It’s early in the morning, probably around 4:30 or 5, and I hear the garage door grinding as it slowly opens outside. Then, I hear the side-by-side as it comes to life and two of my boys are moving into the early morning dew filled quiet as they meander into the fog-covered pastures and wooded areas of the Circle S. Yep, it’s deer season and has been for several weeks. My two “hunter boys” have already killed probably their quota for the year so now they hunt squirrel, birds, and their favorite – ducks.
Out of all our boys these are the only two who seem to really love the hunt. We have had one old deer over in one of our hunted pastures that has lived there for several years. Their Pawpaw has asked them not to shoot him as he is the king of the herd. Sam, our most avid hunter said, “I promise I want shoot Old Buck. (Unless he gets in my sights.)”. He is as big as a horse, and he is our leader so we really would like to see My husband doesn’t hunt to kill, he hunts to watch and behold the beauty of the regal deer. It is a beautiful creature. And they love our deer grasslands. They are fed so much corn during this time of year that their bellies are budging. Of course, they have live cameras all over the place and Eli called me one morning to tell me to look at the video he had sent. It was an interesting movie of one of our big black Angus knocking down the deer feeder and especially enjoying his breakfast of deer corn. Later on, I got another video, and a big raccoon was also enjoying the spilled corn that the cow had knocked over. So, you see all the forest animals love this season of the deer.
Our hunters don’t kill just for the sport or hobby, they truly eat the succulent deer meat. Sam has become quite the chef of preparing deer steaks, back strap, jerky, and just about any part of the venison. And he is also quite efficient at butchering the big buck and cutting and preparing the cuts of meat they enjoy. I have to say to my consternation, I have never had the opportunity to eat deer meat, but my grandson says he will rectify that missed meal very soon.
I am including one of Sam’s deer meat recipes. If you have never had a meal of this one-of-a-kind taste, try it.
DEER STEAKS
Cut the steaks at least 1” thick, wash very good and lay on a paper towel lined plate to absorb any blood. Marinate steaks in a zip lock bag for at least three hours or more. Marinade – ¼ cup of Olive oil, ½ lemon juiced, 3 garlic cloves mashed, ¾ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. After marinating remove from bag and pat dry, no rising. Lay on hot grill and grill 5 – 7 minutes each side. Let rest about ten minutes and YUMMY!! Recipe courtesy of Sam Wyeth.
