Archives March 2020

Crock-Pot Meals Are The Easiest And This Slow Cooker Venison Roast Recipe Is No Exception

What mom doesn’t like “easy” when it comes to planning supper for her family? This mom definitely does. It seems like my schedule, and I am sure yours too, is busy and never-ending. Believe me when I say that my Crock-Pot is my most used cooking tool. I used it at LEAST once a week. Just throw and go. My infamous “Slow Cooker Venison Roast Recipe” is not only my favorite. True, that it takes no effort at all to prepare. But it’s also one of my husband’s favorites because it tastes so yummy.

Hunting for our family isn’t about killing. It’s about providing food for our family. It’s about filling our freezer each fall to tide us over until the next hunting season. Our family goes through the meat.

The best part, for me, is when I get to reach into our freezer and pull out a package of deer meat that “I” harvested. I feel like I’ve really contributed when I look inside our freezer and see what God blessed me with for that season. I take pride in it and to be honest, I pull out MY meat first.

My husband will say, “Kelly, it’s ALL of our meat. Not just yours!” But when I’m the one doing the cooking you can bet that I remind them just who’s deer it is with EVERY bite.

Simplicity Of Only Four Ingredients

What I love the most about this recipe, one that I’ve tweaked for our family, that it only requires FOUR ingredients. A venison/deer roast. A bag of baby carrots. Five to six potatoes. And a package of Lipton’s Beefy Onion Soup Mix in the packets.

That’s it.

I don’t know about you but I LOVE the smell of something cooking all night in the house. It’s almost as comforting as the turkey cooking all morning on Thanksgiving Day. Something about the aroma of home cooking spread throughout the house that reminds me of being a kid. I love that feeling.

So a lot of times I’ll put the venison/deer roast on late at night so that I can SLEEP with that deer roast fragrance sneaking into my dream state. Nothing puts me to sleep deeper than the smell of something cooking.

My mom passed away in 2009 and anytime I can go down memory lane with her I do. She was a great cook and always prepared HUGE meals. Our home was always filled with the smell of something tasty. Her homemade vegetable soup “smell” on Sundays will forever be my NUMBER ONE favorite though. Go Chiefs!

Slow Cooker Venison (Deer) Roast Recipe

1-deer roast (size depending on the number of people)

1- pkg of baby carrots

1 – a packet of Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix

5 – small potatoes quartered (I leave mine unpeeled)

First, I take my thawed venison/deer roast out of the paper and rinse thoroughly. I, then place it at the bottom of the Crock-Pot.

One packet of soup mix and I dump that on top of the roast.

Half of the bag of the baby carrots is usually what works for us. However, you can add as many as you want. I use a smaller Crock-Pot for my husband and me. Whenever I use our larger pot, obviously I will add more. But when it’s just the two of us I keep it light.

Lastly, I add about five quartered potatoes. You don’t have to do it that way. I like chunky potatoes. I’m sure Mom did it that way so, in keeping with tradition, I do also. But it’s really to your preference.

Next, I put enough water to just cover all the ingredients.

Don’t Rush It If You Don’t Have To

Depending on what time of day you put the venison roast on will determine how long you set it for. If I’m doing it overnight I will set it for 8 hours. Actually, even if I get it ready in the morning I still set it for 8 hours.

I NEVER rush it.

There’s something so delicious about venison (deer) roast that just falls apart when you get it out of the Crock-Pot. When it slow cooks all day it just seems to taste better. It’s more tender.

As far as the seasonings go, the soup mix adds the best flavor. I love my garlic powder and garlic salt so in my recipes those two things are just a given.

Once you get everything in and the Crock-Pot set, you’re good to go! Just make sure it’s on a solid counter and pushed back so it can’t be knocked off.

Make Certain Your Crock-Pot Is In A Safe Location

We had our dog get up on the counter once and eat an entire plate of fried deer steaks. My husband has shot a deer during archery season and I had literally just finished frying up supper. He needed me to help him track the deer so I covered and pushed the plate back as far on the counter as it would go.

Although our dog wasn’t that tall she was tall enough to get up on the counter. She pulled the paper towel that the steaks were on down to the floor. Needless to say, when I got back we had NOTHING to eat.

Lesson learned.

If you’re wanting something that takes very little prep time but will be a dish that your family requests, THIS slow cooker venison roast recipe will be one you’ll come to love. It’s quick. It’s cheap. And the cleanup is easy.

But most importantly it will be a recipe that was not only cooked with your two hands but also harvested with your two hands…and your heart.

Turtle Shell Hunting Is My Therapy

If I was to take a poll on how many people (let’s say out of 100) had a “collection” of some sort, I would wager that the percentage would be high of those saying “yes.”

For some reason, we, as humans, gravitate toward something that we like.  Then we start stockpiling more of that one thing.   Before we know it we’re “hoarding!”  Yes, I said “hoarding!”

We will spend hours searching for different sizes, different colors, even different patterns of whatever it is we are accumulating.   All in the name of having our compilation be complete.

As much as I hate to say it, I am just as guilty. I would have to raise both hands.   

Because not only do I have ONE collection of treasure troves, I own MULTIPLE collections.

I am a collector from way back and not the slightest bit sorry for it either.

I collect shot glasses, from all over the world and all over the country. I think I counted 250 just the other day. However, in my defense, none are cheesy and all are cool.

“I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods.”

Another thing I collect is rocks. And seashells. And sand from different beaches. Oh, I can’t leave out antler sheds, deer skulls, and turkey feathers.

The Best Souvenirs Are The Ones You Find Along Your Way

Yes, I know, it sounds like a sickness.   But I believe that the BEST souvenirs you can bring back with you are the ones you find. I spend most of my time out in nature.   Obviously, it would stand to reason that I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods. That’s what leads me to my favorite collection of all…old turtle shells.

During turkey season, when I’m out in the timber, you can bet that I’ll be more concerned with looking down than looking around. As much as I love to hunt turkey and whitetail, I love hunting for empty turtle shells even more.

There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves. I have a love for turtles anyway.   So when I find a remnant of what used to be,  I grab it up and stick it in my pocket.

Each and Every Turtle Shell Is Different

I have been known to find several on one trip out to the woods. Over the years I’ve had a number of turtle shells and although each one is totally different, they are all very special to me.

I believe each shell has a story to tell and I thankful to be the one who gets to let the tale live on through me.

When I do find a shell the first thing I do is bring it home and wash it with a toothbrush. I get in every nook and cranny and make sure it’s clean and dry before I do anything with it. I used to just leave them in their natural state but over the last couple of years, I’ve begun painting on the shells.

I never have any design in mind. I just let it come to me and then create from there. Depending on what’s going on in my life, or what I’m thinking about, is generally where my inspiration comes from. As you can see from the pictures, I don’t have one central theme…I have multiple.

No, none of them are for sale.   Although at one time I had planned on painting them and selling on Etsy. I tried to let go of them a time or two but just couldn’t. I guess, in my craziness, it just seems like no one would treasure them as much as I do. And to be honest, they were hard to come by.

You don’t just go out and find turtle shells all the time. It takes effort and perseverance in the quest for hunting them. Seeing them reminds me of the memories I made during the searching.   And I am thankful that God led me to every one of them.

“There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves”

To some of you reading this it doesn’t sound like this is much of anything really. And I suppose it’s not in the grand scheme of “collections.” I guess I could have more money invested like cars, or guns, or even sports memorabilia but I’m just not interested in any of that.

I am happy and content right where my heart resides…in the middle of nature. So for me,  I’ll take my pine cones, acorns, skunk skulls, Lake Superior rocks, sand from every beach I’ve ever been to.   I’m thrilled with every seashell I’ve ever bent over to pick up. It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the memories made while hunting for nature’s “free” souvenirs.

Yes, my husband wishes I could tone it down a peg or two. And yes, when I die I have no idea what my family will do with it all. But for now, I am choosing to just be glad that I have two legs that I can walk on out to my favorite hunting spot.    I’m elated that God gave me two arms and a waist that I can use to bend over and pick those darn turtle shells up.

Life is about living, not just existing. I can’t think of a better way to live my life than with childlike wonderment at times and letting myself explore my surroundings and just see what I see. I see turtle shells.

Live a life that others can look back on and tell great, funny stories. Let them remember those small but BIG things about you. And by all means, pick up that turtle shell when you’re out in the woods and think of me…The Running Doe!

 

Finding The Right Scent Dispenser To Fit Your Need

If you’re looking for scent dispensers to take out with you to your stand, all you have to do is go online and there are literally tons to choose from.  That being said, I recently tried Buck Cage “The ORIGINAL” Polymer Bead Scent Dispenser” and I am hooked.  Nothing I have seen or tried has even come close to the convenience and ease of this little gem.

The first thing that caught my attention was its size.  It’s small, about the size of a medicine bottle and it fits easily into your pocket or hunting pack making it ideal to take with you on your hunt.   It’s also biodegradable and earth-friendly which we all know is great for our environment.

Scent Dispersers Are Simple To Use

Buck Cage comes with some pretty easy directions too…just one, two, three, four, and you’re done and ready to hang it in the tree right there by your stand.  All you do is pour ½ oz deer urine or scent into the carrying container.  Next, place your Buck Cage into the charging container.  Allow Buck Cage to absorb the scent for around 40-60 minutes (not seconds) and then you’re good to go.  Just hang it in your tree and that’s it.

We’ve all had the drag rag we’ve either tied to our boot or belt loop dragging it through the woods behind us.  I’ve even gone so far as to take an unused tampon, saturate it with doe urine, and then hang it from a limb close to my stand or blind.  The Buck Cage is reusable and easy to wash so you don’t have to throw it away when the scent dries up.  

The best part…it comes in PINK CAMO!!!!!!   It comes in Hunter Orange and Traditional Green Camo but for me, I like to stand out.  Plus it keeps all the men in the family from using MINE.    They come in single packs and triple packs and have refill packs to make changing your scents easy and mess-free in the handy charging and storage container.

If you’re looking for a handy little scent dispenser Buck Cage is the one to get.

 

Who else is obsessed with essential oils?  If you’re like me you can’t get enough of them.  Diffusing essential oils is one of the easiest and most effective ways for you to aromatically reap the benefits of your favorite oils.  However, over time, an oil build-up will develop inside your diffuser.   Cleaning your diffuser can prevent it from clogging up and possibly malfunctioning.  It’s important to know how to properly clean and take care of your unit in order to extend the life of the essential oil diffuser,  as well as your enjoyment of it.

Cleaning Tips

Once-A-Week Quick Clean

1.  Always make sure that the diffuser is unplugged.
2.  Pour out existing water in the diffuser.
3.  Using a tiny amount of detergent (avoid harsh cleaners)and a soft cloth, clean out the inside of the diffuser, avoiding the ultrasonic mist chip in the middle.
4.  Use a Q-tip with alcohol to clean the ultrasonic mist chip very carefully.
5.  Rinse the inside with water and then dry.
6.  Clean the outside of the diffuser with a wet cloth and dry thoroughly.
7.  You can remove the top of the diffuser and wash it in warm soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Once-A-Month Cleaning

Periodically it’s necessary for you to perform a deep cleaning on your diffuser similar to the monthly cleaning cycle you do on your coffee pot.   If you use your diffuser every day, as I do,  it’s a good idea to run it through a monthly cleaning cycle to remove the residue build-up.

1.  Again, make sure your unit is unplugged before cleaning it.
2.  Fill your diffuser halfway up to the red indicator with clean water.  (I use bottled   water because we have well water and it has lime in it.)
3.  Add 7 to 10 drops of white vinegar.
4.  Plug the diffuser in and let it run for about 10 minutes.
5.  Drain the water.
6.  Using a Q-tip with vinegar on it, carefully wipe inside, getting around the corners.
7.  Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

You’re then good to go!

Although you have to consciously remember to perform this occasional cleaning, it’s so important for prolonging the use of your essential oil diffuser.   A simple procedure can literally “make or break” the lifespan of your unit.

 

Happy Cleaning!

Why It’s Important To Wait After Executing A Shot In Bowhunting Rather Than Jumping The Gun

I won’t even pretend that I am a quick learner at anything. It’s normally through my vast mistakes that my most rewarding lessons have occurred. This applies to every area of my life.

From dating the wrong guys in high school to choosing a bad hair cut that can’t grow back fast enough, or just simply trusting the wrong person to confide in. I have made my fair share of bad choices against the advice of well-meaning family and friends. But one thing is for sure. I have always received my best hunting advice from the one person I know is an expert in the field. He’s not only my hunting buddy. He’s my hunting husband.

As it is with everything, the best advice usually comes after the biggest mistake. This stands true with bowhunting as well. One of the greatest pieces of advice my hunting mentor, and my biggest fan, ever gave to me came AFTER one of the most significant mistakes of my bowhunting history.

If I had heard it once I had heard him tell me a hundred times. “If you make a shot WAIT for at least 30 to 45 minutes BEFORE getting down from your treestand to begin tracking your deer.”

You’ve noticed that I capitalized WAIT and BEFORE because I had heard him say that so many times over the years. I KNEW to do this but because I am an impatient soul and have a hard time sitting for long periods in the treestand at all, I needed it tattooed on my forehead to get the point across.

I have always received my best hunting advice from the one person I know is an expert in the field. He’s not only my hunting buddy. He’s my hunting husband.

Not heeding to good, sound advice can sometimes cost you if you don’t take it to heart and put it into practice. By not following my husband’s rule of thumb, it almost cost me finding my buck.

Old Habits Die Hard

It was in the middle of archery season. I had been playing tag with a certain eight-pointer that had shown up on our trail camera multiple times.

Up to that point, I had never had the chance at a shooter buck, and I had my heart set, THIS PARTICULAR SEASON, on him. He was the one. I wanted to harvest HIM.

I would get to my stand early and leave in the dark. In the morning hunts, I would walk out there in the pitch black, feeling my way up the ladder stand with nothing more than my Bushnell headlamp on my head.

I did this every day. I did this for weeks.

Until early one Saturday morning when the stars were aligned just right. He came sashaying up from below my stand with only one thing on his mind. He was trailing a doe.

As it is with everything, the best advice usually comes after the biggest mistake.

I’m not going to lie. When you are in your stand and a deer comes within shooting distance, your heart beats faster than it ever has before. Your adrenaline is in overdrive and you begin to tremble and shake.

Maybe not every hunter feels like that. Personally, I get excited, as well as a little nervous, when I know I’m getting ready to take a shot.

He was about 20 yards in front of me when I stood up to draw my bow. Although my memory says he was broadside, looking back at the trail camera pictures proves otherwise.

In the excitement of the moment, I didn’t realize that he was ACTUALLY quartering TOWARD me a little bit. So when I executed my shot into the “vitals” I didn’t get the penetration as I thought. I did get some penetration. However, I also managed to stick my arrow down around his “buck parts” as well. But, I didn’t know this at the time.

BE PATIENT

It’s Always Better To Wait Than To Push

After I shot and he took off running, I did what any non-seasoned hunter would do. I immediately climbed down from my ladder stand to see if there was any blood. Then, I got back UP into my stand to send my husband a text letting him know I had just shot “the buck.”

After texting me back “Good job” he told me to stay put for about 30 to 45 minutes to let the deer lay down and die. To not push him and make tracking the blood easier. In an investigative, hesitant “texting voice” he asked, “You didn’t get down yet did you?” And of course, my answer was “NO?”

The truth of the matter was that I had climbed down SEVERAL times, and then scurried right back UP again.

Because my stand was fairly close to our house, I actually made several trips back and forth in hopes of seeing my dead buck laying there ready to field dress. But that didn’t happen.

My husband and one of our sons were at another farm hunting. I knew it would be a while before they would get there to help me track my deer. A couple of hours passed before they returned home. The first question my husband asked me was “How long did you stay up in your stand before getting down?”

I wanted to lie, I really did. But the trail camera set up in front of my stand had the proof. I had made multiple treks to and fro looking for blood and looking for my deer.

Busted!

My son, husband and I began the search and started with the first drops of blood I had found. It was slow. A drop here and a couple of drops there but nothing substantial. We tracked small droplets for hours, over barbed wire fences and along creek banks. The trail was winding and sparse with blood.

After several hours we came to the conclusion that we were pushing him. We needed to let him lay and marked the last major blood spot we found. We decided to wait until morning.

LISTEN TO GOOD ADVICE

Sometimes getting caught up in the moment overrides any sound hunting advice we’ve been given

I felt devastated. How could I have been so stupid to have gotten down right after I took the shot? I knew better. My husband taught me better. But that side of me that occasionally takes over my common sense took control that morning. And I had no one to blame but myself if we couldn’t find my buck.

To say I didn’t sleep that night would have been an understatement. I tossed and turned worrying about him injured and laying out there dying a slow, painful death. Replaying the morning’s events, in my mind, from beginning to end, made me sick from the whole ordeal. I wanted to quit hunting. It upset me that much.

The next morning we all went out looking again but couldn’t even find a tiny blood trail. We ended up calling a friend, who had a tracking dog for help. Bruiser led us straight to my buck in a matter of minutes. By the time we found him, he had managed to make it to the water’s edge by the lake. Coyotes had eaten his back end so the only thing left to salvage was, thankfully, the backstraps.

It was a horrible experience and it’s one that I will never forget. I could have avoided it if I had just listened to some of the best hunting advice I’ve ever received.

Not only did that hunt have a great impact on me but my husband’s unyielding wisdom did as well.

Since then I have branded his advice of WAITING on my heart. I will never forget the lesson that came along making that one crucial mistake. I am now more concise and conscientious as a hunter.

LEARN FROM IT

Every Silver Lining Has A Lesson Attached To It

What I learned, as a result of not listening to my husband’s advice is to WAIT before tracking a deer. Hunting is all about patience. It doesn’t hurry or rush. Nature is the same. It doesn’t hurry either.

Also, that hard lesson reminded me of the importance of regular and consistent shooting practice. The more time you set aside for practice, the better your accuracy will be.

Another incite I gained from this experience was to pay attention to your surroundings and always be ready. Deer move very quickly and can be quiet in front of you before you even realize it.

However, the most critical thing I learned as a result of ignoring what I knew to be true, is that NOT putting solid hunting advice into play could sacrifice the very thing you’ve worked hard to achieve. Not only could it cost you a successful harvest. But even worse, not heeding to good instruction could cost you your life.