Deer Tracking

I must admit that every once in a while I cannot resist this bit of fun (so long as it is not demeaning my Scouts).

There’s no ‘butt’ to this joke and everyone ends up laughing.

Bring a box or bag of chocolate covered raisins on your next camp out. Get up early and place a pile of them on the ground near where you will later take a nature hike.

Bring the Scouts in the vicinity of your pile of ‘deer scat’ (you may attribute it to rabbits as well) and ask them if they can find any signs of animals in the area. Once a Scout has located your pile gather around to show them how a real woodsman evaluates a pile of scat. “Well, this looks like deer, let’s see if it is still warm” stir the pile a bit with your finger. This should cause some uneasy looks and a few gasps of disbelief. “Yep, still a little warm, probably from just an hour or so ago” pick up a few and hold them in the palm of you hand. Now the Scouts are either fascinated or repulsed. “I wonder if it is a buck or doe? Let’s see.” hold the pile to your nose for a good sniff.

Bound to elicit some horrified reactions. “Well that is a doe for sure, wonder what she’s been eating?” pop a couple in your mouth. “Hmmm, tastes like berries and some browse… " If your Scouts haven’t run off in horror you can offer them a taste too. If one is brave enough ask him what he thinks the deer have been eating – he’ll probably say chocolate and raisins.