Here are my thoughts, my thoughts only –
Obviously doing the event at Strouds with a fire is our favorite, but no bueno this year for fires.
A lot of guys are calling off the event this year, for understandable reasons.
Still need to get together, like Jesse said, keep the tradition in place.
I’m good with meeting at Strouds, like Jesse said, not the same ambience but will do. This would be my preference based on proximity to “stuff” (toilets, water,shelters, cabins, hunting area, the State Street strip if needed). It's an area we're comfortable with and a known value. Plus our plan was to leave Big Jon's truck there Wed when we go to NJ and pick it back up on Sunday.
That said, part of me wants Dustin to have his fire.
I’ve looked at the map and both Jesse and Clay’s place are almost the same distance (within 5 mins), and withing 45 mins from where I’ll be hunting, so I can live with either of those locations.
Doing the summer shoot at Dave’s works out pretty good with his infrastructure (water/bathrooms/electric) – I’ve been to Clay’s, and it’s a fine spot, but a bit more “rustic”. BUT VERY DOABLE. If Jesse’s infrastructure were closer to Dave’s I’d nod in that direction.
I’m gonna be somewhere. That’s my input.