Rules for Deer Camp - Who Needs Them? Deer camps are special places, many or which have been in existence for decades. Deer camp rules have always been a staple of the annual gatherings, but are they still needed and accepted in today’s society? 
 I’ve attended a number of deer camps over the last five decades. They shared a common denominator. They all have been superb. The primary reason behind the success of those camps is the fact that each had an excellent camp boss. The term “boss” carries a negative sentiment for some these days. The continuing breakdown of societal rules flows into every area of our lives. Change is constant, and we as hunters face the consequences of change everyday. Camp bosses come with a wide variety of personalities, leadership types, and camp goals. Becoming well acquainted with the camp boss, and as many attendees before committing to a camp is the best rule to follow. Almost all have rules of some sort. Make sure you understand them and can follow them to a “T.” Deer camps are something which hordes of hunters look forward to each fall. Hunting buddies long to see their friends again, swap stories, catch up, compare gear, share good food, and have fun while there. For those who have attended camps for decades, many changes have come along over the years in hunting equipment and attitudes of hunters. Bringing younger hunters to deer camp has always served as a “right of passage,” and continues to serve the same purpose yet today. However, more than one quarrel has arisen at hunting camp over attendees bringing in new technology and attitudes toward wildlife management and ethics. If you have gained permission to bring a new person to deer camp, it is your responsibility to make sure that the new individual is ethical and safe. Make a concerted effort, too, to learn the individual’s stance on game laws, outdoor ethics, and landowner relationships. Firearms have seen a dramatic change with the advent of Black Rifles. Many old-timers balked at the introduction of these firearms to deer hunting camps, because of their similarity to military weapons. Old habits die hard, and older generations hold onto values engrained like a fine walnut stock on their favorite hunting rifle. And there may be deeper sentiments. Many older hunters have been to war, and weapons that hold a likeness to military weapons may stir emotions and bad memories. But, not all veterans think that way. I took a pause when I saw my first Black Gun. I didn’t like the idea of someone bringing them into deer camp, but held my tongue. First, I made the effort to get to know the young man who carried the weapon. He was solid, knowledgable, and respectful of everyone in camp. I learned from him and now have no problem with military style weapons being used for deer hunting. Every deer camp has it’s own set of rules. Everyone should follow them, and everyone should carry their own weight. Of course the young guys do more physical labor than the older guys. They did the same when they were younger.