A Washington Hunter Girl's Blog

I'm the newest Elite Pro-staff member!!!

2011-05-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have some very exciting news to share with all of my Blog-followers!!!!!
This weekend I was asked to Join Revolution Hunting and become the newest member of their Elite Pro-Staff!!!! I of course, accepted this position with great honor!!!
Come on Over to Facebook and Join the Revolution Family by liking our page! We have some exciting news coming in our new future!!!!!!
Revolution Hunting....CHECK US OUT!!!!!

Lazy Weekend, with a yummy recipe!!

2011-05-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so lazy today that I really dont even feel like posting, or typing..or anything for that matter!!
Got out yesterday and patterned my Franchi .12 gauge with Eric. Shot a few shot of different loads...seemed to work good. I have one more tag left...Was kinda hoping to go work on that this weekend but Eric had to work.
Maybe next weekend...time is running out!!!
NOW....RECIPE TIME!!!!

Marinated Elk/Venison Tenderloin with Merlot Sauce

1 Elk or Venison tenderloin roast (3 lb)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Merlot Sauce
1 cup currant jelly
1 cup Merlot, Zinfandel or nonalcoholic red wine
1/2 cup Progresso® beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1
In resealable food-storage plastic bag or large glass or plastic dish, place tenderloin.. In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients; pour over tenderloin. Seal bag or cover dish; refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours, turning meat several times to coat with marinade.
2
Heat oven to 425ºF. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Place tenderloin on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so tip is in center of thickest part of loin.

3
Roast uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until thermometer reads 140ºF (medium-rare doneness). Cover meat loosely with tent of foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes or until thermometer reads 145ºF. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5ºF and tenderloin will be easier to carve as juices set up.)
4
In 1-quart saucepan, heat all sauce ingredients to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly reduced and syrupy. Cut tenderloin across grain at slanted angle into thin slices. Serve with sauce.

Tom The Turkey!!!

2011-04-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I DID IT!
Finally bagged a Tom!!!
I did get one in 2006, and now in 2011!!!!
In Washington state you can have 2 Spring turkey tags, hoping this weekend to fill the secondary tag. WOOOOOOOOOOT WOOOOOOOOT!!
Ton weighed 22 lbs, had 3/4 inch spurs and.........wait for it.........................................a 9 inch Beard!!!!!
I almost feel like I shouldnt be bragging, as Mr. Tom was taken with my Franchi 12 gauge, as opposed to the assasin Mrs. BowTech Tribute!! Thinking this week will shoot my bow, and hopefully stick an arrow in one. Then, I will have some KILLER bragging rights! RIGHT????????

Slow cooker Elk Enchiladas

2011-04-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Along with Keeping up to date on my posts....here is a NeW recipe. You gotta try this! You can certainly substiture the Ground elk for Venison or any other ground game.
This is a BIG hit at our house, and will be back on the dinner table before they know it!
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Ingredients
1 pound ground elk
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (16 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1/3 cup Enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (6 inches)

Directions
In a large skillet, cook the elk, onion and green pepper until elk is browned and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the next eight ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine cheeses.
In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer about 3/4 cup elk mixture, one tortilla and about 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until heated through. Yield: 4 servings.

Off the deep end?

2011-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Have I officially gone off the deep end???
Nope..Just got so caught up with the new craze of Facebook! While I have met a handful of kick ass friends, fellow hunters & huntresses....I think I FORGOT about my Blog!!!
Lots has gone on...Finally got drawn last fall for my Branched Antler Tag..Yep 1 out of 12 permits for the Cowiche unit. The weather was crisp and nice.. typical Yakima Fall day. The Elk were bugling, the crows were and squirrels were pretty much as annoying as can be, and me I was in search of the great all mighty heard bull.
Had a great time, hunted my booty off for 2 weeks with hubby. Sat and did lots of calling sequences, using the one and only HOOCHIE MAMMA. Called a yearling in to within arms length..poor lost kid..I finally pulled my face mask down, looked at him and said "I'm not your mamma". HOLY cow did he book it outta there!!!
Got within 40 yards of my trophy..as I stood behind a down log in my forest, I drew back, and released my arrow...NOTHING. BUT. HAIR.
Yes, yours truly, Mrs. Rachel Hunter chick, shot right underneath him. Ever seen a girl cry in the woods?????? 7 years of waiting for the tag and I blew a 40 yard shot. I was heart broken(and still am). Ranged where he was standing..41 YARDS...i PUT MY 30 ON HIM. Well, in a nutshell....I had the hunt of a lifetime, Eric tells me there is nothing to be upset about...He is right..nothing to be upset about....other than I dont have a $1000 Taxidermy Bill I would LOVE to have!!

OK! I'm Back!!

2011-04-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Look for an update in my blog..IM SO BACK!!!!Kinda got caught up with FB...so many good things have happened...POST TO COME SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Dead eye Dick.....

2010-02-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

His name is Gavin...aka DEAD EYE DICK
Some of you thought his 500 yard shot he made this season to take his first Elk was a long shot-a sky bust-lucky-unethical-and a shot in the dark.
He is an amazing shot,has a keen sense for his target...a real natural....his name is Gavin, and he's my 12 1/2 year old son. I don't have to defend his shot he took to bag his elk this year, my husband knew he was a good enough shot to make it, and he did...a clean kill.
Gavin loves to shoot, we have a special place we go and practice. This place has targets up at 150,300 and even a metal gong at 600 yards. His favorite thing about shooting their is hearing that ZINNNNNG when his bullet ricochets off that metal gong at 600 yards. Another thing that our young hunter does is participates in a .22 league in our area. These kids go every Thursday and practice their shooting..remembering all the basic things it takes to make a good clean shot...squeezing the trigger, and complete follow through. They shoot four rounds, and they shoot from all positions, starting out with prone, going to sitting and so on. Along with the shooting, the kids are earning NRA ranks....working towards the top rank, which awards them with the highest rank you can achieve as a civilian. Just last night Gavin earned his "Marksman" rank...10 qualifying targets shot at 50 FT.
We are very proud of him, he shares our love for the hunt, and he is gaining more experience than the average young man when it comes to shooting!

CONGRATS TO DEER PASSION....

2010-02-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

I wanna say a BIG CONGRATS TO MY FRIEND Elizabeth Peterson AKA Deer Passion...
Her Husband and her had their first child

Emma Catherine- born on Feb 8th, weighing 8lbs 14.5 oz and 20 in long.

Elizabeth had a very trying pregnancy..overcoming many medical problems...
She is now blessed with a beautiful Daughter!

CONGARTS GIRL!!!

Some end of the year Waterfowl..

2010-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

Well,here Iam ....
How many month's late on my post?????
Better late than never. Well... the most horrible time of year is upon us again..the spring. We just ended the 2009-10 waterfowl season. The boys got out a few times, and conditions were less than favorable. ICE-ICE AND more Ice. The local ponds that we hunt were froze for weeks..which made for some rough duck hunting. The hubby and oldest son got out a little and were able to score on some nice birds...ALSO Gavin was happy to bring home a honker on one of the last weekends. We rounded out the season with a trip to the cliffs over the Columbia...hoping for some last day geese..but their was nothing but sky-busting shots..and some geese that had already had their fair share of shot flying their way...they were not impressed by us at all.
So now we are in those couple somber months...and looking ahead to our up-and coming spring bear season..... time to clean the guns, and head out and maybe do some coyote hunting..this hunter chick is yet to kill her first dog....

Iam Back...and WE HAVE ELK

2009-11-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

OMG... I guess my wedding just took toooo much out of me!! I am so ashamed to say it has indeed been that long since my happy ass has done a post for all of you fellow hunting freaks.
First off... the wedding.. AMAZING..everything turned out perfect.(NOTICE MY VEIL HAS MY MOSSYOAK CAMO TRIM)
OKOK your thinking get to the good stuff.... Here it is:
Iam proud to say that this hunter chick has passed on her un-believable, remarkable love and ability for taking down some big game..YES... my son Gavin, got his first SPIKE BULL ELK.
Not only did Gavin get his first elk, he got it on opening morning....and the kicker...a 510 yard shot!!! (must be the genes)
I was so proud of him...you would think this kid won a gold medal..I have gushed, and gushed....this hunter chick is one proud mamma!!
Not to be forgotten is the new hubby. Eric drew a cow tag this year, and he too was able to fill his tag. Nice cow.. will make some delic dinner times!!!
And then their is me...I gave up my early elk season for my wedding day.(Their is a strategy in this....that being EVERY YEAR for my anniversary...I. GET. TO. GO. HUNTING!!!!!!!!!!sigh...this hunter chicks dream)
My late elk starts this next weekend...wish me luck!!
I promise Iam back to posting..you will BE hearing from me again!

It will continue to burn..untill they learn

2009-07-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

I would like to sit here and go on and on ranting and raving about the numb sculls....knuckle heads, city slick'n folks that are leading me to this post.
I'm referring to the people other then one such as this hunter chick that use our woods....or shall I SAY MIS-USE our woods.
This is the time of year when the ground is dry, the grass turns brown, and every step you take through the mountains is so dry that an elk within a mile radius hears it crackling. One of my very favortie areas to hunt was burning this month..thanks to some careless individual(s).
I don't feel like i should have to say this but here it goes:

YOU CAN'T cut fire wood, when it's been 2 months since any kind of rainfall in the summer...
YOU CAN'T ride a dirt bike that lets off any kind of sparkage...
YOU CAN"T throw a cigarette butt out the window and think it won't cause a fire.
AND MOST OF ALL
YOU CAN'T burn a campfire in 105 degree dry-ass conditions.

I know this all seems like common knowledge for most, but sadly it isn't. Their is so many people out their that just don't respect our forests, and mountains. This carelessness is causing elk,deer bear and many other wildlife to lose their habitat.
So, at the risk of sounding like a bitch..please help spread the word this summer...use common sense, know your burning restrictions and help keep our forests standing, and mountains huntable as kill'n season is just around the corner!!!

A little early waterfowling..a band & a collar

2009-07-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

This Year we had the opportunity to take our boys to help band and collar some groups of local geese.Us, along with 4 biologist from the Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife were able to catch a total of 110 local geese. It was a great experience for our boys. The boys got to hold the geese as they moved from one station to another..first sexing(finding out how many males VS females their was) Then they were shown how to tell if it was an adult or juvenile (based upon tail feathers) Then they held them while the biologists collared and banded them. The adults received both collars and bands, while the Juveniles only got bands.
You would be amazed at how easy the process really was as we did this in the small window of time when the birds are moulting.(can't fly) If anyone hunts, or has kids that hunt, or even just enjoy geese and waterfowl.... I HIGHLY suggest you contact your local Dept.to see if they have a program, or need volunteer help. It was a unforgettable experience for our boys.You will even notice by the pic that this hunter chicks hubby to be was more then PLEASED to be holding his first "collared goose" (Should we tell him it's still alive, and it doesn't count if you didn't shoot it??????)
This is what the total count was for the local area:
Treetop Fruit Pond
43-Juveniles
4-Adults
0-Recaptures
47-Total

Sgt. Hubbard Park
25-Juveniles
10-Adults
0-Recaptures
35-Total

Lakeside Office Park
16-Juveniles
9-Adults
0-Recaptures
25-Total

2 months...and NO branched antler tag...

2009-07-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Holy crap! would u believe it's been over two months since I have blogged with you cool people???
Well, my life has been dedicated to baseball, baseball....and oh yeah..more baseball! My boys ...are keeping me busy.
All this aside..we are starting to think about that cool crisp morning..the one day during the year that it's impossible to sleep the night before.... ya know, the one that comes in September??????????????????? That would be Washington deer and elk season!!!!!!!!
Iam so excited..big game season is just around the corner!
I wish I could say I'll be lacing up my boots and going after the elusive branched antler bull elk. BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO............
I couldn't draw that golden ticket again!
The day the drawing results were out I was jacked! I scurried my happy ass over to the computer..put in my wild ID number ..... the little hour glass ran and what did I see...
NOt DRAWN
NOT DRAWN
NOT DRAWN
I couldn't believe it..all the points and no tag! So then the great hubby to be puts his number in..........
"Cool" I got drawn for the area I wanted!
Sheeeeeeez.
Oh well....maybe next year! Even though i didn't get my bull tag, since i shoot archery I still have a general season cow tag. With any luck..Il have one of these in my spot-Hogg site this season.......................

IT TOOK THE BIG GAME REGS....

2009-04-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

OMG Have I been busy!!!
It's so not like me to not post on my hunting blog or my family blog.... Did it seem like I fell off the radar? Left the planet???? Decided to take a one month hunt in another country?????
Well...I guess I have been just busy being a mom, trying to have two blogs, plan a wedding and have time for myself...obviously my blogs got neglected a bit!!
Well, I'm back... it took the launch of 2009 Hunting Regs. to rope me back into reality....Awwwwwwww Hunting Season.
I was so excited when my hubby to be called me and said "Honey, the regs are out"
As busy as I was...buzzing here their and everywhere.. to boxing practice, to baseball games, to cub scout meetings, I could hardly wait to sit down and read the regulations. These are held in high stature at our house and is much like "The bible".
After finally unwinding yesterday afternoon.... so excited to have them in my hand at last..I felt like running through the house shouting "I got it....I got the Golden Ticket"!!!! (At the risk of looking like a fool, i slinetly picked them up from my Future Hubbies special spot) In my head I eeeewd and awwwwd about the beautiful BIG buck pictured on the front, and plopped down on the couch to read.
I could hardly wait to highlight which special drawings I would put in for....
To be totally let down by the great state of Washington... I couldn't believe my eyes....they cut out part of our Archery elk season!! How devastating. Just cut off my legs, poke my eyes out, what a tragedy..... they took away part of my general season and gave it to the modern firearm hunters....ohhhh the misery....the pain....I CANT BELIEVE IT!!!!!
All that aside... the sight of the Big game Regs being released means one thing.....less then 5 months till deer and elk season.. . this hunter chicks favorite time of year!!!
Here's to crossing my fingers I finally get drawn for my branched antler tag this year!!!

P.E.T.A............My VENISON....oooops I MENT MY VERSION

2009-03-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE....MY OLDEST SON PROCESSING HIS OWN DEER THIS YEAR!!! WE HAVE TO EAT TOO!!

P.E.T.A........
In our House this means People Eating Tasty Animals.
Yesterday we ( this hunter chick, my hubby to be and my two boys) were on our drive home from the other side of state. Hunting is a way of life for me and my family. right now we have 4 deer and one elk in our freezer.
Anyhow, on our way home on the highway we came up on a huge Van....one of those utility type vans. This thing looked like someone sat around, smoked some weed and began painting their van. It read "P.E.T.A" on the back...had pictures on it and one of an elephant in shackles.(which I think is sad :( (I love elephants). We followed behind it for a brief time, then my huny passed them in the passing lane. This caused quite the conversation in the truck about P.E.T.A..who they are...what it stands for...and so on...(you can imagine with a 9 and 11 year old...the wheels were-a-turning)Our boys dont know anything else, and couldn't figure out why people would be so against hunting. I tried to explain to them that they were against more then just hunting...but lets face it...they hate HUNTERS.
I have been flipped off, honked at and yelled at by these so called non-hunters, on more then one occasion here in town. The minute they see a bumper sticker that says Hunter Chick, N.R.A,, Ducks Unlimited..and my favorite "I love animals they are tasty" they are off on their tangent.
I don't have a problem with people and their beliefs as for the good of animals, but in my opinion.. some of them are soooo over the top that its ridiculous. I love animals, and believe in the proper treatment of them, IAM A HUGE ANIMAL LOVER, but in my opinion sometimes their whole goal and meaning of what they stand for gets lost and forgotten and it turns into an attack on anyone and everyone that has hunted or is not a vegetarian. I would never tie one of my kills down to my vehicle and parade it through town for all to see, but I don't have a problem speaking up for what i believe in.
As we passed the vehicle, Eric had to refrain me from showing them my newest cabelas purchase I got this weekend through the passenger side window......"900 Tasty Venison recipes" . Instead we just passed the colorful hippie-van and SMILED and Waived...and let them enjoy our stickers on the back of our truck!
I have nothing against anyone who is all about PETA.... however the minute they attack me for what I believe in, you can bet I will fire back! They have left a bad taste in my mouth in the past...so I thouhgt a little retaliation was in order.......but thanks to Eric he helped me to be the bigger person.

R.I.P. SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE

2009-03-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

HERE IS IN MY OPINION...SOME VERRRRRY SAD NEWS.
IT SEEMS THIS STRUGGLING ECONOMY IS HITTING EVERYONE....INCLUDING MY FAVORITE STORE NEXT TO CABELAS........"SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE"
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE HAD THE LUXURY OF GOING INTO A SPORTSMANS, YOU KNOW JUST WHAT IAM TALKING ABOUT. THE AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTS THEY HAVE SPREAD OUT ADORNING THE WALLS IN THE STORE.... AND THE THOUGHT THAT IF YOU CANT FIND IT AT CABELAS..SPORTSMANS IS SURE TO HAVE IT. OUR SPORTSMANS IS ON THE LIST OF ONES THAT WERE SOLD TO A CANADIAN COMPANY. I HOPE THEY DO US ALL A SERVICE AND KEEP THE HIGH QUALITY OF MERCHANDISE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY OFFER.
ALSO, I SHOULD ADD..I WAS TOLD IF YOU HAVE A GIFT CARD...YOU BETTER USE IT IN THE NEXT MONTH.
IF YOU WANT MORE INFO. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE...
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/company.cfm

HERE IS THE LISTS:

NEWS
March 10, 2009

Stuart Utgaard, the Chairman and CEO of Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, today announced that the company is taking two major actions to improve liquidity.

It is hoped that these actions will enable the firm to go forward as a viable entity with approximately 2,300 employees. Sportsman's Warehouse is a leading outdoor retailer of sporting goods headquartered in Midvale, Utah.

1.)
23 stores are being liquidated to reduce bank debt.

• Aurora, CO
• Coon Rapids, MN
• DePere, WI
• Henderson, NV
• Lafayette, IN
• Las Cruces, NM
• Las Vegas, NV
• Legacy, TX
• Memphis, TN
• Nampa, ID
• New Berlin, WI
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Pocatello, ID
• Roanoke, VA
• Rogers, AR
• Round Rock, TX
• St. Cloud, MN
• Sioux Falls, SD
• Southaven, MS
• Visalia, CA
• Wichita, KS
• Woodbury, MN

2.)
15 stores are being sold to UFA Co-op.

• Bend, OR
• Bozeman, MT
• Burlington, WA
• Coeur d’Alene, ID
• Fargo, ND
• Federal Way, WA
• Helena, MT
• Kennewick, WA
• Lacey, WA
• Missoula, MT
• Portland, OR
• Salem, OR
• Silverdale, WA
• Spokane, WA
• Vancouver, WA

Spring Showers, May flowers...BUT NO WATERFOWLERS

2009-03-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

MY OLDEST SON GAVIN, WITH A DOUBLE HE SHOT DURRING YOUTH WATERFOWL WEEKEND

THE OTHER 3 KIDS

Well.. I think spring is finally among us here in Wshington State.
People have changed from their winter boots, to just their ugly ass rubber ones...awaiting the next spring shower..... The boys are heading outside more often, and coming back in and tracking dirt all across my nice clean floor, and yes... I finally found the first of the nasty, germ infested, larvy laying house fly buzzing my head as I walked in from the drive way. Oh how I love spring.
Their is however 3 fellow hunters in our yard that don't love spring so much.
To them spring means..laying in the yard, bored, lazy, and packing on their post-waterfowl extra couple lbs...........
It's is our 3 waterfowling, goose draggin, duck whackin, bird flushin kids: Gunner, Sophie, and Weatherby.

Gunner is our brown male lab. A nice old fellow...looks like he could seriously do some damage if ya made him mad....but seriously he is our goose gettin boy. Forget the frozen ponds of the winter months...like any normal male, he would rather not stick his "junk" "Family Jewels" "Package"(call it what ya want) into an ice infested duck pond to retrieve what he qite frankly thinks is a rather annoying duck.

Sophie...aww the "black Harlett" as Eric would refer to her. The Black lab with a mind of her own. She is the brave lady that we send to do a "mans job" since Gunner doesnt care for the ice and cold. She is such a talented dog, will follow hand commands, and find any bird in any marshy condtion...has even been know to come back with someone elses bird sporting a band!

Weatherby... Our young child. A beautiful Yellow male. I say young as he is only 6 months old. Loves to play, he spent his early months sitting in the blind with us..getting used to the gun shots,and following Gramma Sophie into the duck pond. He Is slowly learning his puppy commands, and shows alot of promise to be a good bird dog. He loves to play in the yard....and bark at everythng including his own shadow..and Recently he has discovered the great act he was blessed with as a dog..humping everything and anything that he possibly can.

As they lay in the yard they dream of guns going off, and loud feed chuckles of our son Gavin blaring off in the blind....close your eyes guys and before you know it fall will return, and you will be back in the blind!

LEAD COW = Head B.I.C

2009-03-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

ONE OF THE BIG BOYS FROM THE FEEDING STATION THIS YEAR

Deep Snowy mountain tops.....Temperatures Plummeting well into single digits...this is a normal winter here in the beautiful mountain ranges of
Washington State. As the lead cow or AKA "Head B.I.C" (HEAD BITCH IN CHARGE) signals it's time for everyone to move out...you can find all of the Cows and Calves migrating their little hearts out; down to the low lands. AWWWWWW the low lands.....A place where the air is warmer, the snow is lighter...and the food...well its FREE!!
Who would want to graze and frantically forage for food...having to constantly keep moving and using energy...trying to stay warm... and struggle to live, when someone is going to hand you your food???????
This is pretty much the way life is when you are a Elk in the hills over here.
Most of the cows and calves follow their lead cow, and make their way to one of the 5 WDFW winter feeding stations.
Old B.I.C..... She is a smart Ol' lady....elusive, hard to slip an arrow into, smart, cunning, and knowing every inch of her woods. This makes her migration quick, and leads her to her trusty wintering grounds year after year. (she isnt HEAD B.I.C for nothing)
This year the cow and calf turn out at the Oak Creek station was good, but not higher then last year. Don, one of the head volunteers at Oak creek told me The count this year per week was down on average aprox. 500 elk from last year. Their was a fair amount of Cows and Calves this Year, however the spike count was down..the reason for this obviously is the amount harvested in the area by hunters. Their was no more then 10 spikes at one time in the station this year. When you consider that they fed anywhere from 800-1200 elk on a daily basis this winter...10 isn't an overwhelming number.
The Big Boys....This Hunter chicks dream....
Alot of the very Mature bulls will stay in the High Country during the rough winters. The Bulls have a much larger body then the cows...about 1/3 larger, making it easier for the bulls to cope with the deep snow, and low temperatures.
This year at Oak creek it was a pleasant site to see Large sticks everywhere you turned!!!Bulls, battleing to be first in line when the hay truck starts up..and some just laying..lazy like.... no more then 10 yards in front of the viewing dock.(Like the one pictured above taunting me) Don told me today on the phone that the Branched Antler Bull ratio to cows was FOR SURE better this year. Where in past winters it has been 1/15 or even 1/20.. their was days that in the count it was 1/10..... those are some sweeeet numbers for people like me who are PRAYING for that Washington BIG BULL tag!!
Now these numbers ARE ONLY Oak Creek Feeding Station Numbers, their is 4 other localized stations. The winter feeding project is an enormous project, and one that the elk quite frankly depend very much on. Sadly the min. of Hay fed this year had to be lowered due to the cost of the hay, but the quantity of Hay fed this year was 10lb for every elk. Keep in mind the younger calves don't consume the 10lbs...BUT YOU DO THE MATH. 10lbs a day per elk..with 800-1200 on any given Day... that is some heavy duty numbers!
SO the bottom line here is....I don't always have a lot of nice things to say about the Washington State Dept. Of fish and Wildlife, because I don't always agree with their choices, and how money is spent...I do however feel grateful that our State takes care of the Land Owners to the extent where the Elk don't trash their land trying to winter, and that they keep our "Yakima Heards" strong by using the feeindg program.
And above all...HIGHER BRANCHED ANTLER RATIO means Happy thoughts for this Washington Hunter Chick trying to pull her Bull Tag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"NOT camel.....CAMMMMMMMO"

2009-03-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

(HOPE ERIC DOESN'T KILL ME THAT THE PRECIOUS "MOBY" IS SPORTING MY VEIL FOR THE PIC.........OK OK SO I KNOW THAT it IS A LITTTTTTTTLE REDNECK, I HAD NO WHERE ELSE TO HANG IT.......AND I HAD TO SHOW OFF HOW PRETTY IT IS!!!!)

My Post today is about this hunter chicks love for Camo!
So as I have mentioned a millllion tiimes...Iam getting Married! I guess this is thrilling as Iam 31 and finally taking the BIG step and am so in love....or maybe it's because the person Iam marrying shares all of my same passions in life...
One of those is obviously Hunting.
So as I have been planning my wedding....and my colors are Black and White with................wait for it....................... CAMO ACCENTS!!!!!!!!!!
(Not just any camo..New Mossy Oak Breakup)
Yes, that's right for you non-hunter ladies I did say "CAMO"..... Not to be confused with "CAMEL". This is what the elegant Harpist thought I said (she is playing at the ceremony) "Oh she said Black/white and Camel accents?
"No" Camo I replied. She said "Iam sorry I think I heard you wrong....gigling..I thought you said "Camo".
"Yep..that's right..CAMO"............................The phone went silent....
Leave it to me to fill in the silent Gap...LOL...
I told her..It will be a classy Camo though..not to worry.(I know some of you are thinking...How in the Hell can Camo be classy?????????????)
The most Camo we will have will be with Eric's tux and the groomsmen...They are wearing the traditional Black Tux...with a New Mossy Oak Breakup formal Vest and tie. The bridesmaids...beautiful Black ball gowns from David's Bridal....No camo for them...(well... They are wrapping their bouquets stems in camo ribbon..but they don't know that yet) Cmon... do you think my girls would seriously have any camo what so ever on them...after all... three of them did ask me.."Do I have to wear Camo?" Iam myself a Girly-Girl...through and through. When I worked I did makeup at Macy's...their for you can only imagine my friends...One a former Budweiser swimsuit model, Two currently work for major makeup companies...one....
if it's Not Nordy's or Ralph Lauren forget it..and the others..pretty little dolls. If I told them they had to wear camo..I wouldn't have any friends!!!! hahahah
Anyhow...I had a Veil Custom Made...It is one tier, finger-tip length....with a 1/2 inch satin Camo trim!!! That is all of the Camo I will be wearing (besides my garter) I really do want my wedding to be classy...not just another rendition of "My Big Red Neck Wedding". Iam having a harpist play at the ceremony, and a beautiful sit down dinner, with open Bar. We also have a guy who makes Ice Sculptures, creating a 3 ft Tall Whitetail buck sculpture, with our names carved in it at the base.
I have been having so much fun planning over the last two years, and finally can say I have 6 months left until the day! 9/19/09. Iam sure I Will have some pics to share and stories to tell!!!
I do want to share with you guys the links where we are getting our groomsman stuff from. It's called the Formal Sportsman. Here is the link.. as I have to give them MAJOR PROPS!!!! With all of us Woman busting out into the world of hunting....someone needed to do this..and they are doing it, and making a success out of it! Thanks formal Sportsman for providing everything I need to make my wedding day what I want it to be!!!! I also have to say thanks to Joanne at White lace and Promises....for designing the perfect veil for me! She is amazing and makes everything from wedding dresses to prom dresses also!!

CHECK UM'OUT LADIES!!!!

White Lace and Promises
www.laceandpromises.com

Formal Sportsman
www.theformalsportsman.com

RECIPE OF THE DAY

2009-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Next to the Bacon wrapped back strap recipe I posted, this is another family Favorite!!! And in my boy's opinion..the CHEASIER...THE BETTER!!!!!
They call this one "Pizza Meat"

BAKED VENISON PARMESAN

1 1/2 lb Venison steaks. (boneless) butterfly cuts work well.

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

4 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 Tsp garlic salt

1/2 Tsp Italian seasoning

1 large egg

salt an dpepper

2 TBSP butter

2 cups spaghetti sauce

2 cupsshredded Mozzarella chese

1) combine breadcrumbs,parmesan,garlic salt, and italian seasoning in a bowl.Set aside.
2) Beat egg salt and peper in a second bowl.
3) Dip meat in egg mixture, coating well, let excess drip off, then coat well with breadcrumbs.
4) Place steaks on a plate and place in fridge for 20-30 minutes to set crumbs. (Alot of times I will do this step when I have time...then finish them later in the day)
5) Preheat oven to 350 degrees; melt butter in a 9x13 casserole dish in the oven; until melted and dish is hot.
6)Add steaks to HOT pan, bake for 20 minutes.
7) Flip steaks, and pour spaghetti sauce over the meat and bake another 20 minutes or so.(Time will vary...depending on how thick your steaks are)
8)Top with the 2 cups of mozzarella, bakeing for 5 more minutes or untill the cheese is melted.

To gut OR not to gut??

2009-03-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yes I know... that sounds like such a disgusting-gross topic..doesn't it???? But follow me here guys....
Ok...
So as most of you probably know...Iam an engaged woman!!!
I could gush and gush about Eric.. how he is my love...how he's my best friend..and how he so kindly drags my game out of any pain in the ass condition you could think of...BUT I will try to not get all goo-goo on ya all!!!
Seriously.... this is what I want to know....
Do you ladies all field dress your own animals??? To me it's part of the hunt. I shot it...so I should field dress it...... But 9 times out of 10 if we don't find the arrow and broad head in-tact he will say to me...I'm gutting it.. I don't want you to get cut (meaning if the arrow broke off inside and the broad-head is in the cavity still).
Most times I argue....but most times he wins.
I KNOW he loves to field dress animals....but I WANT TO DO MY OWN!!!
I know, it sounds crazy.... my friends that don't hunt think their is something seriously wrong with me...It doesn't bother me...one bit...... But if their is a hair in a sink, or in the shower...holy shit..forget it.. I'm the first one gaging!!! OK so maybe Iam a little off kilter....
Am I the only odd-ball chick out their that is ok with this part of the hunt....Am I the only woman out their that would arm wrestle for her share of the dressing???

So my question is this to my fellow hunter chicks........
Do you gut your animals...or do you have a buddy/hubby that does it for you??????

RECIPE OF THE DAY

2009-03-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER KID PLEASER!!
EASY DEEP-DISH PIZZA PIE

1 lb Ground Venison/Elk/or Buffalo
1 onion, chopped
1 can pizza sauce (8oz)
1 Can Refrigerated crusty French Loaf(11 oz)
2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 PKG pepperoni slices
1 egg
1 TBSP water

1) Heat Oven to 350
Spray 9 inch GLASS pie plate with cooking spray.
2)Cook ground meat and onion untill cookoed thoroughly. Drain any excess water.
3) Stir in pizza sauce untill well mixed.
4)Carefully unroll dough in pie pan so edges extend over sides. (leave the dough hanging over the sides) Spoon meat mixture into crust. Top with half of the cheese, pepperoni and remaining cheese. ( You can adjust cheese if you like more!!)
5)in small bowl slightly beat egg and water. Fold extended edges of dough up and over filling' seal all edges/ Brush crust with egg mixture.
6)Bake 38-45 minutes, or untill deep golden brown.
Cool for 15 minutes(You have to allow it to rest to cut it easily)
Add more cheese and sauce to top if desired.
ENJOY!!!

2009 3D Shoots in Washington

2009-03-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is yours and my chance to practice!!!
The more ya shoot...the more tags you fill!!!
Both Eric and I are trying to commit to shooting as many of the 3D shoots as possible. (Huny is doing bettter then Iam as I have been sick and already missed two) They are great for us hunters... AND I will be the first to admit I need help when it comes to gauging my yardage on an animal...those darn things just don't stand their long enough for me to decide....hmmm 30? 35? No No maybe 45...... if only they would sit their and let me get the range finder out, that would sure help. Afterall... where do they have to go? The next watering hole? To catch up with their friends????? I find myself whispering to Eric alot.. "How Far??"
IM getting better at it, and I have to say.. I have hit stuff that eric thought was different Yardage then I shot.. so I must be either getting better at knowing my yardage...or just had some REALLLLY lucky guesses!!!
I have laerned that not taking the bow out untill August doesn't help get backstraps!!!

Here is some 3D archery shoots that will be happening in Washigton.
Iam Posting through June. Their is many others that are also in Oregon and Idaho. I can post others if someone needs or wants the dates.MARCH 2009

21-21 Tucannon Wa. 3D Trail Shoot.
CONTACT- Blue Mountain Archers. Ray- (509)525-1798

APRIL
18-19
Klickitat, Wa. Klickitat 3D Shoot (unmarked)
CONTACT- Chinook Archers Al Rafferty- (360) 433-8787

25-26
Naches Wa. (Eschbach Park) Arrow Fest
CONTACT- AS&J Archery Brandon Porter- (509) 457-4856

MAY

23-24
Long Beach Wa. 3D Fun Shoot (No Trophies)
Contact- Bear River ARchers- Rose Larson (360) 642-3220

JUNE13-14

Black Diamond Wa.@ CRB Washington State Field Championship Warm-Up
CONTACT- Cedar River Bowmen- Mike (360)886-0809

27-28
Naches, Wa. (Esch Bach Park) ARROW FEST
CONTACT- AS&J Archery Brandon Porter(509) 457-4856

Recipe Of The Day- Bacon wrapped Venison/Elk

2009-03-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

BACON WRAPPED VENISON/ELK BACKSTRAPS

This is a favorite at our house. My boys love it so much, they would eat it every day if they could!!!!

Ingredients

2 lbs Venison or Elk Tenderloins or BackStraps (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces/steaks)
1-2 lb Bacon
3 cups Brown Sugar
2 cups Soy Sauce
1/4 cup White Sugar

Directions

Mix brown Sugar and Soy sauce together in a bowl. Mix till combined into a soup liquid.
Place the Meat either in a Large Freezer Bag or a Bowl that seals tight with a lid.(Another method is to use a Food saver or vacum seal device..this makes it easy for mixing it)
Let the meat Marinade OVER NIGHT. (every so often mix the meat around...or give it a good shake)
Remove the loins/backstraps and place on a broiler pan or some sort of slotted bake sheet with a drip pan or aluminum foil below to catch dripping.
Wrap bacon around the entire piece of meat(I don't like to skimp on the bacon so I totally cover the meat), securing the bacon strip with a toothpick.
Lightly Drizzle remaining marinade over loins, and sprinkle with a small amount of white sugar.
Place on center rack in oven and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes for Med. cook and untill bacon is done.

My Set Up

2009-03-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!

So for my first blog, I think I will fill ya all in on how I kill...what I kill!!

I Shoot the BEST BOW made... A BOWTECH.

I can't say enough good things about BowTech. In my opinion they lead the Archery industy in all things Archery! You can't change my mind...so don't try!!!

Here is what my set-up looks like on my killing machine!!

My Set up:

2006 Bowtech Tribute

26' inch Draw

Set at 58 lbs.

Spot Hogg Hunter Hogg it 7 pin sight

Easton Axis 500 Arrows

75 Grain Muzzy broadheads.