Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeerDeerHunting/~3/HDL4uRI4fSg/shot-show-2014-new-rifles-unveiled-ruger

OK, all you DIY deer hunters out there, don’t blow a gasket when you read the next sentence.

I’ve paid more than $250 this year for venison processing, which doesn’t include the gas purchased to drive to my hunting spots and any other costs associated with the seasons. The latter costs have been minimal since I have enough gear, but there have been some.

Yep, that’s a lot of money for cutting up and prepping venison. I know that. I’m not happy about it, but a couple of things conspired to get to that monetary outlay. One is time, or lack of enough time, to properly debone, clean, prep and package my venison. That’s probably the biggest factor. Another is a lack of ample space at my home, although that’s my fault for having a jammed garage and no work area.

So, those two things can be easily rectified, right? It’ll take some doing but getting my garage in order is priority No. 1 now that my deer season is almost over. I may take our son for one last outing but chances are good that we’ll be focusing on squirrels, rabbits and then turkey season.

The other, finding enough time, is simply one of those things that requires making the time. With kids’ activities, work, and other things, setting aside an afternoon or evening can be difficult sometimes to break down a deer and get everything done, then cleaned up and discarded. But that’s part of the process. I don’t dislike that process … in fact, I rather enjoy doing my own work. Next season, I’ll be better prepared — with space, and setting aside dedicated time — to handle my venison prep.

So, for the $250 (or more, if we happen to kill one or two more deer) spent this year at the processor, what are some things could I buy for my home processing? Glad you asked.

Chopping block — A good chopping block, or cutting board, is a solid investment not only for your meat prep but other kitchen prep. Having a stable surface on which you can trim meat, cut backstraps and debone a hindquarter is a good investment. Professional chefs use a wooden board that lasts for years and won’t ruin your knives. See This Board

Knives — I’ve trimmed venison, and other meat, with a variety of knives over the years, from folding pocket knives to old trusty kitchen blades to nicer knives with specific purposes. My father was a butcher and I didn’t understand, way back when, why he had so many different knives. But each has a purpose – cutting, trimming, breaking down big portions. Keep them sharp, don’t put them in the dishwasher, and they’ll last for years. See These Knives 

Electric Grinder — One of the benefits of paying a processor is they have the equipment for doing specific tasks, including grinding venison for burger or sausage. But you can do your own grinding at home with a Weston #8 Electric Grinder, a heavy-duty 575-watt model that also includes a sausage unit to make your own sausages. It’s something you need. See This Grinder

Vacuum sealer — Yes, wrapping meat in butcher paper will work in the freezer. But you can do better by investing in a Weston Vacuum Sealer Professional Advantage sealer. How? Because it has superior components, an angled vacuum chamber opening to prevent liquids from entering the vacuum chamber, and a fan-cooled motor to keep from overheating. Whether you’re storing burger, snack sticks or bigger cuts, this is the way to do it. See This Sealer

Smoker — Man, oh, man … smoked venison. Slow-cooked shoulders for pulled venison sandwiches. Fooling around with different wood chips for flavor, or liquids such as beer or bourbon and different rubs. You can smoke venison or other meats year-round, or create your own sausages, too, and be the envy of your friends. See This Smoker

Sounds good, no? If you’re tired of paying a processor, even though they’re good folks and do a good job, and want to handle your own venison processing, make plans now and be ready before deer season gets here in autumn.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeerDeerHunting/~3/gz2O6SA4Vv0/for-a-few-hundred-dollars-you-can-diy-with-venison-processing

Elk Ridge Infinity Field Skinner. 5 3/8″ overall. 2″ skinner blade with notch cutout and guthook. All stainless construction with camo finish. Features thumb ridge and integrated finger hole with orange injection molded rubber insert for a non-slip grip. Lanyard hole. Black nylon covered composition belt sheath with sharpening rods on each side. When knife is securely in sheath, notch in handle can be used as a bottle opener.

List price: $15.99

When you get ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Pack Bag, you’re getting the Commander Freighter Frame PLUS a 5250 cubic inch Pack Bag. The Pack Bag is great for getting all your gear to your base camp. The Pack Bag includes a front pocket, spotting scope pocket, rifle holder, and two side accessory hinged pockets, in addition to the main compartment. Once you empty out your Pack Bag, it can be easily detached so the Commander can be used as a Freighter Frame also. The Commander Freighter Frame allows you to haul your meat from one place to the next. The Commander comes equipped with a unique lashing system to secure your meat. With as much weight as you’ll be carrying, padded waist belt and shoulder straps are a must. There are pockets for your flash light and knife, as well as a holder for your shooting stix on the lashing straps. With the Commander Pack Bag, you really get two products in one, a Pack Bag AND a Freighter Frame!

List price: $159.99

Ridge Runner Executive Wood Bowie Knife

List price: $17.00

When it comes to Super Bowl snacks, I like to keep things traditional. You can keep your fritters and feta dip with kale chips. For me, Super Bowl Sunday is my annual excuse to gorge on wings, pizza, chilidogs, and, of course, a big plate of nachos. Also, a bag of tortilla chips and some homemade salsa is a must.

Anyone who appreciates good salsa has his or her own favorite recipe. Mine is based on a version I first discovered in Jesse Griffith’s excellent wild-game cookbook, “Afield.” The simple act of roasting the tomatoes and peppers creates a charred, slightly bitter flavor profile that balances perfectly with the sweet and spicy nature of the other two ingredients. I also add some charred green peppers and little bit of apple cider vinegar. Obviously this is best made in the summer with fresh-from-the-garden produce, but charring the ingredients can make otherwise humdrum hothouse grocery-store tomatoes actually edible, so don’t be afraid to make a batch this Saturday for Sunday’s game.

Charred Salsa Recipe

Ingredients
– 8-10 medium tomatoes
– 4 green peppers
– 3-4 jalapenos
– 1 ½ tsp. apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp. kosher salt
– ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Directions:
1. Over piping hot coals or an open flame, grill the tomatoes and peppers until the vegetable skins are well charred, but not completely black.

2. After the vegetables have cooled, stem and core them. Remember, the jalapeno’s heat comes from the seeds so let that dictate how hot you want your salsa. More seeds, more heat.

3. Chop the tomatoes and pepper roughly and dump them, along with the apple cider vinegar and salt, into a food processor. Pulse until you get the consistency you prefer. I like mine chunky.

4. Stir in the cilantro and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors marry.

Source: http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/wild-chef/2014/01/recipe-super-bowl-salsa

Heavy-duty nylon sheath has synthetic liner, metal reinforcements and lashing slots” and “The heavy duty nylon sheath is constructed with a hard synthetic liner and metal reinforcements. The sheath also includes a D ring, lashing slots, and a front mounted nylon storage pouch with Velcro closure.” to “Heavy Duty Nylon Sheath”

List price: $39.90

Neoprene Scope Cover protects scopes in transit and is reversible to black. Large size.

List price: $7.55

This electrical hunting themed cover plate has a hand painted poly resin design with amazing detail. The perfect décor enhancement with a design to suit just about any outdoor enthusiast’s taste.

List price: $7.76

The Big Game Portable Hot Seat is a durable camoflauge cushion that retains and reflects your own body heat for a warm comfortable seat.

List price: $9.99