• 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.

Reblogged from Iowa Environmental Focus:

Last Friday, two Iowa men sustained gunshot wounds while deer hunting. A man from Lansing was hit in the back of the head while hunting in Allamakee County, and a man from Muscatine injured his hand when his gun discharged while he was putting it away. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources offers four rules for firearm safety that should help prevent these types of incidents: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded Always point the muzzle in a safe direction Be certain of your target and what is …

This is just one more reason why you need to use your safety instinct when hunting.

1. Do take a Hunter’s Safety Course and stay refreshed on the materials. I know people have hunted for years and sometimes forget about the rules, safety and etiquette of hunting.
2. Always get permission from the land owner to hunt on their property. There may be other hunters hunting it and you don’t want to disturb them or trespass.
3. If the land is posted or not posted you should make sure you get a hand written permission slip for your safety.
4. Always try to scout the area where you’re planning to hunt so you know where the best areas are. You also want to look for other hunters stands so you don’t disturb them when entering and exiting the woods on that big day. Don’t destroy the crops while you’re doing this.
5. If you’re hunting with other hunters make sure you all know exactly where everyone is going to be. You don’t want any hunting accidents.
6. Make sure you dress in the proper hunting clothes for the climate, and for your safety where orange when required and always while you’re hunting with your rifle or shotgun.
7. If you’re using a tree stand make sure you get permission from the land owner. They may not want you to be tying into the tree. So let them know exactly what kind of tree stand you will be using. There are several on the market that won’t harm the tree.
8. If you’re using a tree stand make sure you secure your tree stand properly and always make sure you wear a safety harness when climbing and sitting in a tree stand. There have been many fall accidents from hunters that think they don’t need one. It’s your life play it safe!
9. If you’re planning on using someone else’s tree stand make sure you ask the owner before you use it. They may be planning on using it. If the land is posted and you get into someone’s tree stand. Then you’re in the wrong. You will be asked to leave, which in return just ruined your day of hunting.
10. If you’re going to use any accessories that require screwing into a tree get permission from the land owner. For example a Bow Hanger. They make many new styles that strap on to the tree rather than screwing in. You can always consider using one of them.
11. If you’re planning on using a ground blind ask the land owner if you can use it on their property don’t ever assume that it’s alright.
12. If you use a blind make sure you put some orange on the top of it, so other hunters know where you are.
13. When you’re going to shoot, never Point a gun in the direction of any other hunter and know where your bullet is going to go when you’re ready to pull the trigger.
14. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, you don’t want to accidentally set it off.
15. Always use binoculars or a spotting scope when looking for game. Never use your rifles scope.
16. Never shoot through brush if you can’t see exactly what you’re shooting. It could be another hunter walking around.
17. You should never poach an animal. If caught you could lose your hunting privileges, driver’s license, or pay a fine, and some cases end up in jail. In many states they will confiscate any equipment used in the crime. So you could lose your firearm and even your truck.
18. You should never hunt from your car. You don’t know who is in the woods hunting.
19. Observe safety zones. Make sure you keep enough distance away from the road and any buildings.
20. Never mix alcohol with Hunting.
21. Always respect the game laws and the land owners while hunting.  You don’t want to ruin it for the rest of us hunters.
22. Always remember safety first! Use common sense, and be courteous to your fellow hunters and land owners. It makes for a rewarding happy day in the field for everyone.

My first buck with my husband! I’m wearing my Prois Hunting Clothes. (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

Women hunters are becoming very popular in the hunting sports of today.   I remember growing up and having to wear my father’s orange coat; because they didn’t make anything at that time for girls. You see in our era of growing up women didn’t hunt or there wasn’t a lot of talk about women hunters. The women were taught to do house chores, become a wife and a mother. You didn’t hear too many stories about ladies hunting.

I shot my first gun when I was around 12 years old. My dad handed me his 300 Savage and I shot that gun. I was all excited to shoot a gun. I couldn’t wait to pull the trigger and hear it go BANG! When I did pull the trigger, the unexpected happened to me.   It knocked me off my feet and I hurt my arm. I was in so much pain and so scared to shoot a gun again. I was so disappointed in the outcome that I could’ve cried.  This almost ruined my love for hunting and shooting.  Later on in my life my husband helped me to become a better shooter, while I also took classes through the N.R.A. National Rifle Association classes from  Women On Target. My husband has been very thrilled to have a new hunting buddy. He keeps telling me that he wishes that I would’ve taken up hunting with him earlier.  He enjoys my companionship and our time together.

When I went to my hunting safety course, I found out something that I didn’t know before. I was informed from our instructor that you have to measure the child’s arm so you can get the right gun for the child. You want the gun to fit the child not a huge gun that they can hurt themselves shooting it. The other thing is you don’t give your son or daughter the biggest caliber gun you own. You give them a proper fit gun and show them the proper way of holding the gun and the safety of its use.   With the managed recoil ammunition they have today it helps to get a younger shooter used to a gun without making it uncomfortable to shoot.

On television you now see a lot of new hunting shows with husband and wives teaming up together.  This is a spectacular change, because it shows them working together as a team. They’re doing something fun as a couple. There are a lot of divorces going on now days, because people want to give up so easily in their relationship.  I recommend couples to go out on an outdoor adventure together; it may help their relationship extremely.  Even if you don’t like to hunt, you could go fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and camping.  It’s definitely a way to get you and your spouse to work together and bond without all the hustle and bustle of today.  It’s a way to take on the world and breathe in the fresh air and let out all the frustration that has been bothering you two.  I find that my husband and I get along so much better when we’re outdoors, rather than being cooped up in the house.  I also have men coming up to me and say WOW! You hunt! I wish my wife would go hunting with me  I would really enjoy that!   I love hearing it from these guys. They want to take their wife hunting with them.  You see when more women hunt it becomes a family activity, and it will get more families involved with hunting and conservation. Then we can conserve our land and our natural resources.

My advice to you women if your husband wants to take you hunting with him; Then go!, don’t pass up the opportunity. You don’t have to take a gun, but sit in the blind with him.  Enjoy the time you have together. Listen to what he says.  You won’t regret it that’s for sure!  My husband and I started hunting together four years ago and during that time. I learned to shoot, I have my own gun and bow, and I wear women’s hunting clothes made by Prois.  There is so much gear on the market for women that the hunting industry is now seeing how popular it is and giving us more choices.  I enjoy packing up our hunting gear and getting ready to go out on our hunting excursions together.

To me it isn’t about killing an animal; it’s about getting close and personal with the wildlife in action, and bonding with my spouse.  If that deer came in my view I will shoot it, because I know it’s going to put food on my table to feed my family.  Since I have been hunting with my husband, I have shot two deer and one antelope.  I haven’t gotten anything with my bow yet, but I’m hoping this year will be the year for it. If not, well than better luck next time! You see I don’t get disappointed if I don’t get an animal down.  I do get excited about being with my husband and showing him how much I care to be in the woods with him watching wildlife.

Members of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team along with Scott Carnahan from Safariland and Bill Abbate from Atlanta Arms & Ammo Welcome Trevor Baucom to the Smith & Wesson shooting team

At the 2011 National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meetings held on April 30th in Pittsbugh, Pennsylvania. Trevor Baucom, a 31 year old, former United States Army Chief Warrant Officer #3 (CW3) and Blackhawk pilot, was announced as the first disabled Veteran to shoot on the Smith & Wesson Shooting Team. He will be the company’s first disabled Veteran to shoot on their team. He will be competing in the upcoming NRA Bianchi Cup held in Columbus, Missouri on May 25-28, 2011.

Trevor, served in the United States Army for 13 years, before his Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Afghanistan in his fourth deployment.  The accident has caused him to be paralyzed from the waist down. He was on a night-time assault mission when the accident occurred. When he arrived in the United States he began his medical Rehabilitation in Franklin, Tennessee, where he met up with “Shooting USA” host Jim Scoutten. They became good friends and a spark started about his shooting career. They spoke to some wonderful people in the industry and gained a partnership to help Trevor meet his goals.  The industry partners are Smith and Wesson, Safariland, and Atlanta Arms & Ammo.

Trevor’s goal is to shoot in the 2011 NRA National Action Pistol Championship, where he will be shooting against able-bodied competitors. He will be training under Billy Abbate with Atlanta Arms & Ammo. During his competition, he will be shooting the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro Series pistol, which he has been training with extensively for the last month. The NRA Bianchi Cup will be his first Competition.  Baucom is an Avid Hunter, and a recreational shooter. He is more excited about his experience than worrying about his shooting scores in the event.

His medical discharge from the Army is pending at this time. We look forward to watching his progress as he shoots on this team and to see how his life changes from something so horrific to something so exciting to shoot with some of the best shooters.

“It’s hard to put into words just how phenomenal this whole experience has been,” said Baucom.

“The support from the industry has been overwhelming and at times I find myself still trying to grasp it all. “  

That being said, he has an intense competitive drive and is training diligently to improve his x-count with each practice sessions. “For, me this is about breaking down barriers,” said Baucom. “I have never been one to sit still for very long and this opportunity presents a unique challenge for me to push my abilities. I hope that my participation will lead to other wounded warriors taking an interest in competitive shooting and that more matches like the Bianchi Cup will take a look at how they can open up spots for other disabled shooters.”

Julie Goloski-Golob presents Trevor Baucom with his official Smith & Wesson team jersey

I was so excited to have seen this event take place and I look forward to writing more about Trevor’s adventures on the Smith & Wesson team.

Georgette Wood, 2010 Antelope Hunt Winner; George Dvorchak, 2011 Antelope Hunt Winner; Annie Wood, Wyoming Business Council (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

I won the hunt last year from the Wyoming Business Council Meeting.  Annie Wood announced my name as the winner, and  I was so shocked.  It was my first time going to the meeting to represent Women’s Outdoor News.  I was very impressed that so many people came over and congratulated me on winning. Rose Marie Dvorchak was one of the women to come over to congratulate me on winning the antelope hunt.  She was happy that a girl won this hunt, and informed me that I was the  first girl to win it.

Georgette Wood with winner George and Rose Marie Dvorchak-Congrats to you for winning the Antelope Hunt for 2011! (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

I sat there in the front row of the round table and was just amazed on how beautiful Wyoming really is.  I watched the video of Wyoming and thought WOW!  I would love to go there sometime.  I have never been to Wyoming or to Colorado at this point in my life. I had no clue that I would be the next winner to go see beautiful Wyoming and Colorado so soon.

The Wyoming Business Council Meeting was held on Thursday the week of Shot Show.   It was my turn to speak about how my hunt went with my husband Rick. I was so nervous about speaking in front of a large crowd that I was almost in tears and my voice was all nervously speaking.   I don’t get the opportunity to speak in front of big crowds of people; if I did I may not have been so nervous. My wonderful husband Rick, bailed me out. We together told our hunting story and had the crowd laughing.  By the time we ended our story, I was so relaxed and thought that wasn’t so bad.  I could probably do that again!

I tell you this story, because I get to pull the winning name out of the basket and guess who wins the 2011 Antelope Hunt from the Wyoming Business Council.  George Dvorchak is the name I pulled out; He is the writer for The Varmint Hunter Magazine.  His wife Rose Marie came over last year to congratulate me on my winning the Antelope Hunt for 2010.  He sat in the same seat as I did last year when I won the hunt, and just one more common denominator they are from Pennsylvania close to wear my husband and I grew up. How Bizarre? His name is George too!

I’m so happy for George and Rose Marie for winning the Antelope Hunt. I know they will have a great time just like Rick and I did. We had so much fun with Kelly Glause and Casey Miller with Cold Creek Outfitter.  We had a fantastic vacation shooting our trophy antelope, and touring Wyoming.  We even made time to meet up with our WOMA member Stacey Huston with Focus on the Wild in Cody, Wyoming. We tasted some delicious Buffalo Steak and my husband Rick kept saying this is like a second honeymoon. So I’m so glad that they both hunt and can enjoy their special time together just like Rick and I did. I wish them good luck on their Antelope Hunt in 2011!

Annie Wood, Wyoming Business Council with George Dvorchak (winner of the 2011 Antelope Hunt) with his wife Rose Marie (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

It comes equipped with a Remington X-MARK PRO adjustable trigger that is set at the factory with a pull weight of 3 ½ pounds with a 2 pound range of adjustment (3 to 5 pounds).  The trigger pull is so smooth and crisp that makes it easy to shoot it accurately.  It has a uniquely triangular contour on the 22” barrel with a three port muzzle brake that’s machined-in during production to decrease recoil and muzzle jump.  Remington spent years of rigorous research and development  in designing the barrel to reduce the weight, enhancing the rigidity,  and promoting rapid heat dissipation all while maintaining the most accurate barrel in a production firearm. The twist rate is (1 turn in 9 inches) in the 223 Remington and (1 turn in 12 inches) in the 308 Winchester. The Barrel Finish is a Satin Black Oxide.  To complete the rifle off the stock package has a single rear and duel front sling swivel studs and Remington’s revolutionary Super Cell Recoil Pad which provides recoil reduction up to 54%.   The Magazine Capacity is five plus one in the 223 and four plus one in the 308.  The length is 41 5/8”.  Average weight is only 7 ½ lbs. So it won’t kill you to carry it all day. The MSRP is $872.00.

 I used this rifle in 308 on my Antelope Hunt in October 2010.  I was very amazed on how well this rifle can shoot.  I recommend this rifle to all ladies and gentleman who would like a rifle that doesn’t kick like a mule, and is extremely accurate.  I have my gun decked out with a Harris Bipod and DOA 600 Scope from Bushnell. Check out this review at http://womensoutdoornews.com/

Zippo Open Field Hand Warmers With its rugged, metal construction, the reusable Zippo Hand Warmer allows the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s cold. Thanks to its slim and sleek design, the Hand Warmer can easily fit into any pocket, and it burns Zippo lighter fluid to produce safe and reliable heat for up to 12 hours.  The odorless hand warmer is great technology for us hunters or huntresses who don’t want to relinquish our hiding spot.   It won’t take up any room in your

Zippo Hand Warmer, A must have in my Emergency Kit!

hunting gear or back pack.  The Zippo Open Field Hand Warmer features a Realtree AP warming bag decorated with an NFL team logo patch or you can get it in black.

 The first step you would do is to fill the filler cup with Zippo Lighter Fluid,  the second step would be to light the burner on top with a Zippo Pocket Lighter; and the last step would be to place the lid on the top and place it in the pouch.  It will last up to 12 hours to keep you warm. This is one little item you will want to keep with you for an emergency situations or on those chilly days when you least expect the weather to turn on you.  If your car breaks down this would be helpful to keep in your glove box of your car, to supply heat until help arrives.  This is one little gadget that I will use to keep me warm in my tree-stand. The retail price is $19.95 from www.zippo.com.

PrimaLoft insulation products offer superior performance for high quality cold-weather gear. PrimaLoft is incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable with excellent water repellency so you can remain dry, warm and comfortable—even under the most extreme conditions.

The patented PrimaLoft ultra-fine microfibers are specially treated in a proprietary process, creating a core with incredible insulation properties. PrimaLoft has expanded its product line and developed new products to meet specific needs for outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, and the military. PrimaLoft has manufacturing facilities in the US, China and Italy.

The Primaloft line has a new PrimaLoft® Eco Footwear insulation that keeps your feet dry, warm and comfortable and helps to make the environment healthier. PrimaLoft blends 50% virgin fibers with 50% recycled materials to create a resilient, performance insulation ideal for active outdoor footwear. You can also find socks made with this material that will wick the moisture away and keep you dry. They are made of Primaloft and merlino wool. These socks are very comfortable. After wearing the LL Bean Primaloft socks around Shot Show 2011. They kept my feet dry and comfortable. The price range of these socks starts around $12.95 a pair.

PrimaLoft Eco Footwear is warm, lightweight, water resistant, and breathable it has excellent compressional recovery. Since staying dry is not always an option, it’s good to know that PrimaLoft Eco Footwear helps to keep your feet warm even when wet. You can find Primaloft Eco Footwear in boots by Under Armour and LL Bean for hunting and hiking.

They also have the Ascent Primaloft Hooded Jacket; it folds up in itself by stuffing it into one of its own pockets so it won’t take up very much space in your bag. This is a great jacket to have for those mornings that are chilly and when the afternoon warms up just fold it up into it’s pocket. It makes a very nice package so you don’t have the bulkiness of the jacket. It’s very lightweight, quick-drying PrimaLoft One polyester insulation is as warm as down and yet stays effective even when wet. The outer shell is made with a rugged nylon, that is wind and water resistant. The insulated cinch hood fits snugly for protection while skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and any other outdoor sports. This jacket comes in colors that are cool blue and bright Lapis. The retail price is $129.00.