A Comprehensive Equipment Guide to Deer Camp Excellence
Andy and Tami McDaniels 10.20.15
Deer camp is a long-standing, time-honored American institution in which friends and family gather to hunt and tell stories of years past while making new memories that will be told and retold for years to come. Nothing says tradition like deer camp, and Cabela’s has been a part of making these memories for generations. The following list is an accumulation of years of experience and advice from generations of deer hunters from across the country.
Late fall and winter across much of the country can be brutally cold and unpredictable, for large groups of hunters, the Cabela’s Ultimate Alaknak tent has five-foot walls, sleeps up to 11, and is perfect for large groups of hunters or for use as a base camp. The Alaknak tent comes in three sizes, and is constructed of sturdy waterproof X-Treme tent cloth. For smaller groups, Cabela’s Instinct Outfitter tent has a high-rise frame that provides up to 40 percent more interior space than common dome tents. Its straight-wall construction gives you more height for cot placement.
Both of these tents are made to withstand the elements and are easy to set up even in the wind, and when coupled with the Colorado Cylinder Mesa Stove Package (constructed of heavy-gauge steel and made for the harsh demands of deer camp), you will feel like you’re at home in the wilderness, no matter how cold it gets outside.
Every deer camp needs an axe and the Estwing Camper’s Axe makes short work of splitting wood for the campfire and stove. For a smaller portable heat source, the Mr. Heater Portable Big Buddy Heater will heat 400 square feet for up to 120 hours on a single cylinder and it’s equipped with a low-oxygen shut-off safety, meaning it can be used safely in tents and blinds.
After a long day of hunting, getting a good night’s rest can make the difference between an enjoyable hunt or a miserable one. The Cabela’s Outfitter XL Cot has a 600-pound weight capacity with rubber leg bushings to absorb shock and add firm support. Cabela’s Outfitter XL Sleeping Pad is a great choice for use with the cot.
Depending on what region you hunt, you might need a heavy-duty sleeping bag, too. Cabela’s has both a zero-degrees sleeping bag and a model rated to -20 degrees Fahrenheit that work great.
The camp kitchen is one of the most important aspects of any deer camp, friends and family gather around the kitchen for good food and stories. Cabela’s Polar Cap 100-quart Equalizer Cooler has proven ice retention for five days, and its elevated nonskid feet reduce heat transfer. It has rubberized latches with integrated bottle openers and the freezer-grade gasket provides an airtight seal, keeping everything fresh. The Camp Chef Explorer 3X Stove is an all-steel range with three 30,000 BTU burners, capable of cooking for just about any deer camp. The Outdoor Edge Game Processor makes easy work of processing your game, and is perfect for the camp kitchen. The nin- piece set has everything you need for butchering and final preparation in one easy-to-carry case.
Hygiene is extremely important in a deer camp especially when you have a large group of people in camp for an extended period. Cabela’s Easy-Up Deluxe Shower Shelter is constructed of 2,000mm waterproof-rated 150-denier polyester and provides privacy for showering and using the toilet. It comes with interior pockets to keep toiletries organized and easy to get to. The Mr. Heater Boss Battery-Operated Hot Water Heater/Shower System runs effortlessly and can be used with multiple power sources. The easy-to-start electronic ignition is handy and the 18,000-BTU output ensures a hot shower while the hot-water safety flow switch prevents scalding. When you add the Cabela’s Camp Commode Camping Toilet, you will have all of the comforts of home no matter where you set up deer camp.
Deer camp is a tradition that has been passed down by generations of hunters and family members. Equip yourself properly for camp this season and you’ll have nothing but good memories to share next year.
This article was produced in partnership with Cabela’s.
Andy McDaniels is the Sportsmen’s Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise Campaign. Andy works with hunters, anglers, outdoor media and the hunting and fishing industry throughout the United States. Andy also serves as the Conservation Director of Pro-Staff for Hardcore Decoys and Huntducks.com. He believes that conservation is the cornerstone of hunting and fishing, and he has committed himself to educating hunters and fishermen about the conservation issues that will affect our children and grandchildren. His effort on behalf of conservation and his outreach to hunters, anglers, congressional members, political groups, and citizen action organizations has been monumental. In 2003 and 2004 Andy was recognized for his work on State Wildlife Grants by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. His efforts on the Farm Bill garnered him the esteemed Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award from the National Wildlife Federation in May 2008.
Tami is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a certified English teacher and freelance writer. She has published numerous articles on a variety of outdoor topics. Her most recent articles on outdoor subjects include 10 Indicators of a Quality Guide, The Anatomy of a Hunting Guide Website, Hunting Guides along the Corridor, and First Steps to Get Kids Hunting and Back into the Outdoors. In addition, she is the web content administrator for three websites. Her volunteer work includes managing web and social media sites, writing grants, organizing fundraising activities, and planning community events.
