Trail

After a two-year absence, the skinning of a deer made its return to the menu of activities for the Trail Seminole Indian Day on Sept. 16 at the Huggins family camp in Ochopee.

No deer was caught for the previous two Indian Days, but Michael Osceola went out in the late afternoon the day before this year’s celebration and made sure he didn’t return empty handed. The 10-point buck was taken down about 10:30 p.m. and 12 hours later became part of an educational morning as Osceola guided youngsters Randall Billie, Juelz Billie and Jayden Billie through the skinning, gutting and washing processes before the meat was cooked.

Deer skinning was just part of a full day that included fry bread, clothing and skillet tossing contests for just about all ages as well as pole skinning and fan tacking through an obstacle course. Home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner were provided.

On a sweltering day, inflatable water slides and an ice cream truck were among the popular stops for kids and adults.

– Kevin Johnson