Debra Wright

My daddy

My daddy hunted. I tagged along, jumping creeks, climbing fences, gathering bittersweet, enjoying all of nature, the woodsy smells, the fresh air, AND his company.

I lost him at a young age, and also lost those hunting opportunities. Years later, after a busy life of raising three daughters, I found myself searching for new interests to fill my time.

Seeing an ad that our local Quail Unlimited (now Quail Forever) chapter was hosting a wing-shooting clinic, I signed up. I took instruction, shot, broke clays, —and I was hooked!  It was just a few weeks later that I bought my first shotgun and became the first female member of the thirty-two year old chapter...

Did you harvest a deer this year?  If you butcher it properly, the meat can last you up to a year.  Check out the chart below for a further guide to butchering and make sure  to store and hang the meat in a cool and dry environment that is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat should hang for at least five days to ensure the meat gets tender.

The United States has a long history of electing sportsmen into the White House. Of course you know Teddy Roosevelt was an avid outdoorsman, but did you know about some of these?

1st President: George Washington 
1789-1797

Washington starts off the list of presidential sportsmen. Before becoming our first president, Washington counted “commercial fisherman” among his many occupations. He took several fishing breaks to Mount Vernon during the Constitutional Convention. While the General also duck hunted, his favorite outdoor pastime was fox hunting. 

21^st President: Chester Arthur
1881-1885

Arthur was famous for his salmon fly-fishing technique and even held an Atlantic salmon record for catching a 50-pound fish in Canada...

In part, like Peggy,  I’m in it for the food when it comes to hunting. I absolutely love to cook and I love filling the freezer.  There is something about creating a meal from a hunt or fishing trip that makes the food taste even  more delicious.  So today I’m sharing a tried and true recipe for goose fajitas, take it as a last minute idea for Valentine’s Day – Whitney

 Marinate, place the sliced goose in a large Ziplock and pour the two packets of seasoning in with the goose. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least 5 hours. I set it in the refrigerator for 24 hours, which helps tenderize the meat.

After marinating, heat a medium/large skillet on the stove on medium.  Place a tablespoon  of Canola oil in the pan and spread evenly.  In batches, cook the small slices of goose...

Hunter Identity, by Katie McKalip

Katie McKalip

I was paying for my new shotgun, several years ago in a sporting good store, when it hit me.

Hunting had become part of my identity. But I wasn’t sure exactly how it happened.

Growing up, I had few opportunities to get afield, even though both my parents came from hunting and fishing families. And my upbringing in the suburbs of a city that severely restricted personal firearms ownership was hardly one that celebrated sporting pursuits.    

But then I moved out west after college and had the good fortune to fall for a man who appreciated public lands and open spaces and opening weekends of various game species. I started going hunting, with him and then with other friends, for deer and elk and waterfowl but mostly upland birds...