Greetings Camp Orion Members and Guests!
As we gear up for another exciting season of outdoor adventures, we want to keep you informed about some important updates and essential information for the 2021-2022 hunting and fishing season. Please take a moment to review the details below, and don't forget to check the files attached on the left banner of the Camp Orion website for necessary documents.
Annual Release and Rules:
Before you set out on your hunting or fishing excursion, please remember that ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS must sign the release EACH YEAR prior to enjoying Camp Orion during the related hunting season. You can easily find the clearly marked binder in the kitchen by the pantry, or if you prefer, you can print and sign the release and place it in the pocket of the binder. Additionally, we kindly request that everyone adhere to the posted rules (hunting and fishing) for the enjoyment of all.
Scheduling Duck Hunts:
To ensure a smooth scheduling process, please keep in mind the following important details:
Only the "Responsible Party" on an annual membership or owner may book for the opening day of each "split" – Teal, Big Duck first split, and second split.
Hunting days and relevant season dates are listed below and are also noted on the calendar. You can use the "Blind Sign Up" link on the Camp Orion homepage to schedule your hunts, with a limit of 12 hunters per day based on the honor system.
For Teal Season, Annual Members may book hunts starting Monday, August 23 (three-ish weeks before Opening Day, Saturday, September 12). Owners may begin booking hunts on Monday, August 30.
For the "Big Duck" splits, Annual Members may book hunts TWO WEEKS before the opening day of each split, while owners may begin booking the week before each split.
Relevant Season Dates:
Teal Season: September 11-26 (Every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday)
Gators: September 10-30 (Every day. Harvest must be taken within 24-hours of being snared)
First Big Duck Split: November 6 – 28th (Every Saturday and Sunday but only alternating Wednesdays)
Second Big Duck Split: December 11 – January 30 (Every Saturday and Sunday but only alternating Wednesdays)
Here's a quick breakdown of exclusive booking periods for ANNUAL MEMBERS:
Teal Season: August 23-29
Big Duck Split 1: October 18-24
Second Split: November 29 – December 5
Hunt Booking Instructions:
If you're receiving this email, you're already registered on the Camp Orion Shutter Fly site https://camporion.shutterfly.com. If not, please contact timbelton@att.net for registration. To schedule a hunt, follow these steps:
Access the site with your login and password.
Click on "Blind Sign Up."
Review the Hunt Registration Instructions.
Scroll to the available Event/Date/Time for which you want to book a hunt and click "Sign Up."
Select your name from the "Assign To" drop-down menu. In the "Task" box, type in the number of hunters, their names, whether or not you have a dog, and whether or not you are staying overnight in the lodge (e.g., Billy Barnes: 4+D, Billy plus 3 clients, 1 dog, sleeping the night before).
Click SAVE (and ensure your guests have a license with a migratory bird stamp and steel shot!).
On the Day of the Hunt:
Our Land Manager, Billy Barnes, will coordinate blind assignments to ensure Annual Members have priority and the best opportunity for a productive hunt. Here's how it works:
Billy will provide a scouting report and advise Annual Members on their blind selection based on the report and their preferences.
After Annual Members have made their blind selection, Owners will choose from the remaining blinds.
In the rare event of two Annual Members or two Owners wanting the same blind, a fun dispute resolution technique like "rock, paper, scissors" or a decision by Billy can be employed. Safety first!
Gators:
If you're interested in gator hunting, please reach out to Tim at timbleton@att.net. We expect to have six gator tags available this year and will decide how to allocate them based on interest.
Fishing:
For our fishing enthusiasts, please take a moment to review the fishing rules. Unfortunately, we haven't received additional bass stock this year, but we expect it during the early fall. Remember, catfish is "catch and eat the boogers," while bass remains "catch and release."
Housekeeping:
Camp Orion provides housekeeping once a week during duck hunting season. However, we kindly ask that you leave the lodge better than you found it and follow the check-out procedures posted at eye level on the exit door. If you have any housekeeping, repair, or supply needs, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Lastly, please remember: NO SHOES, DOGS, OR LOADED FIREARMS IN THE LODGE! Parents, while Camp Orion is family-friendly and we love sharing it with our kids and their friends, it's crucial to ensure they follow these same rules. Your dog will enjoy the kennels or her personal pad in the garages but may NOT BE INSIDE THE LODGE. Management reserves the right to enforce the rules with their loaded firearms. Safety always comes first!
If you're ready to embark on an incredible outdoor adventure, welcome to Camp Orion 2021-2022! We're thrilled to have you with us.
Wishing you a season filled with memorable moments and successful hunts!
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