Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
Whitetail or Mule
Weapons
Bow Hunting
Clothing
Licenses
Setting Up Camp
Building a Stand
Where to Hunt
Field Dressing
Processing
Taxidermy
In a Nutshell
Venison Recipes
Whitetail or Mule
The cousins White-Tailed Deer, or otherwise known as the Virginia Deer, and
the Mule, or Mule Deer, are two of the well known species that lives in America.
acquainted with the species, there are some minute differences that allow you
During the hunting season, it is beneficial for the hunter to know the physical
differences between the two cousins. Aside from separating the Mule and the
White-Tail deer, they can also proceed to the location of each since they have
different habitats.
One notable difference between the White-Tails and the Mules are the color of
their tails and their antlers; the tail of the Mule Deer is black-tipped unlike its
The antler of the White-Tailed deer has two probable formations: the first one
is the typical antlers where the points group straight up from the main beam
and are symmetrical on both sides. The non-typical antlers are asymmetrical
and the points branch off in different directions from the main beam. The Mule
Deer’s antlers tend to fork rather than branch off from a single beam. Both
species shed their antlers during winter, in the months of December, January
and February.
One noticeable difference of the two cousins are their coats during the summer
and spring seasons. The Mules coat has a light orange-brown color unlike the
White-Tails reddish brown. Upon the onset of fall and winter, the coat of the
White-Tail turns to a grayish-brown and the Mule changes into a darker version
The Mules are considerably larger their cousin. Wherein the bucks of the Mule
deer weighs roughly 150 to 300 pounds and its White-Tailed cousins which
weighs around 130 to 220 pounds. Considering their weight difference, size is
As with their physical description, so does their habitat differ. The White-Tailed
deer are often found in the east of the American cordillera. It is known to settle
and survive in aspen parklands and Bottomland Rivers in the Central and
Northern Great Plains. The Mule Deer on the other hand settled in the land
Considering their location, each species has their own specific diet which
differs with the other species. The Mules diet includes berries such as
blackberry, sala, huckleberry and thimbleberry. They are also well known
The diet of their White-Tailed cousins focuses more on legumes and other
plants which includes leaves, grasses and shoots. They are also commonly
seen taking in acorns, a wide variety of corns, and apples. One special quality
Difference in behavior
When seeing a Mule in flight, you will notice that they often move slotting
rather than alternate movements on all 4 legs. Slotting is a bounding leap with
all four feet coming together at once. The White-Tailed deer are often seen
When threatened, the white-tipped tails of the does are often seen raising
during escape.
Knowing the difference between the White-Tailed deer and their cousins the
Mule Deer is a must for hunters who consider these two wild game during the
hunting season.
Weapons
When going deer hunting, it’s best to be equipped with a weapon that suits
your taste. Considering that the weapon is an extension of your arm, you have
to make sure that the weapon you are carrying is the most comfortable for
you. Choosing a weapon because someone told you to won’t necessarily lead
In deer hunting, there is no such thing as a perfect weapon. Each has its own
specific strengths and weaknesses, and the hunter who knows these will
The prominent weapon of choice for every deer hunter in the wild is the
ever-famous rifle. Considering its range and firepower, this is by far the most
effective weapon in bringing down the strongest of bucks. This is also an ideal
weapon for beginners who are on their first try at deer hunting.
The most common distinguishing feature of the rifle is its long barrel which is
attributed to its range. But considering its firepower, it also has a lot of
One such weakness is its noise level. When using the rifle, it is customary to
bring down the buck on the first try; if you miss, the buck will be alerted to the
sound emitted by the rifle and you might not get a second chance at it this is
the second weakness; reloading. The rifle only allows one bullet at a time, so
after the first shot, its takes a lot of time to reload. With these two weaknesses
to offset the power and range of the rifle, you have to make sure that the first
shot counts.
The Shotgun
A 12-gauge shotgun has no qualms when it comes to reloading since it can
hold a total of four rounds before reloading. Its has a lot of firepower but lacks
the range to back it up, so you need to get close to your target to make sure
that you don’t miss. It is also in the same category as the rifle when it comes
to the noise level, so you better make sure that the first shot counts, or else
you are going to play a game of tag with the buck when you miss.
This compound bow is definitely not for beginners, and is considered the most
difficult weapon to kill a deer. The range and power of the bow is limited and
you might need to utilize your surroundings if this is your weapon of choice.
The power of the bow differs with the accuracy of the hunter. Aside from the
fact that you have to be quite near to your prey to make sure that you have
enough force to embed the arrow in, you have to make sure that you hit the
buck at the most critical spot, like the neck, to bring it down.
The range is also limited and most professional hunters resort to climbing trees
to get a better shot of the prey. Using a deer call or a rattle to lure out the buck
from hiding is practically the best maneuver when using a bow. But you need
not worry if you miss the first try since the bow hardly makes a sound when
fired, so you are free to take another shot when the buck is rooted on the same
spot.
A wise hunter was asked by a novice regarding his weapon of choice for a
successful deer hunt. The hunter simply shrugged and said: son, there is no
weapon that comes to mind that can hit a buck without a steady hand and a
Bow Hunting
Using a bow when deer hunting has long been practiced by our early ancestors
since the beginning of time; lacking the technology that graces us today, our
ancestors had to utilize skill, terrain and luck to bring down their prey.
Today, hunting enthusiast have revived the ancient practice of bow hunting as
opposed to rifles and shotguns. Though it might take a while to get used to it,
Before going deer hunting, it is imperative that you are familiar with various
equipment used in bow hunting. Unlike using shotguns and rifles which utilize
power and range, bow hunting utilizes terrain, accuracy and skill of the hunter
to adapt to his surroundings. And the proper tools of the trade will definitely
There are 3 bows that a hunter can utilize when bow hunting: stick bows,
re-curves and the compound bow. The stick bows and re-curves were used by
ancient bow hunters and are made of wood yet they differ in design.
Compound bows are the new development in bow hunting. This type of bow
utilizes cams and pulleys to draw the limbs back. The stiffness of the limbs
gives the compound bow its power, much more significant than the
handling a bow, since your power and accuracy depends on how you keep the
Arrows are also important for successful hunting. Arrows also come in 3 types:
cedar, carbon and aluminum shafts. Cedar shafts are best used with the
old-fashioned bows like the stick bow and re-curves; while carbon and
aluminum arrows are for the more powerful compound bows.
Different prey requires different arrows, especially when you are using a
compound bow. When going out for a moose or an elk, then the heavy
aluminum arrow would be perfect since the weight will give the arrow its extra
power. For lighter prey like deer, a lighter shaft like the carbon arrow would be
perfect since you will need the extra range that is more common for
lightweight shafts.
Also take note that the carbon and aluminum arrows not only vary in weight
and power, but also in price. Carbon arrows are lighter and much sturdier,
that’s why they’re more expensive than the heavy aluminum shafts.
When utilizing a bow in hunting deer, it is best to utilize the terrain rather than
brute force. Since you are at a slight disadvantage when it comes to power,
One method used by bow hunters is shooting on top of a tree. This will give you
the additional power and the range that your bow lacks. You can lure the buck
out with a deer call or a rattle and wait for them to come into range.
Once you see movement and the buck is coming your way, you have to cock
your arrow and pull back on the drawstrings and wait for it to come into your
line of sight. This is necessary since you want to be ready when the buck comes
into range, and getting the right tension on your bow will definitely take some
time.
Waiting for the right moment might take a while to get used to since the
compound bow is heavy, plus the force that is applied while pulling back will
definitely wear you out fast. If you miss the first shot, the buck may not bolt
since the bow hardly makes a sound once shot, so you can cock another arrow
Bow hunting is definitely a challenge, but the skill and experience that you get
Clothing
Before going off into the great outdoors for a bout of deer hunting, you should
carefully consider your gear. Whatever you’ve packed in your bag could prove
The clothes that you should bring along with should serve 3 purposes: 1)
comfort
2) camouflage
3) protection
These factors will guarantee a successful deer hunt, as well as your survival in
the wild.
Basic gear for a deer hunter is an all-weather jacket that protects you from the
weather. It should be made from a thick and durable material that can
terrain since the less probability that the deer spots you increases your chance
withstand the heat of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter, as well
various objects like ammunition, compass, scent wash, deer calls and rattles,
Your traditional sneakers and rubber shoes won’t provide the protection and
durability to survive in the wild. Most seasoned hunters prefer to use rubber
boots since they provide protection for wet terrains and enough durability to
It is also advisable that you bring an extra pair of shoes or boots when in the
standing rule to be prepared for the unexpected. Extra footwear not only gives
you a perfect spare if the first set gets wet or damaged, but also a nice change
The Dream Season Boots from Robinson Outdoors is perfect for a deer hunting
expedition. Aside from the feature that purges odor during trekking, they have
built-in shin guards which provide maximum support and protection. They also
have a specially designed Climb Right Angle heel for superior traction when
climbing trees for strategic hunting. The durable construction, lightweight
material and the reinforced toe make these the perfect footwear for deer
hunting.
Bucks are flighty creatures at best and have a very sensitive sense of smell.
Since its part of their defense mechanism for predators, this includes you; they
can smell you for quite a distance giving them enough time to get out of range.
The Dream Season Base Layer is a perfect undergarment to get rid of those
antimicrobials that kill bacteria upon contact thus eliminating the smell.
When in the wild, weather is the most unpredictable force. A slight change in
the weather can turn a sunny warm atmosphere into a cold wet afternoon.
Packing extra clothing for any weather is your best bet in surviving the outdoor
weather.
you lie and wait for your prey. Cabela's Outfitter Fleece Windshear Pullover is
the perfect outer garment if you need to stay warm. The windshear features
protect you from the cold winds. The hood and the perspiration vapor escape is
perfect in trapping the heat inside and letting the frigid air out!
Bringing the right clothes and gear before deer hunting not only gives you the
edge you need for a successful hunt, but also the comfort and protection that
Licenses
For a successful hunt, it is required that you purchase a hunting license from a
punishable by law in the US, the government is keen on maintaining order and
Before going on a hunt, a hunter must be well versed of the law regarding
hunting; this includes the use of stamps, bag limits, types of license issued,
etc. Since there are different licenses for different species, season or weapon
used, knowing all the licenses available is a very big help in planning your
hunting activities.
Preys of the hunt
Considering the number of species that can be hunted in any season, the most
common includes the White-Tailed deer, Mule deer, Black bear, Wild Turkey,
quail, squirrel, fox, and coyote), pheasants and Moose. Each has their own
specific criteria when hunting them is legal; you should also note that there are
Resident License
Aside from paying the necessary fees for the licenses, tags and stamps; a
hunter needs to attend seminars regarding the rules and regulations for
and survival.
There are two kind of licenses that can be issued to hunters: the Resident
Resident Hunting License allows a hunter to hunt or trap any legal game
mammals and birds in season without the need for an additional stamp except
deer hunting during bow season, deer hunting during muzzleloader season,
and migratory game birds.
For a Resident Hunting License, the price of each license differs according to
age category: Juniors who are anyone under the age of 16, Regulars anyone
above 16 and below 65, and Seniors which can only be purchases in the month
Nonresident License
Nonresident Hunting Licenses have two types: Full Season and 3-Day
Waterfowl and Small Game licenses. The Full Season hunting license allows
non-residents of a certain state to hunt all legal game in season except deer
during bow season, deer during muzzleloader season, and migratory game
birds.
In order to control the population of the various species that are considered
prey in hunting, the government has issued the concept of tags and stamps to
hunters.
Tags are often used when hunting big game (deer, elk, moose, reindeer, bear,
etc.) and predators such as cougars and coyotes. A tag is required for each
animal harvested and must be purchased along with the license applied. If
there are more than enough hunters who are registered for a specific season,
then the tags are assigned by lottery instead of being bought individually.
Waterfowl hunters are issued stamps instead of tags, though both have the
same concept.
When hunting in the US, you should take note of the different hunting seasons
Closed season are designed to protect animals when they are most vulnerable,
this includes the breeding season. Hunting during closed seasons is punishable
The open season has different categories to give hunters time for their own
specific specialties. When it comes to the use of weapons, there is the bow
season, where only bows can be used to hunt deer, elk and game birds,
Each prey has their own specific season where hunting them is permitted. Deer
hunting for muzzleloaders starts on November 3 to 13, while deer hunting for
A knowledgeable hunter should know all there is to know about licenses, tags,
stamps, seasons and regulations. Hunting the legal way in the US is considered
Setting Up Camp
It is normal for the hunter to set up a camping site during the hunting season.
The camp site is a place where you can relax, enjoy nature, and get a full
nights rest before going out hunting again in the morning. Considering this will
be your base of operation during the hunting season, you have to make sure
that you have everything that you need all ready in your campsite for easy
access.
The first step in planning for a campsite is to make a checklist on what you
need to bring along with you. Necessities will include the basics: eating,
sleeping, and recreation. Once you have these three firmly in you head, you
For sleeping quarters, you should consider the weather. Most deer hunters
brag about staying in the woods and living the old-fashion way, but
considering the conveniences that can be yours if you can afford it, well, why
suffer? A sleeping bag is great to ward off the chill, and a tent is quite handy to
Some hunters bring a second tent that will serve as their eating area and
recreation center. If you are out hunting with a group instead of being alone,
then a secondary tent will be needed. The second tent has to be large and
spacious since this will serve as your meeting and dining room.
Setting up camp!
You need to set up camp in an even terrain, choose a soft patch of land where
you are immune to possible flooding, or offending rocks underneath. You have
to make sure that your campsite is a place of comfort. It’s always best to set up
should be on one end of the camp, eating and cooking on the other. You don’t
want these two activities together or you might end up with some foraging
If you intend to cook by fire instead of a cooking stove, then you better set it up
rocks, and remove any flammable material around it. Also, make sure that
your tent is a ways from your campfire since embers might end up burning
Practically a deer hunters best friend, a block and tackle is a necessary tool
when camping out. A block and tackle is composed of a system of two or more
pulleys attached to a rope or cable. This is used to pull up heavy loads with
minimal force.
A block and tackle is especially useful to hang hunting trophies like deer,
waterfowl and other prey. This is also a convenient tool for skinning and
dressing the deer out in the wild; since the buck is suspended in mid-air, you
roam the forest at night; making sure that your catch will remain untouched
from planning for the weather, you need to make sure that you have
Building a Stand
A deer stand is definitely helpful when going deer hunting. Not only does it
increase your viewing range, it will also eliminate your presence from any wary
buck that comes across your location. Making a stand for deer hunting is easy,
and most of the materials you need can be bought at any local hardware shop.
Advantages of having a deer stand
Basically a deer stand is all advantage to a deer hunter. Since the deer’s nose
is quite sensitive to scent, a deer stand reduces your smell from the deer’s
range. Since your presence is nowhere near the area, the buck can come and
hunting. Since you are perched comfortably up a tree, you can spot a buck
from miles away. Just make sure that you have a steady aim and a long range
When planning to make a deer stand, it’s always best to check state and locals
private territory, you better consult the owner of your plan to build a deer
Next step is to determine the location of the most amount of deer activity in
the area. If you plan to make a deer stand, you better make sure that your
The best suggestion is putting up your deer stand in a tree since this is less
Your deer stand should be made of wood since it will blend in with the
you better make sure that you paint it the same color as your surroundings.
Since metals tend to glare, it might alert your prey faster than you can take
When proposing to paint your deer stand for camouflaging purposes, it’s better
to do it a month or two before the actual hunting season starts. This will
eliminate the smell of the paint so as not to alert the buck of your presence.
Noise is your worst enemy when deer hunting. Since you are wearing boots
and you have wooden floors in your deer stand, you are definitely going to
make a lot of noise while in it. You might take some precautions and pad down
your deer stand floor with a thick sackcloth or even a carpet if you can afford it.
One thing that we should remember is that we have nature calls. Urinating is a
major problem faced by hunters when perched on their deer stands. You can
always urinate out your deer stand but you might alert the buck of your scent;
urinating IN your deer stand could definitely ruin your scent, so handle the
And finally, how are you going to access your deer stand. If you are an avid
climber, you need not put steps or ladders to serve as access to your deer
stand. Since deer stands are usually on top of trees, ladders are perfect if you
Taking all these tips into consideration will lead to a well-planned well-though
Where to Hunt
Before engaging in the satisfying art of deer hunting, every hunter must first
purchase a license for their trade. This license will be specific as to the season
as well as the location in which they are to hunt. But not all the time nature
cooperates with these hardy pioneers.
Finding the perfect location for deer hunting can be a very tedious process.
Since the herd is always on the move depending on weather patterns and food
Before purchasing a license, the hunter must take care to ask around for vital
information regarding the location of the herd. This should be done at least 3 to
Food source: knowing what the herd eats is a fair indication of their possible
location in the wild. Since most herds move according to the availability of their
food source, they will continuously be on the move due to their stomachs.
Knowing the location of these food sources can be a great help in determining
Habitat: A deer has its own preference when it comes to sleeping areas and
habitats. Mostly the herd is known to sleep in areas where there is plenty of
If you have discerned the location of the herd and applied for a license in their
location, you notice that the herds are nowhere in sight. You might need to
Basically, you need to know the difference of the buck and doe before you can
successfully track down your prey. One difference is the trail the two animals
leave. Bucks tend to have a wider trail than that of the doe. The doe pick up
their feet rather than dragging them like the bucks do, so you can easily
One possible tracking technique is the urine that they leave behind. This is very
noticeable during winter months when the snow is thick. Bucks tend to urinate
while walking, unlike the doe that squats before releasing her load. If you see
3 to 4 feet of a urine trail in front of you, then you are definitely tracking a
buck.
Another factor when tracking down a buck or a doe is their preferred location.
Since the doe are more docile compared to the wild buck, they tend to stick to
less-dense areas unlike the wild buck who tend to roam in a larger area.
Now that you have a nodding acquaintance of the habits of your prey, you can
determine their location in the wild. Since you can go to any state to apply for
a license, you have a free run on your prey if you feel like tracking them down.
You also need to check local rules and regulations regarding nonresident
hunters who apply for a hunting license. You have to have a nodding
acquaintance on how they do it there so that you won’t have any penalties or
Aside from the location, you can also take advantage of other possible prey
aside from deer. You may find out in the local office that waterfowl or small
game are in season, so you can always take advantage of those for practice
Tracking
One of the advanced skills for seasoned hunters is tracking. Since the herd is
always on the move, the hunter has to utilize various techniques to catch his
One such way to track is to observe carefully the trails that the prey leaves
behind. Distinguishing the difference between a buck and doe will give you the
foresight on where your target will go. Bucks tends to have a wider trail
compared to the doe and can be easily distinguished especially during winter
Urine is also a basic factor in determining whether your prey is a buck or a doe.
A buck will urinate while walking which will definitely leave a trail. The female
deer is more sedate and will stop and squat before releasing her load. So make
location. Going to hunt in areas with their favorite food source will definitely
land you in buck heaven! But remember that bucks move at a very indefinite
rate, so you better watch out for their trails when they do so.
Scents
Scents are very important when going deer hunting. Since the herd has a keen
sense of smell, they can easily detect those not of their own. This is a
disadvantage for the hunter since our smell can be very distinctive to the prey,
especially when we start to sweat under the heat of the scorching sun.
One method in getting over this obstacle is to use the direction of the wind at
your disposal. When trailing a buck, you need to make sure that you are on the
downwind side of your intended target, since the direction of the wind will
eliminate your body odor. There is a skin tight undergarment sold in various
hunting stores that eliminates bacteria that causes odor upon contact. You can
also wear outfits that keep your smell inside rather than out. There are also
sprays available that will help remove your smell from your clothes.
Scent of the prey can also be an advantage as well. If you have a sensitive
nose and can distinguish the smell of a buck or a doe, then you can easily
determine where its coming from by knowing the direction of the wind.
If you are using a deer stand and prefer to wait for your prey to come in range,
then utilizing deer calls and rattles will suit you best. When you are using a
short range weapon or a compound bow, you need to make sure that the deer
A deer call and rattle will mimic the sound made by bucks and does, so when
the buck hears it, they try to look for the source of the sound. They will be quite
cautious so you have to make sure that you are perfectly hidden so they won’t
spot you.
These techniques are here to help you out in your deer hunting; so using these
Field Dressing
Learning How to Properly Field Dress your Deer
important that you know how to properly field dress your deer so that you can
Once you have shot your deer, try approaching it from the rear, making sure
that it’s dead. Attach your tag to the carcass once it is validated.
The following field dressing procedure has been tried and tested by
experienced deer hunters, although some vary in one or more steps. Below are
the basic steps but still, hunters are free to innovate something that would suit
their situation.
Start cutting between the hind legs all the way to the pelvic bone. Turn your
knife blade upwards to cut through the breastbone towards the top of the neck.
Make sure you are using a strong, large-handled knife so you can obtain the
best cut.
Start cutting the windpipe in two. The farther it goes up to the neck, the better.
Lay your knife down. Next, grasp the windpipe of the deer, using both your
hands, and pull it hard downwards. The insides, by this time, should come out
all the way to the midsection parts. Remove the rocks from under the deer and
roll the carcass on its side. The meat holding the entrails of the ribs must be cut
into thin layers, all the way to the backbone. Turn the deer over and do the
Lay your knife down and using both your hands, get a firm grip on the deer’s
entrails and then pull down as hard as you can. All the entrails of the deer
Through its hind legs, lift the deer up before laying a large rock under the
rump. This will efficiently spread the back legs of the deer, open. Place your
knife in the middle part of the pelvis. This will help locate the seam where the
If you are using a stout knife, twist the blade from side to side so that the blade
can work though the sea. Press this area very hard. Hit the back of your knife
blade if necessary to cut through the bone. Additionally, for larger deer, you
can use a saw or a hatchet. Once you are done, make sure to finish cleaning
Subsequently, if you are near a tree and you have a rope with you, try hanging
the carcass up by its head or its antlers for about twenty minutes. By doing so,
the loose blood can easily drain away from the body cavity. But if no tree is
available, turn the deer upside down in a clean place then leave it there to
drain.
Take your deer back to your camp. Take note though that by dragging it, it is
possible to get it quite dirty. It is best to have the deer halved or even
quartered so that you can easily transport them. But be sure to attach the tag
to the biggest portion of the carcass so that you can easily locate them.
Begin skinning once you are in your camp. You can either handle it by its hind
legs or its head for skinning. Remember that the skin will easily come off if the
deer is still warm, which explains why you should be skinning it within two
hours. In removing the skin, cut the inside of both legs to the middle part of the
animal. Make sure that you only cut the skin. If you prefer hanging the deer by
its head, cut the skin around the neck, closest to the head if possible.
After you have successfully skinned the deer, hang it up by its legs for about
four hours so that tiny blood vessels will drain. The carcass should be kept in a
cool place if possible. Let the carcass cool overnight so that the meat doesn’t
spoil.
Once everything has been done, cut the meat of the deer in your desired size.
Be sure to keep the meat refrigerated after slicing. It is advisable to have the
fat of the meat properly trimmed so as to avoid affecting the flavor of the
It is essential to be aware of the basic skills in field dressing a deer. Take time
to read and learn more about them before you indulge in any deer hunting
activities.
Processing
Venison isn’t equal. At one point they can be consistently perfect for table fare.
But with poor preparation and handling, eating venison could turn out to be a
nightmare. A lot of people who refrain from eating venison have had very bad
experiences with the improper way the meat was handled or prepared.
Additionally, a lot of factors might affect the quality of the meat, such as the
deer species, the age, the stress of the deer prior to harvest, field dressing,
unperturbed deer. The quality of the meat is decreased if the deer is stressed
postponed for a few couple of hours during mild weather and much longer
The bullet or the arrow, and the field dressing, also called evisceration is
adequate enough to bleed a deer. This won’t require you then to cut the throat
of a dead deer.
to remove the metatarsal glands of the deer since they don’t really affect the
quality of the meat after death. But keep in mind to prevent the glands from
rubbing onto the meat. Also, avoid handling the glands to and from the meat
After Butchering
After butchering and field dressing the deer, the quartered meat or the carcass
with proper storage and cooling method, you can postpone the process for a
few more days. You can achieve a more tender meat when it is aged for at least
a week at about 34-38 degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure though that the
The air circulation around the exposed meat generally causes the meats
surface to dry. Always see to it that you trim off those excess surfaces during
However, remember to avoid freezing the meet throughout the whole aging
process since it can inhibit aging while increasing the probability of spoiling
right after thawing. But then, if you wish to freeze the meet during the aging
process, you can still do so. Just make sure that the meat remains clean and
dry throughout the field dressing, the aging, and the cold storage processes.
Additionally, excessive moisture and soiling also increases the risk of spoilage
of the meat.
outer meat and the non-muscle materials should be removed from the
muscles. Use a sharp filet or a boning knife. Be sure to work on a clean and cool
Since different chemicals are stored in fat, venison fat normally leaves a
fat. The toughness of the meat, furthermore, is due to the cartilage like the
For venison recipes, it is advised to separate the muscle and the cut slices
across the grain of the muscle. The best parts of the venison for roasting,
grilling, or for frying include the muscles from the tenderloin, hindquarters,
and the back straps. They also are great for sausages, smoked meat, stews,
and hamburgers.
health risks, while the overcooked ones become tough and stiff.
Freeze your venison right after butchering them, unless you will cook them
fresh. Remember to place meal-sized quantities of the meat upon placing them
into plastic bags. Remove the air of the bags before sealing them tightly.
If meat is stored for a longer period of days, wrap the plastic bags in freezer
paper before sealing with a tape. Doing so can maintain a good quality venison
that can last for years. Likewise, placing meat in vacuum-sealed bags is also
very efficient.
Always remember that the key to having good quality venison starts from the
Taxidermy
Taxidermy, a Greek term that means arranging of the skin, describes the
animal intended for permanent display or for study. It can be done on almost
all types of animals. In some cases, parts of the actual skin of an animal such
as the fur, the feather, and the scales are preserved and mounted over an
What is Crypto-taxidermy?
Crypto-taxidermy is the art of creating stuffed animals that have no real and
displayed as if they were engaged in some human activities. This style was
very popular during the Edwardian and Victorian times although there are still
after he presented at the 1851’s Great Exhibition. The art was later followed by
an English taxidermist, Walter Potter. One of his very famous works was The
There are basically three major types of taxidermy European Mounts, Bear
Skinning, and Capping Lines. Since most people prefer the simple head
mounts, the European Mounts is the most common type used today.
There are different ways to bleach a skull for mounting. But below is the
easiest and the fastest method to bleach and preserve your most valuable
skulls.
The first thing to do is to prepare the skulls. Start removing the hair and the
hide from the skull. Before boiling the skull, see to it that you have removed all
completely submerge the skull. Boiling the skull normally results in water
boiling past the brim, thus resulting in the smell of deer brain. To avoid this,
since water can unnaturally lighten the antlers. Keep a close eye on the smoke
especially if you are using an open flame. The smoke can stain the tips of the
antlers that protrude from the pot. However, if you can’t deal with the antlers
To speed up the long process of removing meat, mix dawn dish soap or borax
in the water. Remove the skull from the water every twenty minutes so you
can scrape meat from the skull. This long and tedious process normally takes
about four hours. Be sure to clean and remove even the littlest of meat so that
After all the organic material has been removed, be sure to find the teeth.
Some teeth loosen and fall out while the skull is being boiled. It is important
that you screen the water after boiling the skull so that you can find the
After reattaching the teeth, you can start the bleaching process. Don’t use
weaken the skull. Purchase peroxide from a beauty supply store since you can
Although there is no need to repeat the process, you can still do so especially
if you prefer an extra white skull. Rinse the skull with cool water. Seal your
Taxidermy is one good way to preserve your most prized deer skulls. Find the
right taxidermists near you and let them do the preserving of the skull,
Rather than preserving only the skull, some prefer to preserve the entire head
and antlers. In this case it is highly recommended you use the services of a
professional taxidermist.
Since this is a very specialized process the chances are very good that you can
find someone by word of mouth. Good news (and bad) tends to circulate in
any group of special interests. Once you have a recommendation, take it one
step further and check their history with the Better Business Bureau.
loved by outdoor enthusiasts all over the world. Deer hunting isn’t just a simple
sport. It entails a lot of patience and hard work to have a successful deer
Practice, practice, and more practice is required before you go out deer
hunting during hunting season. It is important then that you know the basics of
deer hunting.
Although there are a lot of things that you should know and prepare for any
deer hunting activities, there are only three major things that you should focus
on: the rut, the deer rubs, and the deer scrapes.
The Rut
This is the mating season for white tail deer. This is normally the time when
deer are more active but less cautious than usual, which makes them
susceptible to motorists and deer hunters. It is also during this season when
vehicle accidents that involve deer are relatively higher. The rut is the best
time for deer hunters to move.
Bucks during this time are constantly on the move in search for a doe. Most of
the time, does play hard-to-get, leading bucks into a wild goose chase before
finally mating. Once you see a doe, expect to see a trailing buck behind.
Always be alert and ready. Who knows, your mature back may be just around
the corner.
Deer Rubs
These are created when bucks (male deer) rub their antlers and their
foreheads against the base of a tree. This normally happens during late
summer or early fall. During rut seasons, rubs are normally done by territory.
The gland of the bucks forehead leaves a distinct scent so other deer will know
Rubs are very easy to find. During your deer hunting, look for fresh deer rubs
as they are a indication that a deer is within the territory. But be careful not to
touch the rub nor leave any human scent around the vicinity.
Deer Scrapes
These are scrapes found on the ground where deer normally paw the soil away
using their hooves. Deer scrapes vary in sizes, ranging from one to eight feet.
When you are out deer hunting, see that you check for deer scrapes in your
area. That is a clear indication that a deer might be somewhere near you.
For any hunting expedition, your safety should be your top concern. There are
hunting. Here are some few safety tips that might help you a lot.
Gun Safety
Remember to always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the
number one rule of gun safety. A safe direction basically means that your gun
is pointed in a certain direction so that even if the gun unexpectedly goes off,
The second thing to remember is to keep your fingers away from the trigger
until you are ready to shoot. When you are holding a gun, rest your finger on
the trigger. Never touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire. The last
thing to consider is to keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to use. Engage
the safety pin if possible every time you pick up the gun.
this, using a tree stand is a great help. However, if not properly used, tree
stands can actually cause serious injuries or even deaths. To avoid this, start
Also, never forget to use your safety equipment such as the safety harness.
When you are climbing, refrain from carrying any equipment. Instead, use a
To get prepared for your next deer hunting activity, make sure that you know
the basics and the safety measures of this classic outdoor sport.
Venison Recipes
Venison is basically a culinary name for meats coming from deer, whether
farmed or hunted. Aside from deer, Venison is also the term used to describe
meat of the families of wild pigs and hares, as well as some species of
antelopes and goats like elk, fallow deer, red deer, moose, roe deer,
pronghorn, caribou, brown hare, blue hare, arctic hare, ibex, and wild boar.
Below are some examples of simple yet very delicious Venison recipes of all
times.
Venison Tenderloin
For this recipe, you will need wine, garlic, and flaked hot peppers and soy
sauce for the marinade, seasoned flour, oil, and Venison tenderloin. Start the
recipe by marinating the meat with the wine, garlic, soy sauce, and peppers.
Cut them into pieces of your desired size. Dredge the cut tenderloin with a very
thin layer of seasoned flour before cooking them in hot oil. Make sure to flip the
meat periodically until all of them are brown. The seasoned flour is what makes
Venison Stroganoff
Prepare extra virgin olive oil, Venison roast or steak, and cooked rice or
noodles. For the coating mixture, prepare flour, onion powder, garlic powder,
salt, and pepper. For the sauce, you will need chopped onions, chopped garlic,
Start this recipe by cutting the venison into three-inch chunks or strips. Make
sure you remove all the fat and the connective tissues off of the meat.
Combine the flour, the garlic powder and the onion powder in a mixing bowl.
Dredge the sliced venison into the mixture. Be sure to create a thick coating on
For the sauce, heat the extra virgin olive oil in an electric skillet or large
saucepan. See to it that it is sizzling hot before you cook the fully-coated meat.
Once all the venison is browned, stir in the remaining mixture. Add in the
chopped onions, chopped garlic, two cans of beef broth, and water. Allow it to
simmer for an hour. Stir in the sour cream and the cooked noodles and let
them sit for a couple of minutes. Serve the venison stroganoff on top of cooked
rice or noodles.
Venison Roast
This is a very simple recipe that is perfect for afternoon get together with you
friends. You will need a Venison roast, sandwich buns, barbecue sauce, a can
of tomato juice, onions, minced garlic, and horseradish sauce. Start by simply
arranging the ingredients in a crock pot. Add in the onions, the garlic and the
horseradish sauce to taste. Cook the roast for two to three hours on high
setting, or six to eight hours on low setting. Once done, add the mixture to the
Prepare a pound of ground venison, one chopped onion, garlic, about half a
teaspoon of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, two cups of tomato sauce,
cooked white or brown rice, cabbage leaves, grated cheese and parsley.
Before cooking the sauce and the meat, boil the cabbage leaves for about three
minutes. Mix in the onions, nutmeg, garlic, salt and pepper to the cooked
venison. Cook the mixture on the stove making sure that onions are softened.
Create rolls by gradually adding the sauce and the meat into the boiled
cabbage leaves. Return the rolls to the pan, pouring in the rest of the tomato
sauce on top. Let the rolls simmer for about twenty minutes. Garnish them
Prepare venison steaks, toothpicks that are soaked in water, green onions and
Asparagus spears. For the marinade, you simply need soy sauce, garlic, lime
juice, and sesame oil. Start by cutting the steaks. Make sure to cut them into
thin pieces while it is still partially frozen. Marinade the steak in sesame oil,
Once done, roll the marinated steaks around pieces of green onions and
asparagus, before fixing them with moistened toothpicks. This will ensure that
the steaks won’t catch on fire. Place your rolls onto a grill. Baste the rolls with
marinade to ensure taste and moistness. Roll them periodically to cook and
Preparing venison recipes can be easy. Just make sure you have the right
ingredients and you choose the best venison meats from your local market.
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