When Did You Take Your Latest Game and What Was It?

Many hunters are dedicated to both the sport and the art of utilizing every part of the animal they take down. I, myself, have recently added an elk and a mule deer to my trophy room this year. Each of these hunts allowed me to truly appreciate the meat and the resources the animal provides.

For the elk and mule deer, the journey isn't over after the shot; it often takes me and my team two days to pack out the meat. During these treks, I and my family are far from the roads, emphasizing the importance of providing no trace of our presence. This long journey makes the meat even more special and cherished.

Hunting and Butchering: A Family Affair

This year, my daughter and I also participated in a mule deer hunt. Collectively, we processed and butchered the deer ourselves. Every part of the animal was utilized, from the tongue and liver to the delicate rib meat. The kidneys were not to our taste, but I often use the brain for tanning hides. It's a unique and practical use for that part of the animal.

DIY Butchering and Processing

We follow a strict policy of using only copper bullets for hunting. Our primary concern is to have no harmful lead residues in our food, especially considering that scavengers like eagles will also eat the remains.

Butchering is a process I take very seriously. I often bring some of the offal to a local meat processor for making burger and sausage links, even though I own a meat grinder and sausage stuffer. The quality of the meat processed in commercial facilities is often superior.

Hunting Smaller Game

A few weeks ago, I took down a Canada goose and a bufflehead during the final weekend of waterfowl season. Processing these ducks myself, I found that the bufflehead, being one of the smallest duck species, yielded barely enough for a single light meal. On the other hand, the goose provided several pounds of lean meat, which led me to make jerky. The heart of the goose made a perfect sautéed appetizer. The rest was fed to scavengers and left to fertilize the soil, following the principles of sustainable hunting.

Shooting and Butchering Small Game

On a recent Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I encountered a squirrel on my in-laws' land. It was a challenging game to hunt as they were scarce and did not easily present themselves for a shot. After several attempts, I finally managed to take aim and with a bit of luck, the shot was successful. The squirrel was gutted and cleaned once I returned home, and it is now in my freezer.

I used a Marlin Model 60 semi-automatic rifle for this hunt. Choosing copper bullets for small game and pests like squirrels ensures that the hunt is both ethical and sustainable.

Conclusion

Every hunt, big or small, is a celebration of nature and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the resources it provides. From elk to ducks, from squirrels to elk, no part of the animal goes to waste. By processing and utilizing the game, we not only honor the animal but also ensure the continuation of traditions and practices that stand the test of time.