October 2016 | SCOPE | 1
2 | SCOPE | October 2016
Right gear filters damaging hunting noise RAY SASSER Tribune News Service Writer
By now, a million or more shots have been fired at fast-flying Texas doves, and most of the state’s estimated 415,000 dove hunters have destroyed just a little bit more of their hearing. Sound is measured in decibels. A normal conversation is about 60 dB. Exposure to any noise louder than 85 dB can damage hearing. Gunshots measure 140 to 190 dB, depending on the weapon. I wish I’d known 40 years ago what I know now. I would have done a better job of protecting my hearing from shotgun and rifle blasts. Once it’s gone, your hearing cannot be replaced. I’m reminded of that on a daily basis. My wife Emilie might say something like “what kind of bird made that sound?” I have to shake my head and admit that I don’t know because I didn’t hear a bird call. I’ve missed out on a lot of great, wild sounds. I also have trouble hearing sounds that are not so wild, like the dialogue from a movie we’re watching on television. With some movies I can turn the volume on my TV as high as it goes and still can’t pick out all the words. Put me in a crowded restaurant or other social setting, and I may as well be listening to people speaking Latin. The same thing happens when Emilie and I are driving. The highway noise confuses what little hearing I have left. I’m trying to protect the hearing that remains. I’d like to understand the soft voices of my grandchildren. Sometimes I forget because old habits are hard to break but, most of the time, I remember to use hearing protection when I shoot. The best are battery operated and magnify
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While taking her first shotgun lesson, Victoria Williams of Austin, Texas, uses electronic earmuffs to protect her hearing. The earmuffs silence the shotgun blast while allowing her to clearly hear the instructor. sounds until they reach a certain decibel level. Then the sound is cut off and your hearing is protected. Thus you can readily hear a distant turkey gobble or a single quail flushing 20 yards to the right but you’re protected from the muzzle blast. My son, Zach, began deer hunting when he was 7. I equipped him with expensive electronic earmuffs so he could hear whispered commands but his hearing would be protected.
That was 20 years ago. Now electronic earmuffs cost about half as much. I’ve seen them advertised for as little as $40. We keep them handy whenever we’re deer hunting. We’re not always wearing them but the earmuffs are close by so we can put them on whenever there’s a chance for a shot. When sitting in a deer blind, Emilie keeps her earmuffs clamped on her leg so she always knows where they are. We wear earmuffs when
Consider these unique gadgets There is something wildly primitive about tracking down your next trophy, but there also is room for technology in the hunt. From Bluetooth trackers and hearing protectors to mobile applications that function as game call systems, there are a ton of options on the market for the tech-savvy hunter. Whether you’re planning for the perfect Christmas gift or buying a present for any occasion, you shouldn’t have a problem tracking down a unique item — even for the hunter who seemingly already has it all.
WIND DETECTORS A few companies have recently come out with innovative wind detectors that use advanced technology to identify wind direction and air movement shifts. These handheld devices can even pick up wind that may be undetectable to humans. Why is wind so important? Its direction and velocity can send your scent downwind to your target game and can wreck havoc on a bow shot. Knowing the specifics of the wind around you can help you be a more prepared, focused hunter.
RANGEFINDERS You can purchase a rangefinder that attaches directly to your bow. The newest models emit a constant beam that displays a real-time reading. This helps prevent misses and gives you an accurate understanding of the distance between you and the animal. Rangefinders have long been friends to hunters looking to fire accurate shots. Being able to affix one to your weapon will help you avoid toggling back and forth between a handheld option and your bow, which can waste precious time.
HANDHELD RADIOS Communication can be everything on hunting day, especially if you’re with a group of friends spread across a field or forest. You can find a rugged, reliable set of handheld radios to help you keep in touch during inclement weather. Most are waterproof and able to attach to your hunting vest. This makes working with your hunting party convenient. Many radios come with a desk charging station and USB cables to make sure you’re always charged up.
we’re on the ground, rattling to simulate a buck fight. The sound magnification helps us to hear approaching bucks. I use Howard Leight-brand earmuffs because they fit me comfortably and they operate on two AAA batteries, which are inexpensive and readily available. Most hunters consider earmuffs too hot and uncomfortable for dove hunting, and they don’t like having their hearing mostly blocked by foam plugs. Emilie has trouble with earplugs because they affect her balance. The solution is expensive but effective: Electronic earplugs that fit in your ear canals and work the same as electronic earmuffs. They’re essentially hearing aids that allow you to hear at normal levels, then cut off the sound when it gets too loud. They work on hearing aid batteries that last about 10 days. Like other products in this category, GunSport Pro earplugs come with adapters so they can be modified to fit comfortably in most ears. The two earplugs are connected via a nylon line so they’re easier to keep up with. At $300, they are the least expensive, most convenient and most effective electronic ear plugs that I’ve tested. My only problem is that I have difficultly handling the tiny batteries that power the earplugs. That’s more about my dexterity than the product. As with all electronic devices, keep spare batteries handy. Without functional batteries, these things are expensive earplugs or earmuffs. It doesn’t matter whether you use $2 foam earplugs, $40 electronic earmuffs, $300 mass-produced electronic earplugs or much more expensive custom earplugs made just for you, be sure to protect your hearing. Nature is full of subtle sounds that are too sweet to miss.
October 2016 | SCOPE | 3
Gun expense biggest We Got the for first-time hunters VICTORIA LUSK Tribune News Service Writer
ABERDEEN, S.D. – For $1,000 anyone can start pheasant hunting. And that’s fully geared with a gun, footwear, ammo, all of the other necessities and maybe even a couple luxuries, said Cory Appl, Ken’s Shell Express store manager. With just the basics, Appl estimates that cost could be cut in half. It could be even lower if a first-time hunter borrowed a shotgun for the day. “It’s not a super expensive sport,” Appl said. All a person really needs for a first hunt is a shotgun, ammunition, a license and some orange attire. And most of those items can be reused in subsequent hunts. On average, a shotgun will run a person $350 to $400. As long as that gun is well taken care of, it will last forever, Appl said. If someone wants to hunt once, just for the experience to see if it’s enjoyable, Tom Grosz, Walmart assistant manager, would recommend a lower-end gun. For some serious hunters, though, a gun is more of an investment. For Scott Franks of Hillman, Mich., hunting is a way of life. He’s been making the 20-hour drive to northeast South Dakota for the last 12 years to hunt with friends in the Selby and Java area. He stopped at Walmart to buy his 10-day nonresident small game license. Hands down, Franks would recommend a Remington 870 pump shotgun. That’s the same gun Lucas Young, who owns Young Guns, recommends for a first-time hunter. “It’s what 80 percent of people start out with. It’s what I started out with,” he said. The gun falls in Appl’s estimated cost range — between $350 and $400. Young said he might sell a few more shotguns this time of year, but not a lot. “Gun sales don’t spike just because of hunting,” he said. But Ken’s does see a spike in ammunition sales.
Groz said he always advises hunters to go out with no fewer than 50 shotgun shells. Most hunters prefer four- or five-shot shells, according to Young and Groz. The shot number is indicative of the number and size of pellets the shell has. On average, a box of 25 shotgun shells will range from $10 to upwards of $30 or more, depending on brand. Hunters should also have the proper attire such as a good pair of work boots or shoes for walking fields, jeans, a shirt and an orange hat, though wearing orange isn’t required by law. Attire will also depend on the weather. Appl said apparel sales often increase during pheasant season, as some out-of-state hunters might not be accustomed to South Dakota’s cooler weather. A small game license is only $33 for a resident, while nonresidents will pay $121 plus a $6 surcharge. Nonresident licenses are good for two five-day periods that must be determined when the license is purchased. During opening weekend, Appl estimated that Ken’s sold between 300 and 350 hunting licenses, which is down from previous years. “The big (opening) weekend isn’t the big hoopla anymore,” he said. Pheasant numbers have been down the last few years and farmers still have crops in. “Guys are figuring that out and coming later,” Appl said. There are a few more items a hunter should always have — a water and some snacks, for instance. And perhaps the most important, most essential item, said Young, is proper instruction. He recommends those who want to start hunting complete a hunter safety course, especially if the plans are to hunt with others. There’s no way to determine if modest start-up costs influence more people to hunt pheasants, Young said. “The biggest thing here is we are the mecca of pheasant hunting,” he said. “That’s what everyone comes here to do.”
ILLINOIS HUNTING SEASONS First Firearm Deer Season – Nov. 18-20 Second Firearm Deer Season – Dec. 1-4 First Muzzleloader Deer Season—Dec. 1-4 Second Muzzleloader Deer Season – Dec.
9-11 First Late-Winter/CWD Deer Season and County OTC – Dec. 29 to Jan. 1 Archery Deer Season – Oct. 1 to Jan. 15 Second Late Winter CWD Deer Season and County OTC – Jan. 13-15 Youth Spring Turkey Season (Southern Zone) – March 25-26 Youth Spring Turkey Season (Northern Zone) – April 1-2 First Spring Turkey Season (Southern Zone) – April 3-7 Second Spring Turkey Season (Southern Zone) – April 8-13
First Spring Turkey Season (Northern Zone)
– April 10-14 Third Spring Turkey Season (Southern Zone)
– April 14-19 Second Spring Turkey Season (Northern
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Bowhunting offers next natural step for skills Looking to take your hunting skills to the next level? Bowhunting may be the next natural step for you. Many hunters across the country have taken to archery, and there are many reasons. Bowhunting has a way of connecting you with nature as you discover a more primitive approach of hunting. It also teaches you discipline and patience as you hunt your game and opens up a world of new equipment and gear to explore. According to a recent study by bowhunter-ed. com (provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states), 24 percent of those who claimed they hunt with a bow cited the longer season as their top reason, and 11 percent said it was because bow season had an earlier start. No matter your reason for entering this fast-growing hunting segment, it’s easy to find the right equipment and get started on advancing your newfound passion.
Defined as the amount of force it takes to pull the bowstring back to the full draw, this measurement can vary by weapon. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends 40 pounds or greater for a clean, ethical shot.
PICKING THE RIGHT BOW BOWHUNTING SAFETY Before heading to your local outdoors shop, you have to decide what type of bow you want to use. Do some research on the variations, including compound, re-curve or long bow. If you’re just starting out, the compound bow will most likely be your best bet. That’s because they are equipped with various accessories to increase your shooting accuracy and improve your sight. The other types of bows require more training and practice before you can expect to feasibly take down your game of choice, but you may be up to the challenge. Sign up at your local range for training sessions to start sharpening your skills. When it comes to what you’re looking for in a bow, draw weight is one of the biggest factors to consider.
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, there are two general bowhunting practices that lead to injuries: not being safe in tree stands and having arrows out of the quiver when they shouldn’t be. Equally important is making sure your equipment is in good shape. Shoddy equipment can lead to personal or animal injury, both of which should be avoided at all costs. Here are some things to check on before heading out on your hunt, according to the UDWR: Make sure the laminations on your bow are not flaking or separating; Check the strings on your bow for fraying; On a compound bow, make sure the pulleys and cables are in working order; and Assess the stiffness of the arrow’s shaft to make sure it matches your bow’s draw weight.
Illinois Sportsmen battle hunger Deer hunters in Illinois are helping hungry families in Illinois by providing venison to food banks, food pantries, and charitable organizations again this deer season through the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program. The program allows hunters to donate whole deer for processing into venison that is provided to food banks for distribution in local communities throughout Illinois. The IDNR and the Illinois Conservation Foundation encourage hunters to, if they wish, make a tax-deductible $50 contribution through the ICF to help cover the cost of processing the deer into ground venison. Hunters may donate deer to the program without making an additional monetary contribution. Area participating meat processors include:
Blair’s Slaughtering & Processing, 2472 Vandalia Road, Louisville, (618) 665-3424. Mike’s Market, 133 N. Church, Louisville, (618) 665-3151. The Edgar Co. Locker, 116. E Steidl Road, Paris, (217) 466-5000. Dutch Valley Meats, 376 E. Illinois 133, Arthur, (217) 543-3354. Teutopolis Locker Service, 1312 N. Walnut St., Teutopolis, (217) 857-3319. Heinkel’s Packing Co., 2005 N. 22nd St., Decatur, (217) 428-4401. Moweaqua Packing, 601 N. Main St., Moweaqua, (217) 768-4714. Magro’s Deer Processing, 323 W. Madison, Auburn, (217) 438-2880. Y-T Packing, 1129 Taintor Road, Springfield, (217) 522-3345. Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
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October 2016 | SCOPE | 5
Hunters share their fall gobbler stories KENT JACKSON Tribune news Service Writer
Turkey hunters do a lot of waiting for gobblers to come within range, but sometimes while sitting quietly in the woods for hours, they enjoy unexpected glimpses of nature. Mary Joe Casalena had a bird land on her shotgun barrel. A bobcat answered Chip Sorber’s turkey call. Jack Cherba, while anticipating a turkey’s approach, had a close encounter with coyotes instead. Casalena, the wild turkey biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, watches songbirds while she hunts Pennsylvania’s largest game bird. “I always get a kick out of songbirds landing next to me,” she said in an email in which she told of taking cues from blackcapped chickadees. “It’s great to watch them fly from tree to tree checking out small cavities until they find one suitable for the night. Shortly after that I know it’s time for me to find my roost site, inside!!” Cherba, who lives in Weatherly and found a second career making turkey calls after he retired, said he was hunting on the Broad Mountain in Carbon County a few falls ago. He set up across a creek with a ridge to his back and watched the sun come up. He tried some light clucks, louder clucks and then yelps. No turkeys answered, but two deer happened along. They were within 15 yards of him, but moving hesitantly and checking the trail behind them. Less than a minute later, Cherba saw what worried them. Two coyotes — one tan and gray, the other almost black — padded along the trail. “One would advance, stop, put its nose up to get a scent, and
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the other would come up (and ...) pass. They were hunting like a team,” Cherba said. The coyotes came within 50 yards of him, the closest he has ever been to their kind, but they didn’t detect him. Cherba watched breath fume out of their nostrils on the brisk morning and saw the sun glint off their impeccable fur. “It was so vivid to me. It’s like it happened yesterday,” he said. For Sorber, his first memory of turkey hunting remains vivid even though he didn’t take home a bird.
He was in college in the late 1960s, and had a shotgun and a turkey call that cost $6.95. He was wearing blue jeans and a red flannel shirt, colors neither he nor other turkey hunters would wear today for safety reasons. Hunters avoid red, blue, black and white — the colors found in a gobbler’s face and feathers — so they won’t be mistaken for a target. A turkey gobbled, so Sorber started calling. “He came right in.” Perhaps overanxious, he fired before the turkey came close enough, and the bird escaped. “But I was hooked. Like the greatest thing — the gobble. Every time he gobbled, you knew he was 10 yards closer,” Sorber said. His closeup with the bobcat occurred more recently on game lands near his property in Noxen. After sitting and calling, Sorber noticed something moving behind a log 30 yards away. All he could see above the log were two black tips. He realized they were the ears of a bobcat that crept along the log and intended to pounce on the source of the turkey calls it heard. To make sure the bobcat knew he wasn’t a turkey, Sorber moved enough to make the cat run away. Wayne Potts, a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and resident of Drums, said he and his daughter, Kalina, twice saw a bear with cubs while hunting turkeys. They also watched a coyote catch a rabbit. “But the favorite feeling,” he said in an email, “is just to be in the outdoors with my daughter, enjoying the time together and forgetting about the rat race.”
Put safety first while out on the hunting field Statistically speaking, hunting is among the safest sports in the world. Basic safe gun handling and storage is easy to achieve, especially for responsible gun owners. Whether you have been taught gun safety by a family member or have enrolled in a training course, it’s important to always put your knowledge into practice when heading out for your next big hunt. Doing so will help ensure your safety and the protection of others.
HELPFUL TIPS The National Shooting Sports Foundation offers the following tips for safe gun handling: Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot; Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading; and Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position. Following these tips will help keep your hunting trip enjoyable and safe. Don’t forget to pass along these tips to others, especially inexperienced shooters. One of the tenets of responsible gun ownership is sharing what you know with others, so spread the word.
PROTECTIVE GEAR Understanding your weapon is the most important aspect of safe hunting. Another key factor is wearing the right protective gear while
is loaded and ready to fire at all times. Following this mindset will help you handle your gun with the respect it deserves. Experts teach that even the safety of a gun — the mechanical device designed to prevent unintentional firing — can become faulty and inoperable. Trusting that a safety will always perform as intended can lead to deadly consequences. Follow your common sense to realize that a gun can cause serious harm and death if improperly handled. There is no margin for error. You owe it to yourself to know One of the first lessons every shooter and as much about your gun as possible to ensure hunter should learn is to treat every gun like it safe handling 100 percent of the time.
you’re hunkered down in your blind or taking in the view from your tree stand. Wear shooting glasses and some form of hearing protection at all times when shooting. If you’re exposed to shooting noise without the appropriate buffer, your hearing may become damaged. The right glasses can protect your eyes from debris and falling shot during your hunt.
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6 | SCOPE | October 2016
Area waterfowl hunters goose rural economy PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
HAMPAIGN – Guns, gear, gas for the C truck, drinks for the cooler, and the faithful dog: such recreational expenses for a day of duck or goose hunting in Illinois add up to a big boost to the local economy, according to Craig Miller, human dimensions scientist at the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute. Before the start of the 2012-2013 hunting season, Miller and his team surveyed 5,000 waterfowl stamp buyers in Illinois to track typical expenditures of hunters for a big-picture view of the economic impact of a single hunting trip. The survey divided the direct expenses into three categories: transportation, food and beverages, and other shopping, services and entertainment. Expenditures provided by hunters were analyzed using IMPLAN, an economics assessment modeling program used by the U.S. Forest Service and others to determine economic outputs. Results from 1,882 hunters (42 percent) revealed that trip expenditures totaled $37.5
million, and durable goods expenditures, including clothing, decoys, guns, dogs, boats, and other costs, totaled $105 million. The total direct costs were $143 million. “Adding the total direct and indirect costs equaled $261 million,” Miller said. “This impact is huge, and it’s the rural, local economies that benefit from this recreation market. Every dollar that waterfowl hunters spend generates $1.86 for the local economy. ” A further breakdown of the survey showed that for each bird harvested in Illinois, $453 is generated for the economy. The sport also generates 2,556 jobs and contributed $20.5 million in state and local taxes. Consequently, any policy or regulation changes such as a change in the length of the hunting season could have a significant impact on these rural economies. “It is important to keep in mind that this is one recreation activity for one season. When we consider economic contributions across other hunting activities for multiple years we begin to see the positive economic force that hunting has to our local, rural economies,” Miller reported.
Outdoors calling more women SUSAN GUYNN Tribune News Service Writer
FREDERICK, Md. – “Huntin’, fishin’ and lovin’ every day That’s the prayer that a country boy prays Thank God He made this way, Huntin’, fishin’ and lovin’ every day.” Those are the words country music’s Luke Bryan sings in his latest single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.” You could easily substitute “that’s the prayer a country girl prays.” Women and girls are contributing to the growth seen in recent years in traditional outdoor sports.
According to National Hunting and Fishing Day’s website, teenage girls are the fastest-growing market in sport shooting. The cover story for a recent Field & Stream magazine features 11 women who are “redefining the outdoors” as pro anglers, big-game guides and hunters who are inspiring other women to take the step into the world of outdoor sports. The article notes that there was a 165 percent increase in female hunters, ages 6 to 15, from 2001 to 2011, making them hunting’s fastest-growing demographic, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
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Outfitters can bring success Ready for your next big hunting expedition? You don’t have to travel far. Choose a local outfitter to show you the best spot to take down geese or deer in your neck of the woods. Hiring a local outfitter can help you discover regions in your area that you may not have known about before. Trust these professionals to show you an unforgettable time, hopefully chock full of great catches and plenty of delicious grub.
ing and more time hunting. Check in with your region’s most popular outfitters to get quotes on an adventure. Check reviews by others who have used their services. There are plenty of hunting forums online that allow hunters the chance to give their reviews. Be on the lookout through your local newspaper for upcoming specials. Follow your prospective outfitter on social media as well to stay connected.
WHAT IS AN OUTFITTER? TALK TO A FEW An outfitter is a person who offers services in hunting and fishing that might include guide activities, equipment, accommodation, lodging and food. Depending on the size of the operation, an outfitter may be a multistaff organization or a sole proprietorship. The size of the company shouldn’t play a big role in your decision, but the quality of its services should. Remember you’re looking for expertise in the game you’re hunting, as well as the area, so choose wisely based on these factors.
When your research is done, it’s time to discuss pricing options with your local outfitters. Make a list of the top three organizations you’d like to interview and reach out through email or phone. Here are some potential questions to ask to make sure your hunting needs will be met by an outfitter: Can you provide a list of references I can call or email to inquire about the experience you provide? What is your expertise and experience hunting the areas where you provide outfitting services? What are your most popular packages, Once you decide to schedule your next big and what can I expect to pay for each of them? hunting trip, consider the local hotspots. Are you bonded, licensed and insured? What is your cancellation policy? Staying close to home means less time driv-
PICKING AN OUTFITTER
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October 2016 | SCOPE | 7
A home cook’s guide to preparing wild game and typically we grill it or make it in the oven,” said Gregorio. “But he does sear it every time — again, because it’s less fatty, it needs to be treated a little differently than beef or pork.”
ALYSSA ZACZEK Tribune News Service Writer
The game is afoot. But what is a successful hunter to do with all that meat once it’s been bagged and tagged? When a hunt is completed, many hunters take what they’ve shot to a professional processor for cleaning and butchering. Some game farms offer post-hunt cleaning on premises for a nominal fee, but after the animal is processed, it is up to the home cook to decide on a preparation. When cooking any meat product, safety should be the first priority. The USDA and the Minnesota Department of Health recommend the following minimum internal cooking temperatures for game: Ground venison, elk, bison or caribou: 160° F Fresh venison, moose, elk or caribou steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F Pheasant, duck or goose (all preparations): 165°F Rabbit (all preparations): 160°F It is also important to note that any stuffing, cooked alone or within a bird, must be cooked through to 165°F for safe serving. The preparation of wild game can baffle many home cooks, who might be concerned biscuits and pheasant gravy. with the differences between pheasant and “There’s a lot of great recipes out there,” chicken, or venison and beef. While wild he said. game can be an unfamiliar territory, there are a few tips and tricks that can make cooking up helpings of your hard-won spoils easier. Venison is a lean red meat, usually slightly tougher than beef, which lends itself well to burgers, sausage, jerky, dried sticks and even bacon. Thielen Meats of Pierz offers venison You know the old adage, “It tastes like processing, including the cutting and wrapchicken?” According to Keith Sand, owner ping of fresh cuts. of Sand Pine Pheasants in Avon, pheasant Joe Thielen, co-owner of the meat market, meat stays true to that cliché — only better. said early preparation is key when it comes “I personally think it’s better than chicken,” to venison. “It does have a bit of a wild flavor to it, but Sand said. “It’s in that line — it’s a white meat prepared properly you can kind of avoid that — but tastier and more of a delicacy.” Sand and his crew at Sand Pine Pheasants real gamey taste,” said Thielen. “The best offer field, guided and European hunts, after thing you can do when handling venison is which birds can be cleaned and butchered for quick preparation. Getting it chilled fast, a small fee. Once the birds are looking their getting the hide off fast ... taking those early best, Sand said, most folks “have a pretty steps make a huge difference as to whether or good plan” on what to do with the meat back not you’re going to enjoy the venison.” in the kitchen, but he did offer some advice Thielen also recommended that home for first-timers. cooks use a practice employed at his meat “Don’t overcook it! You can turn anything market: trim the fat from the meat. “The fat is generally an area that has a litinto a piece of leather if you cook it too long. Once the moisture is gone, you can’t get it tle bit more of that gamey taste, so we work back,” he said. “You still want it done, but really hard to remove all of that, and if you’re right on the edge of being done and not done doing it at home I’d recommend it.” is where I like it. Think medium-well, as opThielen suggested venison preparations posed to well.” that mimic beef, as the two meats are simSand recommends first deboning the birds, ilar in flavor. then checking them carefully for bone chips “You can season it or marinade it just as and BBs. Then, he said, it’s all about cooking you would beef — I typically use onion and them low and slow. garlic, for starters — just make sure not to Some of Sand’s favorite pheasant recipes overcook it. If you overcook it, it’s going to include bacon-wrapped pheasant jalapeno get tough, and you don’t want that,” said poppers and his version of a Southern classic: Thielen. “If I’m doing steaks or chops, I cook
Venison
Pheasant
Duck
JAY WOODRUM, FOR THE HERALD & REVIEW
it to medium, just as you would beef. Roasts are also good — low and slow, in the oven or in a Crock-Pot.” Colleen Gregorio is a home cook who regularly prepares the venison and wild turkey her husband, John, brings home from his hunts. She, like Thielen, tends to treat venison as she would beef, but Gregorio prefers to have the meat prepared ground, rather than in steaks or chops. “It’s way less fatty,” said Gregorio of ground venison. “We’ll make meatballs, chili, sometimes I’ll make meat sauce with it. ... I’m always trying to make something new.” Gregorio’s household also prepares venison tenderloin, which Gregorio likened to a beef tenderloin, but cautioned that the cut needs to be treated with care. “John makes his own dry rub for the meat,
Duck might be more familiar fare, especially for those who frequent The Pickled Loon bar and restaurant in downtown St. Cloud, where the fowl is featured on both the lunch and dinner menus in the form of duck chorizo tacos. “They are one of our top sellers. I was surprised at how popular they got so fast,” said head chef Samantha Roiland of the tacos, which feature a spicy Mexican sausage preparation of duck, potatoes and a peppadew aioli. Roiland recommends that home chefs use ground duck as a starting point. “If it’s ground and you spice it up a little bit, and prepare it like you would any other ground meat, it’s kind of foolproof compared to, say, a duck breast, which can get overcooked very easily,” she said. “We use coarsely ground duck (at The Pickled Loon) so it doesn’t get dry, because it still has the bits of fat in it.” If you’re not a fan of ground meats, duck portions might suit your fancy. But Roiland cautioned home cooks not to cook duck breast all the way through. “I recommend cooking a duck breast to medium rare. If you cook it all the way though, I think it would be dry,” said Roiland. “It is a little different than cooking chicken.” Regardless of what preparation of duck you choose, Roiland suggests bold spices to complement the “slightly gamey” flavor of the bird. “If you do a really intense spice blend, that will help with the gaminess,” said Roiland. “I’m a big fan of Latin flavors, so I like chilies and garlic and herbs. But I also know that if you use something like juniper, that’ll take some of the gaminess away.”
Hours Mon/Wed/Fri-Sun: 10am -5pm Tue/Thr: 10am - 8pm
279 N Front Street Macon, IL 62544
www.the-bullettrap.com
(217) 764-5678
8 | SCOPE | October 2016
(217) 853-5961 3113 N 22nd St. Decatur, IL 62526 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am-7:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Sun: Closed