Deer Camp
I don’t know how many of you are fortunate enough to own hunting camps, but the one in this picture is the epitome of what a deer camp should be. It belongs to the Baldwin family in Marquette Michigan, and Dick and his two sons Gary and Greg are premier whitetail hunters. All you have to do is look at the eight point (or better) racks on this wall and you’ll be a believer. Grandson Matt and a few of the in laws have added to the bounty, but the three biggest bucks ever taken were shot by Dick. He shot a 12 pointer several years ago that went about 250 pounds, and scored around 160. I couldn’t even fit all the deer horns in this picture, and there are three more walls covered with antlers.
These guys are not road hunters! They hunt the hills and swamps of Marquette, and they outsmart, rundown, intercept, trick, and earn almost every whitetail on that wall. Dick knows the area like the back of his hand, and he thinks like a whitetail. This veteran hunter has traversed and trapped the hills and swamps of Marquette for well over 65 years. He’s a local legend of sorts, to those who would give there left shooting finger, to get invited to sit around the Baldwin campfire!
The camp itself was built from trees taken on Baldwin land. At first there was just a big open area (kitchen/living) with a loft. Several mattresses were in the loft, plus a few couches put to use. A bunkhouse/bathroom addition was put on several years ago complete with hot water. A little generator plus propane keeps things nice and cozy, along with the woodburner. This is a great example of a rustic Upper Peninsula camp.
I expect to be hearing from them after the end of gun season. They usually send me some pictures I can “drool” over. I wish Dick would consider my offer to adopt me, but I don’t think Gary and Greg would stand for that. Probably because I’m better looking than them!!!! Good luck guys-let me know how ya do?
Mike