The '02 Squirrel Camp:
The '02 squirrel camp may have been a bit
wet and cold, but everyone gathered around the camp fires and had a grand old
time anyway. Leroy and Shawn managed to bag two token squirrels on Friday
before the rain started, and John Cole already had 40 or so tree rats cooking
in a delicious pot of pilau.
As usual, lots of good eating was enjoyed by the camp. William did his usual wizardry with the skillet and Dutch Oven. Leroy and Shawn provided some tasty venison sausage for the camp fire, while Dave cooked his usually delicious pancakes for breakfast. Pete and Lisa cooked some wonderful 'Brauts with Cheese, that hit the spot, in the middle of the day. There were many other dishes that were enjoyed by all. There's nothing like the taste of good food cooked over an open flame.
William's venison stew made a big hit. It's amazing how well this dish tasted alongside a stack of pancakes and bacon for breakfast, as well as the rest of the meals of the day.
The grownups were not the only ones who came out to enjoy the camp and fine cooking. Little Michael, a new big brother, stands by with his plate ready at the camp feed Saturday afternoon. I'm sure he was wondering about then, "I wish dad would quit stuffing his face, and come fix my plate. I want some tree rat, too!"
The Squirrel Camp is an annual event where club members and any special guests gather together for a weekend of primitive camping and squirrel hunting. This event takes place at the club rendezvous site deep in the back woods of Grey Fox Farm. The squirrel hunt begins Friday, and gives members a chance to show their skill using either black powder rifles or smooth bores. Skill in this event can be measured by the actual amount of meat gathered, compared to how many squirrel's were shot by each member. Head shots are a must when using 79 caliber balls! After the game is gathered at the camp, various members show off their recipes and skills in camp cooking. Of course the base for each dish must be squirrel, and this years "recipe theme" is of the South West variety. Many thanks go out to John Cole, for organizing this event. Also we would like to thank William and Kathryn Wilson for their gracious hospitality and the use of their property for this and other club events.
