The Okayest Hunter’s Guide to Deer Cam

By Eric Clark | PUBLISHED November twenty first, 2023

Discovering moments of stillness has turn into a uncommon treasure in our fast-paced world, the place time appears to slide by means of our fingers, very similar to that shooter buck we had our crosshairs on. Ryan Vacation’s rules from “Stillness is the Key” assist shed some mild on the importance of slowing down in life. What higher place to embrace this than at deer camp? 

As deer hunters, spending time within the woods is not nearly discovering that focus on buck, buck bedding, or the proper tree to arrange in; they are a sanctuary the place time takes a pause, permitting us to reconnect with cherished reminiscences and the camaraderie of excellent looking buddies. In a world transferring on the pace of sunshine, the deer woods stand regular, inviting us to savor the straightforward joys of nature. 

In the course of the weekend gun deer opener in Wisconsin, I trekked all the way down to my favourite spot in a plot of hardwoods the place a stream flows right into a pool of crystal clear water. The sound of the babbling brook and small waterfall fill my thoughts with peace because the wind breezes by means of the pine needles above. It is the primary time I’ve genuinely stopped to soak up a second in at the least the final six months. It was additionally the precise spot the place I killed my first buck 14 years in the past. As I stood there, the woods got here alive with many previous reminiscences. I may stand within the current, surrounded by nature, and see reminiscences from years in the past whereas reflecting on how a lot has modified in these final 14 years. Concurrently, I am eager about how briskly the following 14 years will go by as my youngsters develop and the way sometime they’re going to be right here in these similar woods beside me. The deer woods helped me turn into current in the mean time and respect how essential it’s proper now. 

Deer camp is not merely a gathering for looking—it is a haven for reflection, memory, and rejuvenation. Amidst the rustling leaves and the crisp morning air, there is a serenity that blankets the woods because the Bard Owl hoots, “Who cooks for you?” slowing the tempo of life to a snug rhythm. Right here, the chaos of life surrenders to the tranquility of the woods.

The breeze by means of the final of the lifeless leaves clinging onto the tree branches echoes the tales of previous hunts, forging bonds between family and friends that transcend time. Again at camp, every shared meal every giggle across the card desk, turn into new cherished reminiscences, etched within the collective story of the looking crew.

Ryan Vacation’s knowledge teaches us the significance of discovering stillness amidst the chaos. Amid our fast-paced lives, the woods supply an unstated invitation to disconnect from the noise, recalibrate our souls, and relish the current second.

Within the ebook, Stillness is the Key, creator Ryan Vacation breaks down some sensible methods to assist turn into extra current in any given second. Beneath are a number of of these strategies together with my tackle how deer looking aligns tightly with them. 

Mindfulness Observe: Interact in mindfulness strategies reminiscent of meditation, deep respiratory workouts, or aware strolling. These practices assist in grounding oneself within the current second, fostering a way of consciousness and readability. 

Most of this stuff will be achieved naturally on any given hunt. 

Restrict Distractions: Acknowledge and cut back exterior distractions. Whether or not turning off notifications, carving out particular instances for centered work, or setting boundaries with expertise, minimizing distractions permits for a deeper connection to the current.

What higher place to restrict distractions when you haven’t any cellphone reception?

Embrace Silence: Embrace moments of silence in your day. It might be by means of intentional durations of quiet reflection, strolling in nature with out headphones, or just taking breaks from fixed stimulation to understand the calm.

I could not consider a quieter place than the woods at first or final mild while you’re afraid the sound of your respiratory system may alert an approaching deer. 

Domesticate Gratitude: Observe gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the current second. Replicate on what you are grateful for, whether or not it is the folks round you, the atmosphere, or just the chance to expertise life.

I do not find out about y’all, however there’s one thing uniquely particular about having a whitetail and even the chance to take action that offers me deep gratitude. 

Detach from Outcomes: Concentrate on the method slightly than fixating on outcomes. By totally partaking within the process and detaching from the will for particular outcomes, you possibly can immerse your self extra deeply within the current.

This one is a vital level. If you happen to’ve been centered on hitting a purpose of one thing like 140″ or bust or one thing to that impact, bear in mind why you began. We as hunters love the method; that is what retains us coming again for extra and enduring harsh seasons when the wiley whitetail kicks our ass. 

Single-tasking: Embrace single-tasking over multitasking. Partaking totally in a single process at a time permits for higher focus and a extra profound connection to the current second.

Concentrate on one factor at a time. That is likely to be the hunt itself. It is also varied duties inside every hunt, like discovering a spot to arrange, organising your stand, saddle, or constructing a floor blind. If you happen to’ve harvested a deer, it is likely to be the butchering course of. 

Pursuing stillness is not about halting progress as a deer hunter however embracing the essence of being current. The quiet moments within the stand or in opposition to that outdated stump or the camaraderie shared in getting ready for the hunt—all contribute to a tapestry of experiences that enrich our lives.

Because the years fly by, the woods stay a relentless, the place we are able to all the time return to floor ourselves. 

For us Okayest Hunter/s, the name to hit the deer woods is not simply concerning the pursuit of recreation; it is about discovering solace within the stillness of nature and the timeless bonds shaped with looking buddies.

So, pack your gear, select your favourite snacks for an all-day sit, spherical up your looking buddies, and head to the woods—the place stillness reigns, reminiscences abound, and the Okayest Hunter finds solace within the timeless embrace of all that looking has to supply.