Ask a Vermonter what “Deer Camp” means, and you might hear about a little cabin tucked into the woods, a woodstove keeping the chill away, a hearty breakfast before sunrise, or a story about the biggest buck that ever got away.

And chances are, that story has been told more than once.

Deer camp is about much more than hunting. It’s a Vermont tradition built around time outdoors, family, friendship, shared meals, and stories that get better with every retelling. Here at 14th Star Brewery, it’s a tradition worth celebrating.

What Exactly Is A “Deer Camp”?

Picture a rustic cabin in the woods, a family property passed down through generations, or a familiar gathering spot where friends meet when deer season rolls around. That’s deer camp.

For many Vermont hunters, camp is home base during hunting season. Mornings start early with coffee and a hearty breakfast before everyone heads out. Later, friends, family, and fellow hunters gather around the table, share a meal, swap stories, and catch up. Some camps have woodstoves and stacks of firewood; others are a little more modern. But the spirit is much the same: good company, time outdoors, and traditions worth passing along.

Hunting has deep roots in Vermont, from the longstanding relationships Indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki, have with the land and its wildlife to generations of Vermonters who relied on hunting to help feed their families. Today, regulated deer hunting also plays a role in wildlife management.

And the tradition reaches beyond the woods. Community game suppers hosted by local organizations bring neighbors together over meals, while family recipes, outdoor skills, and camp stories keep these traditions alive from one generation to the next.

A Few Deer Facts for Your Next Campfire Conversation

Vermont’s deer season spans late September through mid-December and comes with some interesting facts of its own.

A lot of venison makes it to the dinner table. Vermont’s 2024 deer harvest was estimated to provide approximately 3.5 million servings of venison — a lot of meals made possible by the annual harvest.

Hunting helps manage the herd. Regulated hunting is one of the tools Vermont uses to manage deer populations and maintain a balance with available habitat.

There’s more than one deer season. Vermont offers archery, youth, regular, and muzzleloader hunting opportunities, each with its own dates and regulations.

Want to learn more about season dates, licensing, and hunting regulations? Visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s official website before heading out.

Meet Deer Camp Golden Ale

At 14th Star Brewery, we celebrate the traditions that bring people together. That’s the spirit behind our Deer Camp Golden Ale.

Deer Camp is right at home alongside a hearty meal, a good story, and a gathering of friends. It’s inspired by the familiar comforts of camp life and the simple pleasure of reconnecting after a day outdoors. And just like the brews traditionally shared among friends at deer camp, ours is available in convenient 6-packs and 12-packs — ready to enjoy after the hunt or a long day in the woods!

Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Vermont traditions, there’s something familiar about the spirit of Deer Camp Golden Ale.

Track down Deer Camp at our Brewery Taproom this hunting season, or look for it on shelves at your favorite stores across Vermont.

Here’s to Vermont Traditions

From frosty mornings to stories told long after sunset, Deer Camp celebrates a connection to the outdoors and the people who make these traditions special.

Here’s to the early risers, the camp cooks, the family storytellers, and the friends who show up year after year — and, of course, to that legendary buck that somehow gets bigger every November!