Well now that the first week is over I’ve decided I would like the opener to go back to Monday. Camp was not the same this year, everything felt rushed. Traditionally in my family, we all go get our Christmas trees the morning after thanksgiving, then all go out for lunch. After the trees are up the guys always left for camp, usually around 3 or 4. This year we did the same, but it was stressful as heck for some of us who wanted to get it done so we could get camp during daylight. Usually guys would all show up Friday evening, some Saturday morning. We always hunted turkeys that day, and guys would go get their spots ready. There was always plenty of time to do little chores around camp that needed done, it was just a good relaxing time. Plus being at camp all weekend, with anticipation building up to the big day on Monday was pretty cool, I really missed that this year. I’m all for increased hunting opportunities, but honestly the trade off, one extra day of hunting vs losing the tradition of deer camp, not worth it. We have plenty of deer hunting opportunity here in PA, more then ever actually. I love deer hunting, and I work hard at it, but the time at camp, the camaraderie with friends and family, that is what made rifle season so great. The Saturday opener really put a damper on that. I noticed a lot of guys at local camps hunted Saturday and went home. Most of the guys at camp are really slowing down with age, and a few have passed on to the happy hunting grounds above. I don’t want to see this tradition die. Some of my most cherished hunting memories are of camp life, not actual hunting. It really makes me sad to think the kids in my family may never get to experience it. I know I can make new traditions and adapt to the times, I just don’t want to. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe I’m just stubborn and set in my ways, I don’t know. Anyway, thanks for letting me rant, it’s been weighing on me.