Monthly Archives: February 2012

Feb 29 2012

Real Outdoor World Congratulates Nancy Jo Adams Founder of Ladies in Camo

Congratulations to Nancy Jo Adams known as the “Guru Huntress” she has written lots of articles for the Women’s Outdoor News, started her Blog “Shenanigans From The Field” http://njadams1.wordpress.com/ and today has launched her new website “Ladies In Camo” (www.ladiesincamo.com) to learn about Nancy Jo please read her “About page” from Shenanigans From the Field.

Ladies In Camo are giving away a Ladies Wild Hog Hunt and Gear. Please remember to click on the link when you visit their site. The drawing will be held April 30, 2012. Good Luck to you all!  Ladies In Camo will be offering lady’s and couple’s hunts. If you’re looking for a new place to hunt with a neat gal and the gang check out the calendar on her website to see what is available. Just a quick note “don’t procrastinate” spaces are limited.

I hope you enjoy reading her stories as much as I did. She is a great inspiration to all huntresses and hunters alike. Nancy Jo good luck to you and we can’t wait to hear more hunting adventures in the field from you and the rest of the gang from Ladies In Camo.

Feb 27 2012

Congratulations to Hunter Wallis For Winning the 2012 Grand National Turkey Caller Championship

This is a News Press Release from the National Wild Turkey Federation

Nashville, Tenn.— Hunter Wallis, 14, of Greenfield Township, Pa., earned the extreme honor of being crowned a champion turkey caller.

Hunter Wallis Wins the Junior Grand National Turkey Caller Chapionship (Photo taken from from Midway USA)

Wallis demonstrated his remarkable talent in front of the huge crowd and was named the victor in the Junior Division at the Mossy Oak/NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Championships in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 12. Wallis also won the Junior Division in 2011.

Each year, the NWTF hosts the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships during the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. Dozens of the world’s best adult and youth turkey callers gather to test their skills in front of a panel of expert judges.

“The announcement of a new grand national champion creates a phenomenal effect in the crowd,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. “It has taken years to perfect the sounds of a wild turkey one hears at the championships, so it is no wonder the crowd anticipates the declaration of the champion’s name. Our champion has received the highest honor for a turkey caller.”

This year, champions were crowned in 10 divisions at the 36th annual NWTF convention, which celebrated the theme Hunters: Champions of Conservation. Midway USA was the official convention sponsor.

In the Junior Division, callers imitate the yelps, cackles and clucks of a wild turkey hen. Overall, the winners from each division competed for their share of more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.

The NWTF National Convention and Sport Show attracts tens of thousands of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who explore a sport show that’s larger than four football fields, meet their favorite celebrities from the hunting industry and watch the world’s best turkey callers compete.

In 2013, the 37th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show will return to Nashville and the Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Feb. 14 to Feb. 17.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have achieved a great success in restoring wild turkey populations throughout the United States, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

2012 Convention Sponsors

MidwayUSA — Official Sponsor
Academy Sports + Outdoors, Barronett Blinds, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Big Tex Trailers, Bird Dog and Whitetail Whiskey, Browning, Cabela’s, Chevrolet, Federal Premium Ammunition, Marlin Firearms, Mossy Oak, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nationwide, O.F. Mossberg, Remington Arms Company, Inc., Titan UTV, Winchester/Olin Corporation, U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance, Weatherby, Wild Turkey Bourbon

Feb 26 2012

Prois Competition Shooting Vest

Georgette Wood with the Prois Competition Shooting Vest (photo taken by Rick Wood)

I tried on and shot in some vest that I thought were very comfortable, but after trying out this Prois Shooting Vest it’s now my favorite, because of it’s durability and breathable material.  I was amazed how well it fit my body. It wasn’t too loose or too big on me. I don’t have to worry about the sleeves sliding down off my shoulders while I shoot.

This competition shooting vest by Prois is very durable and comfortable to wear.  It’s made of heavy weight  of cotton and polyester canvas,  and lightweight polyester mesh. The material makes this vest cool in the hot days to wear and easy to move around in while shooting.  It has bi-lateral shoulder pads for those shooters who shoot left or right-handed. It has front expandable cargo pockets with magnetic closure for easy access. It also features a rear mesh pocket with spent hulls with zippers for easy emptying engineered with 100% light weight polyester mesh. This vests also features adjustable cam straps and buckle at waistline. It has a nice feminine cut. The other wonderful advantage is if you don’t want to shoot in the full vest all the time, you can unzip it at the waist for a shooting apron. I like the deversity  it offers.

 If your looking for a great product for a women’s shooting vest that will hold up well and look nice on.  I recommend this vest to all women shooters.  This vests comes in two colors Black or Khaki. The available sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL. The retail price of this vest is $139.99.  This vest is strong and durable and will hold up to some nice shooting.  You can order this Vest at www.Proishunting.com

Feb 25 2012

News Release: WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program plans Spring Workshop

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The WV Division of Natural Resources  announces that the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop at Stonewall Resort will be April   13-15, 2012.

Have you ever wanted to learn a new  skill but have never had the opportunity to try?  Or, have you wanted to take up an outdoor sport  but were afraid to purchase all the equipment and then find out later that you  hated it?  Then the WV Becoming an  Outdoors-Woman (WV BOW) Program is definitely for you!  Women who are at least 18 years old can learn  a new outdoor skill.

This spring, the BOW workshop will  offer outdoor classes that include archery, mountain biking, shooting, camping,  fly tying, fishing, nature walk, self-defense and outdoor cooking, to list a  few.

Registration is now open with a fee  of $200 which covers lodging, some meals, and some class materials during the  workshop.  For more information or to  register for the workshop, please contact BOW at 304-558-2771 or  billie.j.shearer@wv.gov. The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm.

Feb 22 2012

Just A Little Bit Of Turkey Facts

Wild Turkeys on the go! (Photo taken by Ariana Rutz)

Turkey season is fast approaching among us hunters and huntresses. I find it intriguing to know some facts about the Wild Turkey. I know some of us just go out and shoot a bird, but do you actually study them. I decided this year I would do some research on the wild turkey and share with you some important facts.

I think it’s amazing that Benjamin Franklin’s first choice for the United States National Bird was the Wild
Turkey. The turkey was well liked by the Native Americans as well as the Europeans. It was the choice for Thanksgiving Dinner.  It’s also the largest game bird in North America.

In the early 20th century the wild turkeys were no longer roaming over the land.  They have been killed off by the hunters, as well as their woodland habitats being destroyed. Thanks for the conservation programs we have now for preserving the wild turkeys from being extinct. We now have six different types of Turkeys that are grouped in Slams for Turkey Hunting.

These are five slams in turkey hunting:

  1. Grand Slam: Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Osceola (Florida Birds)
  2. Royal Slams: Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Osceiola, and Gould’s
  3. World Slams: Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Osceiola, Gould’s, and Ocellated
  4. Mexican Slams: Rio Grande, Oscellated, and Gould’s harvested only in Mexico
  5. Canadian Slams: Eastern and the Merriam’s are harvested in the Provinces- Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manotoba or British Columbia

The male turkey is also known as the gobbler or the Tom. They usually have large red, featherless red- head, red throat, red wattles (warts or abnormal growths) on throat and neck. The long fleshy skin that lay over the beak is called a snood. When they get excited the blood rushes to the head and neck causing the snood to expand and may even conceal the eyes and the beak.  When they’re ready to fight the head and neck turn blue. The Toms are known to have beards and the longest beard reported through the National Wild Turkey Federation is 18 inches long.  They also have little reddish-yellow to grayish-green legs and a black body.  The male is substantially larger than the female, and his feathers have areas of red, purple, green, copper, bronze, and gold iridescent shade.  The primary wing feathers have a white bar through them. The bird can have up to 5000-6000 feathers on them. Their wings expand up to­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 47-59 inches. The adult males weigh 16-24 lbs. The record-sized adult male, according to the National Wild Turkey Federation, weighed 37 lbs.

The female turkeys are smaller in size weighing 8-12 lbs. Their color is dark dull gray and sometimes black. They camouflage the nest very well. The hens can lay 10-14 eggs and the incubation period is 28 days. Some beards are found on 10-20% on hens.

Turkeys are known to be Omnivorous they eat fruit such as: juniper and bearberries; seeds, insects, frogs, roots, acorn and nuts, trees such as: hickory, hazel, chestnuts. They even eat small reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and frogs. They eat spiders and other insects that are found on the ground or in trees. They eat grain that is grown out in the field. They also eat tall variety wild grasses.

The sounds they make are: yelps, gobbles, clucks, purrs, putts, whines, cackles, and kee-kees. Their gobblers can carry up to a mile. In the spring time they’re announcing their presents to the hen and other males. The males are polygamous and mate with as many hens as they can. They attract females by puffing out their chest, dragging their tails, and expanding their wings. This known behavior is called strutting.  Their color also changes around their head and neck. The mating season is March and April. The female hens yelp to let the gobbler know their presence. The immature turkeys are called jakes and they often yelp.

The turkeys nest up in a tree along streams at night to protect themselves from other preying animals. They have very poor night time vision. Turkeys have very good eyesight and hearing at daytime. They’re also extremely fast runners.

The Wild Turkeys have a pecking order it’s usually the oldest to the youngest.

I enjoyed learning about the Wild Turkey that I will be hunting this spring. Remember it’s not about the kill, but the fun of hunting and enjoying wildlife. Seeing all the wildlife up close and personal and studying them is exciting to me. You just need to sit back, be patient, and observe.  You will be amazed at what you see.

If you’re looking at registering your Wild Turkey this year with the National Wildlife Turkey Federation please check out this link http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/records_FAQ.html

Have fun and be safe on your Wild Turkey Hunting excursion, and remember to always use common sense while you’re hunting.  Practice your turkey calling off season so you can be prepared doing the turkey season. To improve your hunting skills watch videos and turkey hunting shows to help you become a superior turkey caller.

Refences:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Turkey

Feb 19 2012

BARRETT THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY “ONE OF ONE” TRIBUTE RIFLE

Contact:
Angela Barrett
US Commercial Sales & Marketing Manager
angelab@barrett.net

Press Release From   Barrett®

BARRETT THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY “ONE OF ONE” TRIBUTE RIFLE

(Murfreesboro,   TN) A lifetime of accolades paves the way for Barrett’s thirtieth year in 2012. Currently, seventy-three allied governments have accepted Barrett Products. However, Barrett is best known for their flagship rifle, the Model 82A1 (.50 caliber) which was adopted by the U.S. Army as the M107.  To celebrate their 30th year Barrett has crafted a one-of-a-kind rifle patterned after their new M107A1™ .50 caliber. The rifle glows deep silver from its completely nickel teflon coating. Barrett will announce their special plans for this tribute rifle later this year.

The humble beginnings of Barrett are just as unique as their products. Ronnie Barrett, a twenty-seven-year-old making his living as a professional photographer, was inspired to make his own shoulder-fired .50 caliber rifle while photographing a gunboat for a client. With no engineering education, Ronnie Barrett hand-drew, what he believed would one day be a working firearm.

Being a longtime gun enthusiast and having a general understanding of how firearms worked was just enough to get things started. With help from a couple of friends with machining experience, this dream may have never left Ronnie’s gravel-floor garage.

In the past thirty years, Barrett has branched out and became known for not only firearms; but also ammunition, optic accessories and training. Currently, U.S. and international commercial markets, law enforcement agencies, and over 73 friendly governments have accepted Barrett products.

Barrett is still privately owned by Ronnie and has been joined by his son, Chris, and daughter, Angela, who also play key roles in making sure the Barrett legend continues to grow.

For more information please go to barrett.net/press or contact the above listed.
Feb 19 2012

Antelope Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

1# Ground Antelope

1   Small Onion

1   Clove Garlic

1    Green Pepper

1    TBSP Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning

1    16 oz. Jar of Spaghetti Sauce (I use Ragu)

1    Box of Spaghetti Noodles

1    TBSP Olive Oil

Directions:

Heat Olive Oil then add Ground Antelope Meat until almost cooked, when all the pink is gone and the meat is not quite done add Garlic to the meat with the Pampered Chef Garlic Press, Chopped Onion and Green Pepper with Pampered Chef Chopper, Brown Meat until Vegetables are tender and Onions are clear. Add Sauce and Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning to Meat Mixture. Cook on low for great flavoring, I keep stirring my sauce until my noodles get done. Boil Water for Noodles in a Stock Pan, Once Boiled put in the noodles, Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until noodles are cooked to your desired taste. Drain noodles. ( I serve my sauce over top of my noodles)

 

 

Feb 18 2012

Press Release: GAMO PARTNERS WITH MICHAEL WADDELL’S THE BONE COLLECTOR

Exclusive collector’s item to be unveiled at SHOT Show 2012

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., January 1, 2012 – Gamo Outdoor USA (www.gamooutdoorusa.com), announces The Bone Collector Bull Whisper™ will be unveiled at the upcoming 2012 SHOT Show. This exclusive design is one of the components of a promotional partnership between Gamo and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector television series, which airs on The Outdoor Channel.

The Bone Collector Bull Whisper™ available in .177 and .22 calibers, integrates the latest noise dampening technology (Bull Whisper™) with the IGT™ (Inert Gas Technology™): a pneumatic cylinder that is replacing the spring, enabling the shooter to have more terminal velocity (1300 fps with Platinum in .177) and less vibration. Both technologies combined enable this air rifle to have high velocity and noise reduction. In addition, it features a green (Bone Collector) all-weather synthetic stock with rubber inserts, a new recoil pad with up to 74% recoil absorption pad (SWA™: Shock Wave Absorber™), and a Gamo® 4×32 scope. The Bone Collector Bull Whisper™ comes with the PBA® Platinum pellets included.

The Bone Collector Bull Whisper™ Specs::

-          1300 FPS with Platinum .177 / 975 FPS with Platinum .22

-          IGT™ (Inert Gas Technology)

-          Bull Whisper™ noise dampening technology

-          All-weather Bone Collector stock with rubber inserts

-          Fluted polymer jacketed rifled steel barrel

-          SAT (Smooth Action Trigger)

-          Shock Wave Absorber™ (SWA™) recoil pad: Up to 74% more recoil absorption

-          4×32 scope

-          50 rds. .177 / 25 rds .22 of PBA® Platinum Ammunition included

-           MSRP: $269.95

Also new for 2012 are the new Bone Collector Hunting Pellets, available in both .177 and .22.  The new Gamo-designed lead pellets enhance the hunting experience and feature a rounded tip and a grooved skirt making it more aerodynamic and good for hunting at long distances. The Bone Collector pellet has high ballistic coefficients: it has more terminal penetration than standard lead pellets and a stable flight trajectory due to the 7.56 gr (.177) and 15.43gr (.22) weights. MSRP is $8.95 for 150 pellets in .177 or 100 pellets in .22.

 

Gamo Outdoor USA is a leading consumer products company that designs, manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of outdoor sporting goods products under such world class brands as GAMO®, BSA Optics®, Laser Genetics®, Aftermath®, Stunt Studios® and is the exclusive distributor of BSA Guns™. Gamo Outdoor USA products are sold at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Midway USA, Academy Sports + Outdoor, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, Dunham Sports, Mills Fleet, Sports Authority, Scheels, on Amazon.com and other fine retail outdoor and sporting goods stores. For more information, visit www.gamooutdoorusa.com; Facebook.com/GamoOutdoorUSA; Twitter.com/GamoOutdoor; and YouTube.com/GamoOutdoor.

Contact: Vince Abrams/954.663.6605  vabrams@gamousa.com

Feb 18 2012

Press Release: GAMO OUTDOOR USA UNVEILS SMALL GAME COOKBOOK

GAMO OUTDOOR USA UNVEILS SMALL GAME COOKBOOK
WITH “THE SPORTING CHEF” SCOTT LEYSATH

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., January 1, 2012  –Gamo Outdoor USA (www.gamooutdoorusa.com), a leading manufacturer of optics, air guns and laser designators, has debuted the Small Game Cookbook in collaboration with hunting industry celebrity chef Scott Leysath, co-host of the popular TV show, HuntFishCook, which airs on Sportsman Channe

“Gamo Outdoor USA recognizes the surge in popularity of cooking shows and segments on programs that traditionally feature just the hunt,” said Vince Abrams, Director of Marketing. “We thought it would be fun to offer small game hunters tasty ideas on how they can continue to enjoy their prize after the hunt.”

The 40-page book features six chapters and 20 exclusive recipes for small game meals, including tips and tricks from Leysath’s years as a professional chef.

“Cooking small game isn’t the same as cooking domestic meat,” said Leysath.  “This book gives aspiring chefs a number of options and unique techniques to prepare their game so that it’s as tasty and tender as chicken or beef.  Of course, if your squirrel tastes like chicken, it’s not squirrel!”

The Small Game Cookbook will initially be sold online at www.gamooutdoorusa.com for $9.95, including shipping and handling.

 

 

Gamo Outdoor USA is a leading consumer products company that designs, manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of outdoor sporting goods products under such world class brands as GAMO®, BSA Optics®, Laser Genetics®, Aftermath®, Stunt Studios® and is the exclusive distributor of BSA Guns™. Gamo Outdoor USA products are sold at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Midway USA, Academy Sports + Outdoor, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, Dunham Sports, Mills Fleet, Sports Authority, Scheels, Amazon.com and other fine retail outdoor and sporting goods stores. For more information, visit www.gamooutdoorusa.com; Facebook.com/GamoOutdoorUSA; Twitter.com/GamoOutdoor; and YouTube.com/GamoOutdoor.

CONTACT:  Vince Abrams/954.663.6605  vabrams@gamousa.com

                                                                                                            

Feb 18 2012

Turkey Popper Recipe from NWTF

4 Tips to a Great Turkey Popper

What’s Needed:

  • Wild turkey breast
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Bacon
  • Cream Cheese
  • Toothpicks

Leave no seed behind: Halve about a dozen jalapeños then gut them so you won’t inflame the sinuses and other senses of your guests’ nasal passages.

  1. Italian soak: Marinate one wild turkey breast in your favorite brand of Italian dressing for 24 hours. Cut the turkey meat into pieces that will fit easily inside the pepper halves.
  2. Culinary glue: Spread cream cheese inside the pepper halves and place the turkey strips on top of the cream cheese. For insurance, add a toothpick. Wrap a bacon strip around the outside for a second insurance policy.
  3. The Not-Hots: Not everyone wants to cry and have hot flashes while they’re eating. Another high-yielding garden pepper, the banana pepper, is a great jalapeño substitute.
  4. Grill Away: Place the peppers on the barbecue grill and cook until the bacon is done. Let them cool before serving (that cream cheese gets mighty hot).

I have to say these are delicous and fun to make. Thanks to NWTF for sharing this recipe.

Feb 13 2012

Exploring In The Real Outdoors

             Railroad Track over the Potomac River                  (Photo taken by Cory Hine)

My nephew Cory and I decided to go on some extraordinary excursions while he was visiting our family. I took him to some of my favorite places which were in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Shepherdstown, West Virginia; Antietam Battlefield, in Maryland; and Skyline Drive in Virginia.  We had so much fun exploring new places.  I thought I was showing him around to places I have been; but in reality he was taken me on little hikes of places I have never been before.

The Cannon at Antietam Battlefield (Photo taken by Cory Hine)

Railroad track over the Potamac River (Photo taken by Cory Hine)

Our first place on the list to visit was Harpers Ferry, WV.  I love this historical quaint town. The Shenandoah River and the Potomac River surround Harpers Ferry.   When you visit this place it takes you back in time.  We walked up a lot of stairs to view the rivers from St. Peters Catholic Church, from this location you can walk up more stairs to visit Thomas Jefferson Rock, which looks down on to the Shenandoah River. It’s a beautiful site in the fall too, because of the different leaves changing colors.  Harpers Ferry was known for the capture of John Brown, and is well known for its Armory Factory.  Which if you look hard enough you can still purchase guns that was made in Harpers Ferry doing the Civil war time.  So if you never visited Harpers Ferry, WV.  I recommend you do, it’s a beautiful peaceful little town. It has lots of shops, restaurants, history, and museums. It’s a place where you can bring your family and go hiking and biking. It’s also a place where you can go back into time and wonder what is was like back then.  Harpers Ferry is known for its industrial landmarks. You have the C&O Canal that runs right along the Potomac River.  When any of my friends and family comes to visit us, I always make a point to take them to Harpers Ferry.

Shepherdstown, WV was our second place we visited.  We drove around the quaint small town and looked at the beautiful architecture buildings. We drove around Shepherdstown University, The Bavarian Inn, which is my favorite restaurant. Then we

James Rumsey Steamboat Monument in Shepherdstown, WV (Photo taken by Cory Hine)

went to see James Rumsey Steamboat Monument.  James Rumsey was the inventor of the steamboat. The monument is located along the beautiful Potomac River. We walked up to the monument and looked out across to see the railroad bridge crossing above the Potomac River.  We decided to go for a walk and take some awesome pictures of the railroad. We had a wonderful time visiting and observing the beautiful view of the river.

The third place we went to visit was Antietam Battlefield in Maryland. We went to the Burnside Bridge, which is an historical marker of the September 1862 Battle of Antietam doing the American Civil War time. This bridge is so beautiful, but yet so many men died here. We took a hike around the hillside. Cory took my camera and took pictures of things that I wouldn’t have been able to see. He hiked in places that I wouldn’t dare climb. He scared me a few times, because he was up so high. I continued to stay on the dirt path and enjoyed the scenery I had in front of me.  I wondered what the soldiers did doing this time.  If this is where they washed their clothes or took a bath?  I just couldn’t imagine being so far away from home. In the mean time I still didn’t catch up with Cory, I was afraid to be walking on the path by myself.   Thinking here I am all alone, wondering what if something happened to me.  No one would be able to find me not even Cory.   So the more I thought about it, the more I decided to call him.  He insisted on me going ahead of him.  My mind kept telling me to stay, because if he would’ve fallen I could’ve gone for help.  I was going to meet back up with Cory.  I started walking half way, and then decided, since I don’t know where he is. I’m just going to go back to the car and wait for him.  The truth was the thought of me walking back through the path by myself scared me even more.  So I decided to go back the way I came from. Cory met me back at the car and we decided to stop at another road side park on the way home. We sat next to the Potomac River eating our peanut butter and banana sandwiches looking at the birds nesting over head until it started raining on us.

Burnside Bridge in Antietam Battlefield, in Maryland (Photo taken by Georgette Wood)

The fourth place we visited was Skyline Drive in Virginia. It was a beautiful sunny day, the sky was clear blue. You can see for miles.  We decided to go and discover a waterfall. I was thinking it would be a nice hike with my daughter Samantha and Cory to adventure together. Hence, I told Cory that he couldn’t leave us alone on this hiking adventure.  We can get out and get some fresh air and maybe see some wildlife. We walked on the first path we saw, and it took us to the road on the other side of the mountain. It was a wrong path to take. They were both teasing me about a great guide I was for taking them the wrong way.  It was still

Water Fall at Skyline Drive in Virginia (Photo taken by Georgette Wood)

beautiful and the kids were having fun.  We turned around and hiked back out of the woods.   I decided to ask some friendly people which way to the waterfall?  They showed us the right path.  It was a path that was used for the emergency fire department to put the fires out. We walked down this long hill that seemed to take forever then it started leveling out.  We saw some people riding on horseback. We could tell we were getting close to the waterfall, because we were able to hear it. We came to the waterfall and it was gorgeous, the sound of the water was so breath-taking and relaxing. I continued to take pictures of mother-nature and of this beautiful view of the waterfall. We didn’t see any wildlife, but I did take some pretty pictures of some flowers in bloom and some trees.

Wild Flower in the woods at Skyline Drive, Virginia (Photo taken by Georgette Wood)

Overall, our little adventures we took were very nice. The weather held up on all events, except one time we had to go running to the car, because it started pouring down rain.  I’m very glad we took the opportunity and went exploring together.  It was a great bonding time between an Aunt, my daughter and nephew.

Feb 7 2012

Hiliary’s Wild Venison Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2      pounds venison, cut into cubes
  • 3/4  cup full-bodied red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cotes du Rhone, Zinfandel, Shiraz or Barolo)
  • 2      tablespoons olive oil
  • 1  1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1      teaspoon allspice berries
  • 4      cloves pickled garlic
  • 1      tablespoon olive oil
  • 4      red onions, chopped
  • 1      cup beluga lentils, soaked in water
  • 8      ounces pearl onions, peeled
  • 1      1/2 cups chopped carrots

Directions

  1. Place the venison cubes into a large resealable bag. Add the red wine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoned salt, allspice berries and pickled garlic. Seal the bag and turn to distribute the ingredients. Refrigerate overnight to marinate.
  2. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the red onions; cook and stir for a few minutes. Add the venison and continue cooking until it is browned. Pour in the marinade from the bag and allow to simmer over low heat while you prepare the lentils.
  4. Rinse the lentils and place in a saucepan. Fill with enough water to cover the lentils by at least 1 inch. Cook until almost tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer the lentils to the Dutch oven. Add the pearl onions and carrot chunks and cover with a lid.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until the venison is very tender, about 1 hour.

I have tried this recipe and it’s really magnificent delicious. My family ate it all up and I didn’t have any left overs. I hope you will try it and comment on this fine meal.  I found this recipe on Allrecipe.com. So send them a comment also if you will. Happy Cooking until next time.