and get back home. The experience of teaching young hunters how to enjoy the camp and how to hunt, have fallen to the wayside. Cutting shirttails off for missing a buck and such traditions, make camp a great place to return to. Good luck and good hunting.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

I have been hunting with friends and sons for many, many years. We all get along so well and share in the excitement and anticipation of deer season but there are just a few rules...As mentioned safety is the highest priority. We hunt weekends during bow season but once M/L and rifle season begins we spend 1 1/2 weeks at camp. The agreed money (room and board etc) is collected up front. Everyone brings one dish to feed 5-6 guys, so our dinners are covered. We also split groceries down the middle but it's the responsibility of each person to buy what they personally want, beer, wine, etc. Each person takes responsibility to keep the place clean, make sure there's enough firewood etc. While in the woods, we always try to know where and how (treestand, still hunting etc) each person is hunting. That way, if someone tags, we usually know exactly who it is, where he is, so we can all meet and help with the deer. Common sense is the thing here with no suprises. No one has ever gotten out of hand, but if they did...there would one comment...."There's a front door and a back door....pick one"! We're there to have fun and boy do we ever.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Whoever uses the last of the toilet paper needs to replace it with a new roll :D.

Seriously, safety is always the number one priority at our camp. Common sense goes along way.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

[8D] maybe on my next farm ill have a hunting camp for me and my friends i have never been to a hunting camp but i would to someday with my son or daughter

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Our number one rule is YOU MUST SIGN IN AND TAG YOUR STAND that you will be hunting. First offense, warning, a second offense and suspension of hunting rights for a length to be determined.

Most of our other rules are basic, no. of guest allowed, work days, each member must supply two permanent stands, and so on.

One thing you will find out is that fines don't usually work. Suspensions of hunting priviledges seem to work the best.

Good luck!

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Many camp rules but here is the main one....

No moochers, do your part. If you show up late and leave early thus leaving the work to others, then you won't be back next year --- guaranteed.
-----------------------------

Oh yes, one other thing........

No "pop guns". If they aren't willing to use the tools we deem appropriate for the job, then the hunting camp invite is retracted.... you are free to go hunting of course, just not with us. ;):D:D:D

Yes, we do ask them, right up front and since instituting a "standard" tracking jobs have dropped to near zero.

EKM

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

all of the reponses are accurate
we have another rule that many people will not like, but it works for us, but here goes.
there are six of us that hunt 100 acres.
we started qualtiy deer management 5 years ago.
the rule was and still is no bucks shot unless the are an 8 point and the horns are out past the ears. i other words no basket racks. If you do shoot one then the fine is $150 that is paid to the club. we would use this money for food plots, repairs, etc. if you break the rules twice then you give up your priviledges for the next year. we only had one guy write us a check.
I have to admit it is very difficult to let a beauty six point walk but last year we all shot does and 2 of us shot 10 points and the others all got big 8's. it has worked for us but may not work for all clubs.
I hunt in PA.
another rule is no drives on our property
hope this helps

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

No one can shoot a deer less than 2-1/2 years old except the old timers (70+) or the rookies (15). Obey safety zones and have a great time. We let the young ones pick their stand first then the older ones then us guys. We have about 8 guys on 100 acres ages 15 to 73 and we've never had a major problem. Camp is not a place to get an attitude!

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Thanks for all the advice guys. It's come in handy. Everyone is happy with the set of rules that we have put forward.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

I would be interested in seeing what you came up with for your camp rules, and how many suggestions you took from the board. How about it?

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Some good deer camp rules:
1) No guests on any opening weekend, except child/spouse of a member
2) No more than one guest per member at any given time, except a child of a guest
3) Weapons must be unloaded when within 100 yards of camp site
4) No joyriding on 4 wheelers--they are to be ridden one trip in--one trip out--and for collecting downed deer only
5) No hunting with alcohol in the system
6) No dogs at camp unless hunting with dogs
7) No taking a crap within 50 yards of the camp site (LOL!)

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

NO BOOZE comes out until the guns are put away and shooting hours are over. That our Nunmber One rule.

All guns with a bore of more that 5 inch must be used with good ear plugs. OLD NAVY RULE.:D

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

I will say that you will need to implement rules and retract rules and some day you will find what works for you.
If you are starting it then i will say what my #1 rule was for me when i started mine.
I was always in charge and approved all rules and had final say.
It has worked for 11 years now and i have 16 hunters on 2100 acres.
the best for me was telling every new member they are on probation for 1 year . if i have any old member that has a conflict with that person then there is about a 90% chance they are gone. if they can get 1 year in they usually will either fit in or leave . so far those ones that fit this have left on there on.

a hunting club can be a rewarding thing or a headache. pick your people VERY carefully!;)

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

GroundHunter, I would cut and paste the rules but it has a lot of identifying info....lol I don't think the members would appreciate it to much.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Be very clear about what the guidelines are for having guests, sons, etc. to hunt. Fortunately, I own by myself, but have heard stories where two own, and one brings a truckload of relatives or friends to the other owner's chagrin.

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

well our deer camp is prob. diff. then you guys. we hunt areas around my house and uncles and at night we all go over and take part of the work. skinning,boneing dosn't matter. then we head up to "camp" the first friday night and stay until sunday. friday when we get up there we have a no drinking more then 2 beer rule. saturday some of us will go out and hunt others stay at camp. we normally make 1 large drive and thats it. we don't hunt much up there but we don't want to really it is to get away from your wife, work, ect.. on sunday we shoot trap and drink. there is me and 3 others that are under 21 and we don't drink at all.

we have anywhere from 15-35 guys up there and we all get along fine! we told a guy about 3 years ago that was drinking a lot of beer and not bring up any or paying for it that if he didn't want to bring it up or pay he dosen't get any. hasn't been a prob. sence.


however good camp rules are
1) you don't go anywhere unless someone knows where you are going.
2) no phones! if they want to bring sell phones it's fine but they have to be off and only used in case of an emergancy.
3) don't take more then you brought/gave.
4) if your coming up make sure you talked to the owner and it is ok.
5) no bar hoping until season is over or no hunting will be done the next day!

some others but these are some other good ones to think about. but most of all remember that people don't go up to hunting camp to babysit others they go up to have a great time with the other guys.

trust me once you get the rules set up and make people follow them camp will be more enjoyable for everyone!

RE: Deer Camp Rules
 

Have Fun:D