Looking for info on old deer camps and cabins

keithker · 07-14-2012, 09:02 AM

I'm an avid vintage beer can collector (pre-1960) and would be interested in any insight into old deer camp, fishing camp, farm or cabin dumps that could contain a pile of old beer cans. I'd be willing to dig some if needed to get to any older cans. You would just have to point me in the general area (or a big pile of rust) and I'd enjoy a chance to go through the pile. I would love for a chance to collect up some of the old cans that litter the forests in your area if you or any of your fellow hunters can point me towards some old dumps that you might have seen. I'd also be willing to look under old buildings, in attics and in barns for old cans. I will be sure to respect any property and ensure that it is made safe for hunters to continue to enjoy. I'd be willing to make a valued donation to your hunting or deer camp for any leads that pan out.
I'd retired Army living in Florida but would be willing to travel anywhere with a confirmed lead on a location. I'd like to bring a friend with whenever possible to be able to get through the area quicker and safer. You can contact me (Keith) 813 679-2690 or Steve 954 747-8657.

Grandpa · 07-14-2012, 10:07 AM

you can find a pile of rusty cans here;

44 deg 35.313' N 115 deg 17.768' W

keithker · 07-14-2012, 10:13 AM

Grandpa...that is a heck of a hike to just find some old cans.......but I'm on it....

Grandpa · 07-14-2012, 10:21 AM

I camped there one night. After setting up camp and eating, I walked to the edge of the little plateau to gaze down on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and saw where someone had thrown a considerable amount of cans over the edge. Too rugged for a herder to have a camp set up for the whole summer, so probably a bunch of hunters returning to the same place several years.

Easy to find, it is the only wide spot big enough for a small tent for about 10 miles.

Grandpa · 07-14-2012, 10:28 AM

If you just want to look at some old cans, try the old abandoned mining town of Bonanza. There is a cabin there where they used old cans for chinking between the logs. Of course the ends are out and the cans flattened .

ppine · 07-15-2012, 01:17 PM

In the West the good trash piles are usually related to mining camps or sheepherder camps. Settlement patterns are different than the rest of the country because of all the public land. Artifacts are more ephemeral and related to nomadic movements.

Sheep herders often drank wine. Miners drank plenty of beer when they could get it, but in rural locations it ran out fast. Some of the larger towns, notably towns like Bodie, CA had several breweries running at the same time to meet demand. I was in Viginia City, NV yesterday for the music festival and stopped by the old Union Brewing Company built in 1867. It is being renovated and will open next year.